Tropical Storm Cristina (2026)

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Tropical Storm Cristina
Cristina just off of the western coast of Nicaragua on June 9
Meteorological history
FormedJune 8, 2026
Remnant lowJune 11, 2026
DissipatedJune 12, 2026
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds45 mph (75 km/h)
Lowest pressure1004 mbar (hPa); 29.65 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities7
Missing5
Damage>$150,000 (2026 USD)
Areas affected
Central America, Southern Mexico
Part of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season

Tropical Storm Cristina was a weak tropical cyclone that moved erratically in the far east Pacific Ocean and impacted Central America, most notably El Salvador. The third named storm of the 2026 Pacific hurricane season, Cristina originated as a tropical wave off of Nicaragua and El Salvador on June 7, where it erratically drifted eastward, and came within close proximity to Costa Rica. This precursor disturbance then sharply turned to the north and rapidly developed into a tropical depression. Being present in warm waters, the depression quickly intensified into a tropical storm on June 8. Cristina then stalled off the coast of Central America before slowly turning to the west. On June 10, strong wind shear caused Cristina to weaken to a tropical depression. On June 11, Cristina opened up into a trough and dissipated the next day off the coast of El Salvador.

Heavy rainfall from Cristina caused flash flooding and landslides across Central America. In El Salvador, at least 195 homes were inundated by floodwaters. Seven people were killed by the storm and five others were left missing. Total damage was estimated to be greater than US$150,000.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On June 3, the National Hurricane Center noted the possibility of an area of low pressure forming off the western coast of Central America.[1] Four days later, on June 7, the NHC later followed suit by accurately tracking the disturbance. The tracking of the system showed erratic movement, first tracking west then sharply steering north. On June 8, with persistent deep convection, the low was classed as a tropical depression and it was designated Tropical Depression Three-E.[2] Despite being present in a high wind shear environment, Three-E was able to strengthen into a tropical storm just six hours later, and thereby receiving the name Cristina.[3][4] Moisture was fed into Central America by Cristina, Tropical Storm Boris to Cristina's west, as well as the Intertropical Convergence Zone.[5][6] While moving generally northwards erratically, Cristina exhibited an exposed low-level circulation typical of tropical cyclones under the effects of high wind shear caused by the interaction with the nearby and slightly stronger Tropical Storm Boris.[7] Cristina weakened into a tropical depression as a result. The trend continued and, on June 11, Cristina opened up into a trough as the circulation was no longer well defined.[8] Cristina's remnant moisture ended up merging with a tropical wave, spawning a new disturbance which would later become Atlantic Tropical Storm Arthur.[9][10]

Preparations

Tropical storm warnings were issued for the coast from Puerto Sandino to the El Salvador–Guatemala border.[11] Costa Rica issued a green alert for the Atlantic side of the nation and a yellow alert for the Pacific coast and central valley.[12] The Salvadorean civil protection agency issued warnings regarding heavy rains.[13] An orange alert was issued for the nation.[14] A yellow alert was issued in Guatemala.[15]

All classes across all levels were suspended in El Salvador for June 9 and June 10.[16][17] The nation organized 180 shelters able to house 10,000 people, mostly within the departments of La Libertad, La Unión, San Salvador, and Sonsonate.[18] The Ministry of Education implemented educational services into shelters to prevent disruptions.[16] The Ministry of Health organized hundreds of teams to respond to emergencies during the storm.[17] The port of Acajutla and many national parks in the nation were closed.[19][20] Beaches were also closed and sailing was restricted due to rough seas.[18][19][21] All fishing, recreational and commercial, was also suspended.[18]

Managua cleaned rivers to alleviate possible flooding issues.[22] The Nicaraguan Navy closed ports on the Pacific coast.[23] 2,500 fishermen were unable to go work.[24]

Impact

Costa Rica

Prior to the storm, Costa Rica's soils were already saturated and the nation was facing a drought.[25][26] Flooding was reported in Paracito de Moravia and Río Hondes de Siquirres, impacting buildings and roads including National Route 32.[26] Inclement weather created strong rip currents along the nation's coasts.[27] From June 7 to June 8, Instituto Meteorológico Nacional reported some areas had up to 6.7 inches (170 mm) of rain.[28] In Guanacaste, two small boats capsized, leaving five people missing.[29] In Ostional Beach, thousands of olive ridley sea turtle eggs were destroyed by swells and heavy rain.[30] Flooding also forced the evacuation of 32 residents and the opening of three shelters.[31] Nine schools were forced to close due to obstructed roadways.[32]

