mid- to upper-level trough to its northeast. It steadily intensified, and Sergio attained hurricane status on November 15 while located about 420 miles (675 km) southwest of Acapulco. With a small, distinct eye located in the center of the deep convection, Sergio rapidly intensified to attain peak winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) about 6 hours after becoming a hurricane. Upon reaching peak strength, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center predicted Hurricane Sergio to intensify further to reach winds of 120 mph (195 km/h). Shortly after peaking, the hurricane turned to the north and gradually weakened as wind shear from an upper-level trough to its northwest increased. By early on November 17, the low-cloud circulation became partially exposed on the west side of the deep convection, and it is estimated that Sergio weakened to a tropical storm later that day. A ridge to its north and northeast turned the storm to the northwest and later to the west as Sergio gradually weakened. Deep convection reformed near the center on November 18, resulting in a slight increase in winds, though vertical shear quickly weakened it again. Later that day, the storm made its closest approach to land, about 225 miles (360 km) southwest of Michoacán. Early on November 20 it degenerated into a tropical depression, and later that day Sergio dissipated about 360 miles (580 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, or about 320 miles (515 km) west-northwest of where it originally formed. The remnants of Sergio continued westward for about a day before the minimal amount of convection diminished. Impact and records No tropical cyclone warnings or watches were issued in relation to Sergio. Several storm advisories indicated a slight threat to coastal regions of Mexico; the National Hurricane Center assessed a 29% probability of tropical storm-force winds affecting Barra de Navidad in Jalisco. From November 16 and 17, the outer rainbands of the hurricane dropped light precipitation along the Mexican coastline, peaking at 1.97 inches (50 mm) at Tierra Colorada in Guerrero. After Rosa formed a few days before Sergio, November 2006 became the first since 1961 to have more than one storm in the month. The hurricane is currently the third strongest in the month, as well as the longest-lasting. See also Other storms of the same name List of Pacific hurricanes Timeline of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season References External links The NHC's archive on Hurricane Sergio. Sergio