1981 Pacific hurricane season

Last updated

1981 Pacific hurricane season
1981 Pacific hurricane season summary map.png
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedMay 30, 1981
Last system dissipatedOctober 30, 1981
Strongest storm
Name Norma
 • Maximum winds125 mph (205 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions17
Total storms15
Hurricanes8
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		1
Total fatalities79 total
Total damage$134 million (1981 USD)
Related articles
Pacific hurricane seasons
1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983

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. [1] 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.

Contents

The strongest tropical cyclone of the season was Hurricane Norma, which was a powerful Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. The storm caused six deaths – five in Texas, and one in Mexico, due to severe flooding. Additionally, the storm caused $74 million (equivalent to $248 million in 2023) in damage, which is credited to significant crop damage and many tornadoes. However, the deadliest tropical cyclone of the season was Tropical Storm Lidia, which made two landfalls – one on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and the other along the shores of Sinaloa in early October. As the result of its heavy rainfall in northwestern Mexico, seventy-three fatalities were reported, along with $80 million in damage.

Seasonal summary

Hurricane Norma (1981)Tropical Storm Lidia (1981)Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale1981 Pacific hurricane season
Least intense Pacific hurricane seasons [2]
RankSeason ACE value
1 1977 22.3
2 2010 51.2
3 2007 51.6
4 1996 53.9
5 2003 56.6
6 1979 57.4
7 2004 71.1
8 1981 72.8
9 2013 74.8
10 2020 77.3

There was an absence in storm activity across the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, as no storms developed in the basin. However, two tropical cyclones from the eastern Pacific, Greg and Jova, entered the central Pacific, the latter entering as a hurricane. [3] The season produced fifteen named storms and eight hurricanes; [4] both of these numbers were equal to the average. The season's one major hurricane, a storm with winds of at least 111 mph (179 km/h), was below the average of three. [5] There are also at least two tropical depressions that did not strengthen into tropical storms. [6] Six tropical cyclones made landfall in Mexico. First, Tropical Storm Adrian made landfall 240 mi (390 km) east-southeast of Acapulco, but did not cause any damage. Afterwards, Tropical Storm Irwin made landfall in Baja California Sur, but similarly to Adrian, did not cause any damage. Tropical Storm Knut later made landfall near Mazatlán with winds equivalent to a minimal tropical storm, but no deaths or damage was reported. Tropical Storm Lidia struck about 23 mi (37 km) south of Los Mochis on October 8, with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h). Heavy rainfall associated with the cyclone caused moderate damage in northwestern Mexico, and at least seventy-three deaths can be attributed to the storm. On May 30, an area of intense shower and thunderstorm activity located 270 mi (430 km) south of the Mexican coastline. [4] The second to strike the area in 10 days, Norma was absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. [7] The combined entity produced heavy rainfall and severe weather across Texas, which subsequently led to severe crop damage. The final storm to make landfall on Mexico during the 1981 season was Hurricane Otis. Intensifying into a hurricane by October 26, the hurricane brushed the coast of Jalisco before making landfall near Mazatlán at hurricane intensity on October 30. Otis was the second of two hurricanes to make landfall in the country this season. [5]

Systems

Tropical Storm Adrian

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Adrian 1981-05-31 1500Z.png   Adrian 1981 track.png
DurationMay 30 – June 4
Peak intensity45 mph (75 km/h) (1-min);

On May 30, an area of intense shower and thunderstorm activity located 270 mi (430 km) to the south of the Mexican coastline intensified into a tropical depression. Drifting towards the north and then east-northeast around an area of high pressure centered off the southern coast of Mexico, the depression began to strengthen over 84 °F (29 °C) water. Twelve hours after formation, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Adrian. Reaching a peak intensity of 45 mph (75 km/h), Adrian began to move over slightly cooler ocean temperatures of 81 °F (27 °C) and subsequently began to weaken. After being downgraded to a tropical depression by June 2, data from two cargo ships, the Androemda and Santa Maria, were helpful in locating Adrian's center of circulation as it moved towards the Mexican coastline. On June 4, the system made landfall 240 mi (390 km) east-southeast of Acapulco; however, no damage associated with the tropical cyclone was reported, and Adrian dissipated later that same day. [4]

Hurricane Beatriz

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
Beatriz 1981-07-01 2345Z.png   Beatriz 1981 track.png
DurationJune 28 – July 4
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);