El Salvador

The Salvadoran coast was buffeted by strong waves.[33] Puerto de la Libertad suspended operations with reports of damage to the boardwalk.[34] Water from waves also entered many homes.[18] An eighty-year-old woman was rescued off the Salvadoran coast, her boat experiencing rough seas.[35]

In Santa Ana, heavy rains induced flooding that required a driver to be rescued by firefighters.[36] By June 8, Santa Ana had experienced 4.4 inches (113 mm).[37] Vehicles and buildings in the area suffered damage.[36] Flooding was also reported in La Libertad and Sonsonate Departments.[18] Flooding occurred in several houses in Soyapango after sewage infrastructure failed.[38] In the whole nation, 41 schools were be damaged by rains.[39] At least 195 damaged homes, 29 landslides, 156 fallen trees, 112 blocked roadways, 19 damaged vehicles, and two river overflows were reported.[40][41][42] In La Libertad, swells damaged an amusement park.[43] Heavy rains from Cristina washed trash into Lake Ilopango.[44] A man was injured in a traffic accident caused by inclement weather.[45] In Acajutla, dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed by swells. Residents and business owners estimated losses at US$150,000.[46]

Evacuations were reported along the coast of El Salvador in response to damages caused by Cristina.[47] Thirty people from Boca Posa were evacuated.[18] Flooding in the Río Palmira also prompeted evacuations.[48] Overall, 95 people including 56 minors went to shelters.[49] Within shelters, 176 instances of medical treatments were undertaken.[39]

Nicaragua

Heavy rains occurred along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and into Managua.[22] La Talanguera, in San Juan del Sur, was left without power and communication as rains flooded streets.[50] On Ometepe, winds and rains damaged a power line, causing the island to enter a blackout and a road blockage.[50] In Managua, several roads were damaged by rains from Cristina.[50][51] Trees were also reported to have fallen in the city.[52] Both Universidad Tecnológica La Salle and the San Nicolás de Tolentino Institute reported walls being damaged,[52][53] and the former closed classes.[52] Waves along the coast reached 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) and winds reached 23 miles per hour (37 km/h).[22] Some boats were beached after being pushed on shore by the waves.[50] Damage to coastal commercial establishments, including in Corinto, by Cristina's waves was reported.[50] Five fishermen were rescued after they became shipwrecked.[51] In León, a home collapsed.[54]

Elsewhere

Prior to becoming a tropical depression, Cristina produced heavy rains that caused flooding in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, killing a 60-year old man and disrupting traffic.[55] At least 150 families suffered losses from the storm.[56]

In Guatemala, inclement weather temporarily paused the rebuilding of a substation that had earlier caused a blackout in several communities.[57] Heavy rainfall related to Cristina, combined with the effects of the local rainy season, resulted in five deaths and three injuries in Guatemala; two deaths occurred each in Momostenango and Casillas and a child died in Senahú.[58] 279 homes were damaged by floodwaters.[59] Severe beach erosion was reported, with Iztapa losing more than 3 metres (9.8 ft) of sand.[60]

In Chiapas, heavy rain resulted in flooding that caused damage in across at least half a dozen municipalities. In Huehuetán, a bridge collapsed leaving a at least half a dozen homes isolated. In Pijijiapan, storm surge damaged three restaurants.[61] In Cacahoatán, a man was found dead after being swept away by an overflowing river.[62] Two women were rescued after being swept away by an overflowing river. At least twelve palapas were damaged by swells.[63]

