Fabio (2006)

A tropical wave that moved off Africa on 15 July crossed the Atlantic and Caribbean and entered the eastern North Pacific in late July. A weak low formed about 450 nautical miles southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, and the system became a tropical depression at 1800 UTC 31 July while centered about 850 nmi southwest of the southern tip of Baja California. It strengthened to Tropical Storm Fabio six hours later, moved generally westward, reached peak intensity on 1 August, weakened to a depression by 0000 UTC 3 August about 1,400 miles east of Hilo, Hawaii, degenerated to a remnant low on 4 August, and became an open trough by 6 August.

Fabio did not make landfall. The cyclone stayed over open waters throughout its life; however, moisture from the dissipating system interacted with an upper-level low and affected the Hawaiian Islands on 6–7 August.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds were 45 knots (52 mph) and the estimated minimum central pressure was 1000 mb at peak on 1 August. At peak intensity Fabio was a moderate tropical storm (below hurricane strength).

Storm surge was not reported because Fabio remained offshore. Heavy rainfall from the remnant trough affected Kauai most notably: the Mount Waialeale rain gauge recorded 15.08 inches in the 24 hours ending 1800 UTC 7 August. Flooding on the Hanalei River led to the closure of Kuhio Highway at the Hanalei Bridge on 7 August. No other specific surge or rainfall totals of comparable magnitude were reported in the official record.

No deaths have been attributed to Fabio and no serious damage was reported aside from flooding-related impacts on Kauai. Forecasts issued in the Tropical Weather Outlook mentioned the potential for development about 80 hours before formation; official track and intensity forecast errors for Fabio were near or below average for similar forecasts.