Ernesto Makes its Final Landfall Near Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
09-Aug-12
Tropical Storm Ernesto was skirting close to the southern coast of the Bay of Campeche before making its second and final landfall today, Thursday, August 9, 2012, near Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. Maximum sustained winds at the time of landfall were 60 mph. The slow moving storm is expected to dump significant rainfall over the Mexican states along its path. The event has caused modest damage, and thus far, no deaths or casualties have been reported.
Tropical Storm Ernesto Surface Wind Field - August 9, 2012
Source: National Hurricane Center (NHC)
After moving over the Yucatan Peninsula yesterday, August 8th, Ernesto's maximum winds had dropped to 45 mph. Since its reemergence over water into the Bay of Campeche yesterday afternoon, Ernesto continued to strengthen, and maximum winds had increased to 70 mph, just below hurricane strength. In the last few hours before landfall, Ernesto weakened a bit and maximum winds were 60 mph as the center was crossing the coast.
Ernesto was moving to the west, and its forward motion had slowed to 10 mph. The storm is expected to weaken after landfall as it moves over the higher terrain of inland Mexico. The slower movement, however, will increase rainfall amounts in the general landfall region.
Rainfall accumulations of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated maximum amounts to 15 inches, are expected over the Mexican states of Veracruz, Tabasco, Puebla, and Oaxaca, through Friday, August 10th. These rains may produce life-threatening flash floods and mud slides in areas of higher terrain.
This is the final update on this event.
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