Lester (2016)

A tropical depression formed about 335 nautical miles south-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, on 24 August 2016 from a tropical wave that crossed Central America days earlier. The system moved generally westward across the eastern and then central North Pacific, becoming Tropical Storm Lester on 25 August and a hurricane on 27 August. Lester underwent periods of weakening and intensification, including a rapid strengthening on 28–29 August, crossed into the central Pacific just after 31 August, passed north of the Hawaiian Islands, and became extratropical on 7 September before dissipating on 8 September.

Lester did not make any landfalls. It remained well offshore of Mexico while in the eastern Pacific and passed north of the Hawaiian Islands; no coastal tropical cyclone watches or warnings were required in the eastern Pacific, and Hurricane Watches issued for the Hawaiian Islands were discontinued when it became clear Lester would pass well to the north.

The hurricane’s peak intensity was estimated at 125 knots (145 mph) with a minimum central pressure of 944 mb at 0600 UTC 31 August, making it a Category 4 hurricane at its strongest. In the central Pacific basin, Lester’s strongest estimated intensity was 110 knots (125 mph) with a KZC-based estimated pressure near 957 mb on 2 September.

Storm surge impacts were minimal to none at land locations; the report notes large swell of 10 to 20 feet on east-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands but does not list measured coastal surge heights. Rainfall totals directly attributable to Lester are not reported as notable in the NHC summary; the report’s coastal and buoy observations recorded winds and pressure but no large storm-total rainfall amounts for specific cities or counties are given.

There were no reported deaths or damage in the eastern Pacific, and no serious injuries reported in Hawaii despite numerous lifeguard water rescues from large surf. The most significant impacts were hazardous surf and some beach and nearshore rescues along the Hawaiian coastline; otherwise Lester produced little direct damage to populated areas.

Noteworthy details include that forecasters did not anticipate the storm’s genesis until about 30–48 hours before formation, and intensity forecasts underestimated several periods of rapid strengthening and the 125‑kt peak. Track forecasts were generally very good (errors below recent averages), while intensity forecast errors were larger than normal for this storm. Observations used to analyze Lester included four reconnaissance flights by the U.S. Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and surface reports from Clarion Island and buoy 51000.