1950 Pacific hurricane season | |
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Seasonal boundaries | |
First system formed | June 14, 1950 |
Last system dissipated | October 3, 1950 |
Strongest storm | |
Name | One, Two, Three, Hiki, Six, Seven |
• Maximum winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) |
Seasonal statistics | |
Total storms | 7 |
Hurricanes | 6 |
Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 0 |
Total fatalities | 1 |
Total damage | Unknown |
Related articles | |
The 1950 Pacific hurricane season was notable for one of the storms being the third-wettest tropical cyclone in United States history. Seven known tropical cyclones occurred during the season, the earliest of which formed on June 14 and the latest of which dissipated on October 3. These dates fall within the range of most Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone activity.
Only seven tropical cyclones were observed in the Eastern Pacific during this season, which is well below the 1995–2008 average of 15 per year. [1] However, it is likely that other tropical cyclones in the Central or Eastern Pacific basin in 1950 went operationally unnoticed, due to small tropical cyclone size, sparse ship reports, relatively unpopulated coastlines, and lack of modern technology. Of the seven tropical cyclones, six attained hurricane status. None of the tropical cyclones became a major hurricane, which is Category 3 or greater on Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. In addition, a tropical cyclone developed within the Central Pacific basin. Similar to 1949, most of the seven tropical cyclones did not differentiate significantly in intensity during the duration, with the exception of Tropical Storm Five. [2]
Although there were no conventional date limits of an Eastern Pacific hurricane season, tropical cyclone activity began almost a month after the dates of the season set in subsequent years, from May 15-November 30. The first tropical cyclone of the season formed mid-June, and two more developed in the month of July. No tropical cyclogenesis occurred for 30 days, and ended with Hurricane Hiki developing on August 12, followed by a quick succession of two more tropical cyclones. No tropical cyclones developed in the Eastern Pacific basin in month of September, records show that this is the only known occurrence of such a meteorological oddity. The season ended after a hurricane developed on October 1 and dissipated two days later. [2]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | June 14 – June 19 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) |
The first tropical cyclone of the season was initially noted on June 14, located 158 mi (254.27 km) southwest of Puerto Ángel, Mexico. Hurricane One headed north-northwestward toward the coast of Mexico, but veered away near Acapulco on June 16. After veering away from Mexico, the hurricane began to parallel the coastline, until curving due north. On June 19, the hurricane passed within 20 mi (32.18 km) of Isla Maria Cleofas in the archipelago of Islas Marías offshore of Mexico. Hurricane One dissipated shortly thereafter. [2]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 3 – July 6 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) |
The second tropical cyclone of the season developed 113 mi (182 km) southwest of Manzanillo, Colima on July 3. Similar to Hurricane One, this storm paralleled the coast of Mexico and then headed out to sea. Hurricane Two later headed northwestward, and paralleled Baja California. The hurricane dissipated July 6, 240 mi (386.24 km) north-northwest of Cabo San Lucas. [2]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | July 9 – July 12 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) |
Hurricane Three was first observed 270 mi (434.52 km) south-southeast of Socorro Island on July 9. The hurricane passed within 70 mi (112.65 km) of Socorro Island on July 10. After passing near the island, the hurricane headed out into the open Pacific Ocean. Hurricane Three eventually dissipated on July 12. [2]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 12 – August 21 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) 982 mbar (hPa) |
A tropical depression formed over the Central Pacific on August 12, southeast of Hawaii. It tracked west-northwestward, strengthening to become Tropical Storm Hiki the next day (Hawaiian for Able). Hiki reached hurricane strength while a short distance north of the islands. A small hurricane, it paralleled the islands until August 17, when a high pressure system forced the storm southwestward. As the high receded, Hiki moved to the northwest and dissipated on August 21. [3]
The hurricane was also followed by the Air Weather Service, located on Guam. As described in "Report on the Post Analysis of Typhoons in the Western North Pacific −1950" this system was also assigned the name Salome from the North West Pacific Typhoon name list for 1950. The name Salome is not widely known and the system is usually referred to as Hiki. [4]
The heaviest known rainfall from a tropical cyclone on the state of Hawaii occurred with Hiki, when over 52 in (1,320 mm) fell at Kanalohuluhulu Ranger Station. [5] It was the highest amount in the state’s history until Hurricane Lane in 2018. Moderate damage was seen on Hawaii, and one person died. [3]
Tropical storm (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 12 – August 13 |
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Peak intensity | 50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min) |
The only tropical cyclone that failed to intensify into a hurricane developed on August 12, 394 mi (634 km) south-southwest of Socorro Island. By early on August 13, the system had weakened, and was downgraded to a tropical depression only twelve hours after forming. The storm dissipated 707 mi (1137.80 km) south of Guadalupe Island later that day. [2]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | August 26 – August 30 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) |