See also

References

  1. "NHC Graphical Outlook Archive, 2300 PDT 2026-06-03". United States National Hurricane Center. June 3, 2026. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  2. "Tropical Depression Three-E Discussion Number 1". United States National Hurricane Center. June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  3. "Tropical Storm Cristina Special Discussion Number 2". United States National Hurricane Center. June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  4. "Tropical Storm Cristina Special Discussion Number 3". United States National Hurricane Center. June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  5. Espinoza, Claudia; Aguilar, Graciela (June 7, 2026). "Protección Civil emite alerta naranja a nivel nacional por tormenta tropical Cristina". La Prensa Gráfica (in Spanish). Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  6. Molina, Gabriel (June 8, 2026). "Depresión tropical aumentará las lluvias en Guatemala entre el 8 y el 12 de junio". Prensa Libre (in Spanish). Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  7. Bucci, Lisa (June 8, 2026). Tropical Storm Cristina Discussion Number 3 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  8. Reinhart, Brad (June 11, 2026). "Remnants of Cristina Tropical Cyclone Update". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  9. Rice, Doyle (June 15, 2026). "Tropical trouble in the Gulf? Forecasters eye developing system". USA Today. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  10. Czachor, Emily Mae. "Tropical Storm Arthur, the first Atlantic tropical cyclone of the year, forms off Texas' Gulf Coast". CBS News. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  11. Bucci, Lisa (June 8, 2026). "Tropical Storm Cristina Special Advisory Number 2". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  12. "Costa Rica Raises Yellow Alert for Heavy Rains in Pacific and Central Valley". Tico Times. June 7, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  13. Aguilar, Graciela (June 5, 2026). "Protección Civil emite advertencia por posible incremento de lluvias por influencia de baja presión en El Salvador" [Civil Protection issues warning for possible inclement rain from the influence of a low pressure system in El Salvador]. La Prensa Gráfica. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  14. Recinos, Emma (June 8, 2026). "Alerta Naranja por Tormenta Tropical Cristina". Canal 12 de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  15. Loarca, Heidi (June 8, 2026). "Depresión tropical Tres-E se convierte en tormenta tropical Cristina, lluvias aumentan hoy en Guatemala". La Hora (in Spanish). Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  16. Rodas, Karla (June 10, 2026). "Tormenta Cristina incrementa amenazas en costas y zonas vulnerables de El Salvador". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  17. Rodas, Karla (June 10, 2026). "Cristina traerá más lluvias y activa medidas preventivas". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  18. Puente, Leidy (June 9, 2026). "Inundaciones y un muro colapsado, las primeras afectaciones de la tormenta tropical Cristina en El Salvador". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  19. Hernández, Kelly (June 8, 2026). "Lugares cerrados por las lluvias en El Salvador: esto informó el MARN". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  20. Alas, Evelyn. "Cierre temporal Puerto Acajutla por tormenta Cristina". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  21. Hernández, Kelly (June 10, 2026). "Días y zonas donde se pronostica más lluvia por tormenta tropical Cristina". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  22. "Cae fuerte lluvia en Managua después de meses de calores infernales". Nicaragua Investiga (in Spanish). June 6, 2026. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  23. "Depresión tropical ocasionará fuertes lluvias esta semana". Nicaragua Investiga (in Spanish). June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  24. Bustillo, Pamela (June 10, 2026). "Tormenta tropical Cristina paraliza pesca artesanal en el Pacífico hondureño y deja cientos de familias afectadas". infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  25. "Guanacaste Faces One of Its Worst Droughts as Rain Hits Much of Costa Rica". Tico Times. June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  26. "Costa Rica Under Green Alert as Heavy Rains Raise Flood and Landslide Risk". Tico Times. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  27. "Costa Rica Braces for a Wet Weekend as Forecasters Watch a Possible Tropical System". Tico Times. June 6, 2026. Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  28. "Pacific Tropical Depression Keeps Costa Rica on Rain Alert". Tico Times. June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  29. Katlen, Urquilla (June 9, 2026). "Tormenta Cristina deja desaparecidos y alertas en Centroamérica". infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  30. Montero, Natalia (June 12, 2026). "Tormenta Cristina arrasa miles de huevos de tortuga lora en Ostional". Diario Extra (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  31. Alippe, Ezequiel (June 12, 2026). "Canal 26, noticias y actualidad de Argentina y el mundo | Canal26.com". Canal26 (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  32. Alfaro, Geovanni Segura (June 8, 2026). "Tormenta tropical Cristina ya causa daños en Costa Rica". Diario Extra (in Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  33. "Lluvias intensas y oleaje peligroso en El Salvador". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  34. Martínez, Juan (June 9, 2026). "Cierran Puerto de La Libertad y Sunset Park por alto oleaje y reportan daños en malecón". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  35. "Evacúan a mujer de la tercera edad por riesgo asociado al oleaje en Acajutla". Radio YSKL (in Spanish). June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  36. Rodas, Karla. "Lluvias en Santa Ana dejan un conductor atrapado y múltiples afectaciones". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 6, 2026.