On June 28, the season's second tropical depression formed approximately 400 mi (640 km) east of Clipperton Island. Moving quickly towards the west over warm sea-surface temperatures, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Beatriz just twelve hours after formation. Embedded within an area of favorable atmospheric conditions, Beatriz attained hurricane status at 1800  UTC on June 30, and intensified further to attain its first brief peak at 85 mph (137 km/h) by early on June 1. [4] Fluctuating in intensity, Hurricane Beatriz attained its peak intensity for a second time on June  2, [8] only to enter an area of higher wind shear and cooler sea-surface temperatures. Far away from land, Beatriz was downgraded to a tropical storm on June 3, and then further into a tropical depression the following day. The tropical cyclone dissipated on July 4 while located several hundred miles to the west of Baja California Sur.

Since Beatriz briefly posed a threat to Mexico and California, the Hurricane Hunters were put on standby, but no flights were made into the storm. [4] The system did produce wave heights as high as 4 ft (1.2 m) to Southern California; however, impact from the storm was less than anticipated. [9]

Tropical Storm Calvin

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Calvin jul 5 1981 1514Z.jpg   Calvin 1981 track.png
DurationJuly 4 – July 9
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

An area of disturbed weather located several hundred miles to the south of Acapulco organized into a tropical depression on July 4. Moving towards the west-northwest over warm sea-surface temperatures, the depression intensified into a tropical storm on July 5, receiving the name Calvin. Reaching a peak intensity of 50 mph (85 km/h) later that day, Calvin began to move north-northwest around the western periphery of a high pressure system located over extreme northern Mexico. Calvin then moved over cooler water and subsequently weakened to a minimal tropical storm. Located 98 mi (158 km) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas on July 8, Calvin further weakened to a tropical depression and turned to the west. The system dissipated the following day. [4] As a dying system, Calvin produced high clouds over California and Arizona. [10]

Hurricane Dora

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
Dora 1981-07-13 1415Z.png   Dora 1981 track.png
DurationJuly 10 – July 16
Peak intensity90 mph (150 km/h) (1-min);
979  mbar  (hPa)

Based on satellite imagery and data from a nearby ship, Yamazuru, a tropical depression formed far away from land on July 10. Passing 254 mi (409 km) north of Clipperton Island, the depression began to strengthen under favorable atmospheric conditions, and was designated Tropical Storm Dora twelve hours after formation. Moving towards the west-northwest, Dora attained hurricane status on July 13; subsequently, the ship Amestelmolen reported seas of 30 ft (9.1 m), a minimum barometric pressure of 981 mbar (29.0 inHg), and 79 mph (127 km/h) winds as it passed 29 mi (47 km) north of the storm's center. As Dora reached its peak intensity of 90 mph (150 km/h) on July 14, a well-defined eye became apparent on satellite imagery, and the storm turned more towards the west. Cooler ocean temperatures below 74 °F (23 °C) subsequently caused the hurricane to weaken, and it was downgraded to a tropical storm on July 15. The storm's structure further deteriorated the following day, and Dora dissipated over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas. [4]

Tropical Storm Eugene

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Tropical Storm Eugene Jul 18 1981 1745Z.jpg   Eugene 1981 track.png
DurationJuly 16 – July 21
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

Following Dora's dissipation, another tropical depression formed 300 mi (480 km) west of the Mexican coastline. While retaining its intensity, the depression moved west-northwest before bending towards the southwest as it intensified into Tropical Storm Eugene on July 18. Above exceptionally warm sea surface temperatures of 85 °F (29 °C), Eugene slowly intensified. After passing 83 mi (134 km) south of Socorro Island, the storm accelerated west-northwest, reaching a peak intensity of 50 mph (80 km/h) early on June 19. Shortly thereafter, the system began to meander over cooler ocean temperatures, and weakened to a tropical depression on July 20. After changing little in intensity for nearly 24 hours, Eugene dissipated on July 21 while located 700 mi (1,100 km) west of the Baja California Peninsula, over water temperatures of 73 °F (23 °C). There were no reports of any effects attributed to the storm. [4]

Hurricane Fernanda

Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
Fernanda 1981-08-10 2215Z.png   Fernanda 1981 track.png
DurationAugust 6 – August 13
Peak intensity105 mph (165 km/h) (1-min);