Hurricane Six was first observed 1,590 mi (2,556.85 km) south-southeast of Ka Lae on August 26. The hurricane headed generally north-northwestward with no change in intensity. By August 29, Hurricane Six crossed 140°W, which would become the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's forecast area in 1970. Hurricane six dissipated 788 mi (1,268.16 km) east of Hilo, Hawaii on August 30. [2]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS) | |
Duration | October 1 – October 3 |
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Peak intensity | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min) |
The final tropical cyclone of the season was initially discovered 539 mi (867.43 km) southwest of Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Hurricane Seven initially headed northward, but curved northwestward later that day. No change in intensity occurred, and Hurricane Seven dissipated on October 3, 142 mi (228.52 km) southwest of Socorro Island. [2]
The 2000 Pacific hurricane season was an above-average Pacific hurricane season, although most of the storms were weak and short-lived. There were few notable storms this year. Tropical storms Miriam, Norman, and Rosa all made landfall in Mexico with minimal impact. Hurricane Daniel briefly threatened the U.S. state of Hawaii while weakening. Hurricane Carlotta was the strongest storm of the year and the second-strongest June hurricane in recorded history. Carlotta killed 18 people when it sank a freighter. Overall, the season was significantly more active than the previous season, with 19 tropical storms. In addition, six hurricanes developed. Furthermore, there were total of two major hurricanes.
The 1999 Pacific hurricane season was one of the least active Pacific hurricane seasons on record. The season officially began on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; in both basins, it ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone of the season, Hurricane Adrian, developed on June 18, while the final storm of the season, Tropical Storm Irwin, dissipated on October 11. No storms developed in the Central Pacific during the season. However, two storms from the Eastern Pacific, Dora and Eugene, entered the basin, with the former entering as a hurricane.
The 1990 Pacific hurricane season was a very active season which observed 21 named storms within the basin. The season also produced the fourth highest ACE index value on record. The season was officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 1990 by the formation of the season's first named storm, Hurricane Alma, on May 12. At the time, this was the earliest formation of a tropical storm on record in the eastern Pacific
The 1988 Pacific hurricane season was the least active Pacific hurricane season since 1981. It officially began May 15, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, in the central Pacific and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first named storm, Tropical Storm Aletta, formed on June 16, and the last-named storm, Tropical Storm Miriam, was previously named Hurricane Joan in the Atlantic Ocean before crossing Central America and re-emerging in the eastern Pacific; Miriam continued westward and dissipated on November 2.
The 1987 Pacific hurricane season was the last year in which the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was the primary warning center for tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The season officially started May 15, 1987, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1987, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1987. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when the vast majority of tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
The 1986 Pacific hurricane season featured several tropical cyclones that contributed to significant flooding to the Central United States. The hurricane season officially started May 15, 1986, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1986 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1986 in both regions. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. A total of 17 named storms and 9 hurricanes developed during the season; this is slightly above the averages of 15 named storms and 8 hurricanes, respectively. In addition, 26 tropical depressions formed in the eastern Pacific during 1986, which, at the time, was the second most ever recorded; only the 1982 Pacific hurricane season saw a higher total.
The 1985 Pacific hurricane season is the third-most active Pacific hurricane season on record. It officially started on May 15, 1985, in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1985, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1985. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. At the time, the 1985 season was the most active on record in the eastern north Pacific, with 28 tropical cyclones forming. Of those, 24 were named, 13 reached hurricane intensity, and 8 became major hurricanes by attaining Category 3 status or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale. At that time, the 24 named storms was a record; however, this record was broken seven years later in 1992, and was therefore recognized as the second busiest season within the basin, until it was surpassed exactly thirty years later by the 2015 season.
The 1981 Pacific hurricane season was a slightly below average Pacific hurricane season. The season officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific basin and June 1 in the central Pacific basin. Both basins' seasons ended on November 30; these dates conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone of the season was designated on May 30, and the final storm of the season, Hurricane Otis, dissipated on October 30. The season produced fifteen named storms and a total of eight hurricanes, which was near normal. However, the total of one major hurricane was below the average of three.
