• While Stormtrack has discontinued its hosting of SpotterNetwork support on the forums, keep in mind that support for SpotterNetwork issues is available by emailing [email protected].

Hurricane Jimena

This is def a no for me - I have also been looking at the logistics of it all and it just seems to be too much grief. Good look to all that do attempt Jimena, please share your finding and how you manged the intercept afterwards.
 
Good day all,

LOL ... Jimena is near the Cat-4 to Cat-5 "line" with 155 MPH sustained winds and gusts near 200 MPH (165 knots) with central pressure of 931 mB.

This is what studying hurricanes is all about ;-)

Jim Edds (www.extremestorms.com) is down there already (in Baja), so one of "us" is already there chasing it!

If I were him I think San Carlos would be the place to be, but forget about any "beach access" in the landfall area.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good day all,

LOL ... Jimena is near the Cat-4 to Cat-5 "line" with 155 MPH sustained winds and gusts near 200 MPH (165 knots) with central pressure of 931 mB.

This is what studying hurricanes is all about ;-)


Yup, keeping my fingers crossed for the extra 1 mph increase. You are right about the night time landfall, no fun at all. I do have some great lights that I can use that I couldn't bring with me in 2008 (luggage restriction on the flight). I think the lighting I have would be great for the next night time landfall I can film/view as long as I'm in my own chase vehicle.

I think the study part for me, especially being that it is likely to hit the unpopulated areas of Baja, is how much geographical affect it will have on the landmasses, beaches, and such.

Oh..BTW. I'll be back on September 14th, 2009 Chris. I have a funny feeling I won't be able to take a whack at 94L (Erika). But I'll keep in touch if that changes by the time I'm back (which would likely mean Erika is in the Gulf by then..if it happens).
 
I see Jeff Piotrowski and Jim Edds are there now (Cabo). I figured someone would go. Cabo isn't a bad place, as I mentioned in my blog.

I am curious to see if it does take that right turn, similar to Charley 2004. I always keep and eye for this turn as the system gets "friction" forces from land and that side of the storm slows while the less resistant side pushes, thereby making a turn. Something I've wanted to research too. This storm and the angle of approach would certainly outlay this case...if it has any bearing.

http://www.extremestorms.com/
 
When looking for info on Jimena I noticed a couple things. Even this close to landfall the models (few that there are) seem to be not be in close agreement on where it will land:
ep200913_model.gif


I am a weather novice so I was just wondering are the models in the Pacific not deemed as important and less work has gone into them (and fewer developed) or is it just the fact there is less data to work with? Also Jimena seems to be taking a different path than the typical hurricane that is in this area of the ocean.

Historical hurricanes:
ep200913_climo.gif


Jimena path
ep200913.gif


with the landfall predicted above. Now is there some reason Jimena is so different? Could the tropical depression Kevin west of it be keeping it more east? Thanks for you guys help, this is an awesome site.
 
Good day all,

Cool...Josh went for a chase too! He doesn't get to chase much. He chases for fun...not money or fame.

This storm is becoming more and more of a tease for me. San Carlos would have been MY target had I gone (as mentioned in an earlier thread).

I am one of those too who "chase", and not intend to make money.

I think whoever went out there made a good bet, especially if they can get to San Carlos ... However there still are many hurdles.

The drive from La Paz / Cabos is about 250 miles or so, on poor (dirt / unpaved) roads, so ANY vehicle may be a problem there (especially when you toss in 10-15 inches or rain - with orographic support - and there SHOULD be deadly flash floods and mudslides).

Locals there should not be an issue (as there are few of them to encounter). The rainfall will be the biggest problem and flooding. The storm has a small core and "pinhole" type eye ... Strikingly similar to Charley in FL in 2004, so if you are more than 30 miles from the center, you'll barely experience hurricane forced winds. It's a compact storm with little room for adjustment.

Good luck again to anyone lucky enough to head out there.
 
I don't really see much in chasing this storm except for a vacation. Looks like Cabo will not have any serious issues. TPC landfall time frames put the best action after dark. Glad I made the decision to blow it off. Looks like the main show might be in AZ with flooding issues.

W.
 
Good day all,

I don't really see much in chasing this storm except for a vacation...

That is correct ... But I really could have used a vacation after this past year ;-)

Obviously, there are two types of chasers ... Media based, and chasecationers. I am more in it for the passion, not the money, but the latter is "icing on the cake" if it happens.

The landfall at night, and in desolate areas, as mentioned earlier, along with trying to get a week off work, and the possibility of probably spending an additional 2-3 weeks unexpectedly / stuck in Mexico is what ultimately made me say "no".
 
Now Port San Carlos MX

:eek: Update as of 6:22 PM Jim Edds & I just arrived from long drive from San Cabo this morning.

Port Carlos small fishing village lots of local leaving and rushing final preparations.

If NHC track comes close to Cat 3 just west of are location at 18Z on Wednesday expect major damage here.

Will have Skype and Live web feeds by morning will send link later.

Jeff Piotrowski cell 918.906.0427
Jim Edds www.extreamstorms.com look at pictures and video from today.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good day all,

:eek: Update as of 6:22 PM Jim Edds & I just arrived from long drive from San Cabo this morning...Port Carlos small fishing village lots of local leaving and rushing final preparations.

OK, good - Glad you guys made it up there (wise choice!)

Hope you make for a great intercept...

Good luck!!
 
San Carlos MX Update at 10:48 PM local

The winds are picking up from the NE at 30 MPH pressure falling down to 29.78 with light rain.

Looks like we may take a direct hit around 7:00 am local.

The facts about the locals are great and food is AWSOME!!

The area has very weak structures.

I expect damage some could be major depending max wind speeds NE from center at landfall.

Most locals are very concerned of what’s headed this way.

One thing that was very concerning to me when driving around the island just before dark.

I would estimate over 100+ Kids under the age of 10 do not have adequate shelter on the south side of San Carlos.

Most of the huts on south side open to the water from three sides. Most of the units are tent type structures and weak shacks with metal roofs.

Hurricane force winds could reach are location by 5:00 am local.

Will try to send video stream if internet works???
 
Good day all,

Jimena has weakened quite a bit as it is just about to enter the San Carlos area (where Jeff Pitrowski and Jim Edds) are. Wind new are 105 MPH, a full 50 MPH less than this time yesterday.

The big problems there would be getting out of there, and second to the fact that building construction is poor in that part of Mexico, so even a cat-2 can cause devastation to such a small fishing village.

I assume the lack of updates from them is because of the "data blackout" that occurs with the landfall and such (internet / power goes out, etc) ... I am sure they are OK, let's wait to see what they got in terms of footage.
 
Back
Top