The origins of Tropical Depression Three-E can be traced back to a tropical
wave that exited the west coast of Africa on 3 July. The wave moved
westward across the tropical Atlantic at 15 to 20 knots for several days
and began to accelerate, to near 25 knots, when it approached the eastern
Caribbean Sea on the 7th. On the 8th, one to two mb pressure falls over 24
hours were reported in portions of the Lesser Antilles. On 10 July, the
tropical wave, then well-defined, entered the western Caribbean Sea and
showed signs of improving organization. A U.S. Air Force Reserve Hurricane
Hunter aircraft was sent to investigate the system and reconnaissance data
revealed a low pressure center of 1006 mb over the northeastern tip of
Honduras. Although the system's proximity to land precluded further
development, heavy rains and strong gusty winds were produced over portions
of the northwest Caribbean Sea and Central America, especially Honduras and
Nicaragua.
The wave and associated area of low pressure moved over Central America and
eastern Mexico on the 11th and 12th and emerged into the eastern Pacific
Ocean on 13 July. The system became better organized later on the 13th,
and is estimated to have become a tropical depression around 1200 UTC 14
July while centered about 250 n mi west-southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico
(see Table 1). The system moved on a general west-northwest track most of
the 14th before turning to a more westerly heading early on 15th. The
depression dissipated around midday of 15th, while located about 400 n mi
southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The best track of Tropical Depression
Three-E is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Best track positions for Tropical Depression Three-E, 14-15 July 1999
Table 1.
Best Track, Tropical Depression Three-E, 14-15 July 1999.
Date/Time (UTC) |
Position |
Pressure (mb) |
Wind Speed (kt) |
Stage |
Lat. (°N) |
Lon. (°W) |
14/0600 | 16.8 | 107.4 | 1008 | 30 | Tropical Depression |
14/1200 | 17.3 | 109.0 | 1007 | 30 | " |
14/1800 | 17.7 | 110.4 | 1008 | 30 | " |
15/0000 | 18.0 | 111.7 | 1008 | 30 | " |
15/0600 | 17.9 | 113.0 | 1008 | 25 | " |
15/1200 | 17.7 | 114.1 | 1008 | 25 | " |
15/1800 | 17.5 | 115.1 | 1009 | 20 | Dissipating |
|
14/1200 | 17.3 | 109.0 | 1007 | 30 | Minimum Pressure |