Meteorological Analysis
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Erika originated from a decaying frontal system that was parked over the
Atlantic in early August. On August 8th, a weak surface low separated from the
frontal system about 1000 nm E of Bermuda. The surface low moved SW, and
interacted with an upper low about 650 nm SE of Bermuda. Convection flared
up, and the 2 systems began to revolve around a common center and move
west. The system moved at a fast speed of 20 kt due to a ridge to the north,
and most of the convection fired near the upper low rather than the low level
center. On August 13th, convection became so concentrated near the upper
low that the vorticity built down into the mid-levels. An anticyclone formed, and
the storm on a whole had very strong convection as it approached Florida.
There were reports of winds up to 60 mph in the Bahamas. A weak surface
circulation almost formed near Key Largo on the 14th but, the focus of
convection was north of it and it never formed. The mid-level circulation with
the convection then continued across Florida, and tropical storm like conditions
were reported. Finally, on the 14th, the mid-level circulation built down to the
surface in the Gulf of Mexico, 75 nm W of Fort Myers. The disturbance had
become tropical storm Erika. Erika continued west at a rapid speed of 20+ kt,
and Erika strengthened steadily. Erika then finally slowed on the 15th and
the structure of the storm improved greatly, eye and eye wall features formed.
Erika continued to strengthen and reached hurricane strength with 75 mph
winds and a pressure of 988 mb on the 16th. Erika made landfall shortly
afterwards near Boca San Rafael, Mexico. Radar revealed good eye and eye
wall structures at landfall. Erika then rapidly weakened and dissipated on the
17th over the mountains of Mexico.
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Casualty and Damage Overview
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2 casualties are attributed to Erika, both in Montemorelos, Mexico. Mud slide
and wind damage was reported in areas of northeast Mexico. Little damage
occurred in Texas, with most of it being a little bit of beach erosion.
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Erika Hurricane Research Division Products
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Imagery
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Tracking Data
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Hurricane Erika
Time Lat Lon Wind(mph) Pressure Storm type
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18 GMT 08/14/03 26.4N 83.3W 40 1011 Tropical Storm
0 GMT 08/15/03 26.6N 85.7W 45 1008 Tropical Storm
6 GMT 08/15/03 26.4N 88.3W 45 1008 Tropical Storm
12 GMT 08/15/03 26.1N 90.5W 50 1007 Tropical Storm
18 GMT 08/15/03 26.0N 92.5W 60 1001 Tropical Storm
0 GMT 08/16/03 25.9N 94.4W 65 995 Tropical Storm
6 GMT 08/16/03 25.6N 96.2W 70 988 Tropical Storm
12 GMT 08/16/03 25.2N 97.6W 75 988 Category 1 Hurricane
18 GMT 08/16/03 24.8N 98.9W 40 1003 Tropical Storm
0 GMT 08/17/03 24.7N 100.3W 30 1008 Tropical Depression
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Tracking maps courtesy of NHC
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Selected Satellite Image
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