  37. Recinos, Emma (June 8, 2026). "Afectaciones por lluvias durante el fin de semana". Canal 12 de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 8, 2026.
  38. Hernández, Kelly (June 8, 2026). "Inundaciones en viviendas, rescates y árboles caídos tras las lluvias". Noticias de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  39. Recinos, Emma (June 12, 2026). "El país se mantiene en alerta por lluvias". Canal 12 de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  40. "El Salvador: Tormenta tropical Cristina deja 195 casas dañadas". El Informador (in Mexican Spanish). December 6, 2026. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  41. "La tormenta Cristina deja a más de 200 personas en albergues" (in Spanish). June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  42. Mundo, Diario El (June 12, 2026). "Tormenta Cristina deja 170 viviendas anegadas y más de 150 árboles caídos en una semana de lluvias". Diario El Mundo (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  43. "Sunset Park cerrado tras daños provocados por el fuerte oleaje en La Libertad". Noticias de El Salvador - Noticias de El Salvador, noticias internacionales, salvadoreños por el mundo, economia, negocios, politica, deportes, entretenimiento, tecnologia, turismo, tendencias, fotos, videos, redes sociales (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  44. "Basura arrastrada por lluvias afecta el lago de Ilopango". Noticias de El Salvador - Noticias de El Salvador, noticias internacionales, salvadoreños por el mundo, economia, negocios, politica, deportes, entretenimiento, tecnologia, turismo, tendencias, fotos, videos, redes sociales (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  45. Mundo, Diario El (June 10, 2026). "Tormenta Cristina provoca inundaciones en Bocana San Diego, La Libertad y Apopa". Diario El Mundo (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  46. "El Salvador: damnificados exigen atención del Estado tras destrozos por tormenta Cristina en Acajutla". Noticias de Venezuela (in Spanish). June 18, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  47. Giraldo, Edith (June 10, 2026). "Fuerte oleaje y tormenta tropical Cristina causan evacuaciones en Acajutla". Canal 12 de El Salvador (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  48. Ayala, Flor; Espinoza, Claudia (June 9, 2026). ""Los turistas quedan con miedo": fuerte oleaje en el Majahual obliga a visitantes abandonar la playa y a vendedores cerrar sus puestos". La Prensa Gráfica. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  49. Calderón, Beatriz (June 10, 2026). "Decenas de familias evacuadas, deslizamientos e inundaciones en El Salvador, bajo alerta por Cristina". La Prensa Gráfica. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  50. "Lluvias dejan embarcaciones encalladas y negocios inundados en playas del Pacífico de Nicaragua". Confidencial (in Spanish). June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  51. "Tormenta Cristina se "estaciona" frente a las costas de Nicaragua y causa mayores daños". Confidencial (in Spanish). June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  52. "Tormenta tropical Cristina en Nicaragua deja calles inundadas y restaurantes y universidades cerradas". Nicaragua Investiga (in Spanish). June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  53. "Tropical Storm Cristina Stalls Off Nicaragua's Coast and Causes Greater Damage". Confidencial. June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  54. Minero, Elizabeth (June 10, 2026). "Condiciones meteorológicas adversas tras la tormenta tropical Cristina dejan severas afectaciones en Nicaragua". infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  55. "Lluvias en San Pedro Sula causan primera muerte y fuertes inundaciones". Consulta Monterrey (in Spanish). June 3, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  56. Reyes, Elisa (June 11, 2026). "Daños en diferentes puntos de Honduras ante lluvias". Once Noticias (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  57. Alvarado, Rolando (June 10, 2026). "INDE retoma reparaciones en subestación de Huehuetenango tras suspensión por mal clima". La Hora (in Spanish). Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  58. "Cinco personas han fallecido durante la temporada de lluvias en Guatemala". Emisoras Unidas (in Spanish). June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  59. "Lluvias relacionadas con la depresión tropical Cristina cobran la vida de un menor de edad en Guatemala". www.laprensagrafica.com. June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  60. Urías, Thania (June 10, 2026). "La tormenta Cristina agrava la erosión costera en el sur de Guatemala y deja casi 600 viviendas dañadas". infobae (in Spanish). Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  61. Jornada, La; corresponsal, Edgar H. Clemente (June 10, 2026). "Afectados varios municipios de Chiapas por "Cristina"". La Jornada (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  62. Jornada, La; corresponsal, Edgar H. Clemente (June 12, 2026). "Localizan cuerpo de un hombre que fue arrastrado por corriente de río en Chiapas". La Jornada (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.
  63. Meganoticias. "Tormenta tropical "Cristina" deja afectaciones en Chiapas, hay una persona desaparecida". www.meganoticias.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved June 14, 2026.