Hector (2012)

Hector developed from the remnants of Atlantic Hurricane Ernesto. A new low-level circulation formed and Hector became a tropical depression about 110 nautical miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico at 1200 UTC on 11 August 2012, and it strengthened to a tropical storm six hours later. The storm moved generally westward and west-northwestward well south of the Baja California Peninsula, later turning northward and then degenerating to a remnant low by 0000 UTC 17 August. The remnant circulation dissipated by 12:00 UTC 20 August after drifting eastward.

Hector did not make any landfalls. It passed about 30 nautical miles south of Socorro Island on 12 August, and otherwise remained over open waters throughout its life. No watches or warnings were required for coastal areas.

The maximum sustained winds reached 45 knots (about 52 mph) and the best-track minimum central pressure at peak was 995 mb, making Hector a moderate tropical storm at its strongest on 12 August 2012. The peak intensity was estimated from satellite classifications and supported by ship and island observations.

Storm surge was not reported, and there were no notable coastal inundation measurements associated with Hector. Rainfall and flooding reports tied to Hector are not noted in the official record; the report lists no specific rainfall totals for named cities or counties.

There were no reports of damage or casualties associated with Hector. The storm’s impacts were minimal because it remained over open water and did not affect populated areas directly.

Noteworthy aspects include that Hector formed from the mid-level remnants of an Atlantic storm crossing Mexico, an uncommon redevelopment pattern. NHC forecasts of Hector’s genesis were issued well in advance and track forecasts were generally more accurate than recent 5-year means, while some intensity guidance outperformed the official intensity forecasts at longer lead times.