Kristy (2018)

A tropical cyclone formed from a tropical wave that crossed into the eastern North Pacific at the end of July and gradually organized over the first week of August. The system became a tropical depression at 1800 UTC 6 August 2018 and strengthened to Tropical Storm Kristy 6 hours later about 900 nautical miles west‑southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. Kristy moved generally west to west‑northwest, turned northward around the circulation of nearby Hurricane John, weakened over cooler waters, became a remnant low on 12 August, and dissipated by 13 August.

Kristy remained over open water for its entire life; it did not make landfall and no tropical cyclone watches or warnings were issued for land areas.

The maximum intensity was estimated at 60 knots (70 mph) with a minimum central pressure of 991 mb, reached between 0600 and 1800 UTC on 10 August. At peak it was a strong tropical storm (below hurricane strength). Intensity estimates had unusually large spread, so the peak value carries greater uncertainty than typical.

Because Kristy stayed well offshore, there were no reported storm surge observations associated with the cyclone and no reports of damage. There were also no reports of rainfall impacts or notable rainfall totals onshore tied to Kristy in the NHC report.

There were no confirmed deaths—direct or indirect—reported in association with Kristy. The NHC noted that satellite estimates and scatterometer data were used to construct the best track, and that Kristy’s genesis was well anticipated in forecasts: the Tropical Weather Outlook mentioned possible development up to 114 hours before formation. Forecast track and intensity guidance performed at or better than typical for this storm.