The 1980 Pacific hurricane season officially started May 15, 1980, in the eastern Pacific and June 1, 1980, in the central Pacific, lasting until November 30, 1980. These dates conventionally delimit each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern and central Pacific Ocean. This season was relatively uneventful; since no tropical cyclones made landfall, there were no reports of casualties or damage.
The 1973 Pacific hurricane season was an event in tropical cyclone meteorology. The most important system this year was Hurricane Ava, which was the most intense Pacific hurricane known at the time. Several other much weaker tropical cyclones came close to, or made landfall on, the Pacific coast of Mexico. The most serious of these was Hurricane Irah, which downed power and communication lines in parts of the Baja California Peninsula; the other landfalling storms caused rain and some flooding. No tropical cyclone this season caused any deaths.
The 1975 Pacific hurricane season officially started May 15, 1975, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1975, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1975. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
The 1970 Pacific hurricane season began on May 15, 1970 in the east Pacific, and on June 1, 1970 in the central Pacific. It ended on November 30, 1970. These dates conventionally delimit the period of time when tropical cyclones form in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The 1961 Pacific hurricane season was an event in meteorology. It officially started on May 15, 1961, in the eastern Pacific and lasted until November 30, 1961. Ten tropical cyclones, 9 named storms and two hurricanes formed during the 1961 season, none of the hurricanes reached beyond category 1 status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.
The 1900s Pacific hurricane seasons all began on May 15, 1900, in the northeast Pacific Ocean and on June 1, 1900, in the central Pacific. They ended on November 30, of each year. These dates conventionally delimit the time of year when most tropical cyclones form in northeast Pacific Ocean.
The 1949 Pacific hurricane season was the first hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific hurricane database. Six tropical cyclones were known to have existed during the season, of which the first formed on June 11 and the final dissipated on September 30. Another tropical cyclone had formed within the basin in 1949, but was included in the Atlantic hurricane database, had it been classified operationally in the Eastern Pacific basin, would have tallied the overall season to seven tropical cyclones. In addition, there were two tropical cyclones that attained hurricane status, but none of them reached major hurricane intensity. Tropical Storm Three threatened the Baja California Peninsula, while an unnumbered hurricane crossed into the Atlantic, later becoming the 1949 Texas hurricane.
The 1968 Pacific hurricane season ties the record for having the most active August in terms of tropical storms. It officially started on May 15, 1968, in the eastern Pacific and June 1 in the central Pacific and lasted until November 30, 1968. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
Hurricane Ekeka was the second most intense off-season tropical cyclone on record in the northeastern Pacific basin. The first storm of the 1992 Pacific hurricane season, Ekeka developed on January 28 well to the south of Hawaii. It gradually intensified to reach major hurricane status on February 2, although it subsequently began to weaken due to unfavorable high wind shear. It crossed the International Date Line as a weakened tropical storm, and shortly thereafter degraded to tropical depression status. Ekeka continued westward, passing through the Marshall Islands and later over Chuuk State, before dissipating on February 9 about 310 miles (500 km) off the north coast of Papua New Guinea. The storm did not cause any significant damage or deaths.
The 1962 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active Pacific hurricane season that included two hurricane landfalls. The 1962 Pacific hurricane season officially started on May 15, 1962 in the eastern Pacific and June 1, 1962 in the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility and lasted until November 30, 1962 in both regions. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
The 1957 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active year in which 13 tropical cyclones formed. The hurricane season ran through the summer and fall months which conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone developed on July 15. The final storm dissipated on December 6, becoming one of the few Pacific storms to exist outside of the seasonal dates. Of the season's 13 storms, five of these formed or crossed into the central Pacific.
Hurricane Hiki was the third-wettest tropical cyclone on record in the United States, behind Hurricane Lane in 2018, and Hurricane Harvey in 2017. It was also considered the first official hurricane in the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands. The fourth tropical cyclone of the 1950 Pacific hurricane season, Hiki formed as a tropical depression to the southeast of Hawaii on August 12. On the following day, the depression headed northwestward and intensified into Tropical Storm Hiki. While paralleling the Hawaiian Islands on August 16, Hiki strengthened into a hurricane. Around that time, the storm peaked with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h). The following day, Hiki curved southwestward on August 17. Two days later, the hurricane resumed moving northwestward and weakened to a tropical storm shortly thereafter. Around midday on August 21, Hiki weakened to a tropical depression and dissipated about six hours later.