Hurricane Ernesto (2012) facts for kids
Hurricane Ernesto was a powerful tropical cyclone that formed in the Atlantic Ocean in August 2012. It traveled across the Caribbean Sea, hitting Jamaica and then moving over the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula. Ernesto was a hurricane when it reached the Yucatán Peninsula. Later, it made landfall in southeastern Mexico. This strong storm caused damage and sadly, some people lost their lives. Hurricane Ernesto began on August 1, 2012, and ended on August 10, 2012, over south central Mexico.
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What is a Tropical Cyclone?
A tropical cyclone is a huge, spinning storm system that forms over warm ocean waters. When these storms get very strong, they are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean. They bring very strong winds, heavy rain, and can cause big waves and storm surges near the coast.
Ernesto's Journey in 2012
Hurricane Ernesto started as a tropical wave off the coast of Africa on August 1, 2012. It quickly grew stronger as it moved west across the Atlantic Ocean.
Moving Through the Caribbean
As Ernesto moved, it became a tropical storm on August 2. It passed near several islands in the Caribbean, including Saint Lucia and Martinique. These islands experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall. On August 7, Ernesto became a hurricane as it approached Jamaica. The storm brought heavy rains and strong winds to the island.
Landfall in Mexico
After Jamaica, Hurricane Ernesto continued west and hit the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula on August 8. At this point, it was a Category 1 hurricane, meaning it had very strong winds. The storm caused trees to fall and some buildings to be damaged. After crossing the Yucatán Peninsula, Ernesto weakened over land. However, it gained strength again over the Bay of Campeche. It then made a second landfall in southeastern Mexico on August 9. This area also saw heavy rains and strong winds.
The End of the Storm
Hurricane Ernesto finally weakened and broke apart over south central Mexico on August 10, 2012. Even after it was no longer a hurricane, its leftover moisture still caused some rain in parts of Mexico.
What Happened During the Storm?
Hurricane Ernesto brought a lot of rain to the areas it passed over. For example, Puerto Rico, even though it was far from the storm's center, received significant rainfall. This rain could cause flooding in some places. The strong winds from Ernesto caused damage to homes and power lines, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula. People had to prepare for the storm by boarding up windows and evacuating from low-lying areas. Sadly, the storm led to some tragic losses in Mexico. This shows how powerful and dangerous hurricanes can be.
Images for kids
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Hurricane Ernesto over the Yucatán Peninsula on August 8
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Rainfall totals from Hurricane Ernesto in Puerto Rico
See also
In Spanish: Huracán Ernesto (2012) para niños
