Hurricane Alex (2010) facts for kids

Hurricane Alex was a very strong storm and the first tropical cyclone of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season. It was quite unusual because it formed in June, which is early for a hurricane.

The storm first hit land near Belize as a tropical storm. After that, it moved into the Gulf of Mexico. There, Alex grew much stronger and became a hurricane. It then struck northeastern Mexico. This was a rare event, as it was the first hurricane to hit in June since Hurricane Allison in 1995. Sadly, Hurricane Alex caused the deaths of 51 people and led to a lot of damage, costing almost $1.9 billion.

What Was Hurricane Alex?

Hurricane Alex was a powerful tropical cyclone. This means it was a rotating storm system that forms over warm ocean waters. It was the first named storm and the first hurricane of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season.

Alex's Journey and Strength

Alex started as a tropical storm near Belize. As it moved over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it gained a lot of power. It quickly turned into a hurricane. Hurricanes are measured by their wind speed. Alex became a strong Category 2 hurricane with winds up to 105 miles per hour (165 km/h).

Where Alex Struck

The storm first brought heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Central America, including Belize and the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. After becoming a hurricane, Alex made its final landfall in northeastern Mexico, near the city of Soto la Marina, Tamaulipas.

Impact of Hurricane Alex

Hurricane Alex caused significant problems in several areas. Its strong winds and heavy rains led to flooding and damage.

Damage in Mexico

Mexico was hit the hardest by Hurricane Alex. The storm caused widespread flooding, especially in the state of Nuevo León. The city of Monterrey saw its Santa Catarina River overflow, which damaged homes and businesses. Many roads and bridges were also destroyed.

Impact in the United States

Even though Alex did not make landfall in the United States as a hurricane, it still affected parts of Texas. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern coast of Texas. This caused some flooding and power outages. Emergency teams, like the FEMA, prepared for the storm by moving supplies and generators into the area.

Lives Lost and Costs

Sadly, Hurricane Alex was responsible for the deaths of 51 people. Most of these deaths happened in Mexico due to flooding and landslides. The total cost of the damage from Hurricane Alex was estimated to be nearly $1.9 billion. This shows how destructive powerful storms can be.

Images for kids

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  Visible satellite image of Tropical Storm Alex near the Yucatán Peninsula

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  Members of the Texas Air National Guard preparing for Alex

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  Alex moving inland over northeastern Mexico on July 1

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  Storm total rainfall from Alex across northern Mexico and the western U.S. Gulf coast

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  Alex shortly before moving ashore

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  Santa Catarina River flooding through Monterrey, Nuevo León

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  Trucks carrying emergency FEMA generators were dispatched in response to Alex.

See also

In Spanish: Huracán Alex (2010) para niños