Fernanda originated from an area of showers and thunderstorms that gained sufficient organization to be designated a tropical depression on August 6. Moving rapidly towards the west, the system passed 126 mi (203 km) north of Clipperton Island. Above warm ocean temperatures, the depression strengthened to become a tropical storm twenty-one hours after formation, and after briefly turning towards the west-northwest, Fernanda attained hurricane status on August 9. A well-defined eye associated with the hurricane became visible, and the system reached its peak intensity as a 105 mph (165 km/h) Category 2 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale on August 10. Turning towards the northwest, Fernanda began to enter an area of cooler ocean temperatures and higher wind shear, subsequently weakening. On August 11, Fernanda was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, and then further to a tropical storm later that evening. By midday the following day, Fernanda had become a tropical depression, and dissipated early on August 13. [4]

Hurricane Greg

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
Greg 1981-08-20 0215Z.png   Greg 1981 track.png
DurationAugust 13 – August 22
Peak intensity75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min);

An area of intense thunderstorm activity left the southern coast of Mexico in mid-August. About 184 mi (296 km) south of Socorro Island, it formed on August 13. Over warm sea surface temperatures, the depression steadily intensified; it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Greg at 1800 UTC. As the storm was moving on the southwest periphery of an area of high pressure, it curved west-northwest. Meanwhile, the storm passed 34 mi (55 km) south of Clarion Island at 2100 UTC on August 14. After turning toward the west, the storm's motion slowed. After maintaining its intensity while still a minimal tropical storm, Greg turned to the west-southwest for a day, only to resume its westerly course. As its speed increased a little, Greg gradually strengthened. Based on data from the ship Chapa, Greg was upgraded into a hurricane early on August 20. [4] However, increased wind shear caused the storm to rapidly weaken back into a tropical storm. [3] At this time, the tropical storm was located over 78 °F (26 °C) water. [4] Shortly thereafter, Greg moved into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC)'s area of responsibility. It continued to weaken, and was only a minimal tropical storm by the afternoon of August 21. Although Greg weakened into a depression, it maintained a well-defined center of circulation for an additional 24 hours until dissipating at 1800 UTC on August 22 over 600 mi (970 km) east-northeast of Hawaii. [3]

Hurricane Hilary

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
Hilary 1981-08-25 1845Z.png   Hilary 1981 track.png
DurationAugust 21 – August 28
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);

Based on a report from a cargo ship, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center upgraded a tropical disturbance into a tropical depression roughly 400 mi (640 km) west of the Mexican coast at 2105 UTC on August 21. Four hours later, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Hilary. After turning towards the west, it passed about 50 mi (80 km) south of Socorro Island. Even though Hilary developed a well-defined eye late on August 23, the cyclone was not upgraded into a hurricane until the next afternoon. Accelerating, Hilary reached its peak strength of 85 mph (140 km/h) while located 250 miles (400 km) west of Cabo San Lucas. Moving west, Hilary began to weaken over 84 °F (29 °C) water. Late on August 28, nearly 24 hours following Hilary's downgrade into a tropical depression, the tropical cyclone dissipated far from land. [4]

Tropical Storm Irwin

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Irwin Aug 28 1981 1200Z.png   Irwin 1981 track.png
DurationAugust 27 – August 31
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

A tropical depression formed 155 mi (249 km) west of Acapulco on August 27. Over 85 °F (29 °C) water, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Irwin the next day. By August 25, Tropical Storm Irwin had peaked in intensity as a moderate tropical storm, then weakened as it moved over 83 °F (28 °C) sea-surface temperatures. Less than 100 mi (160 km) southeast of Baja California, Irwin was downgraded into a depression. Turning west-northwest, Irwin made landfall about 50 mi (80 km) south of La Paz on August 30. After moving offshore the next day, Irwin dissipated. No damage was reported. [4]

Hurricane Jova

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
Jova 1981-09-16 1545Z.png   Jova 1981 track.png
DurationSeptember 14 – September 21
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);

Following two weeks of inactivity, a tropical depression formed at 1200 UTC September 14 while located in the middle of the Eastern Pacific. Above very warm ocean temperatures, the depression was upgraded into Tropical Storm Jova six hours later. Jova rapidly intensified, and developed an eye late on September 15. Early on September 17, Jova peaked as a mid-level Category 1 hurricane. After briefly turning to the west-southwest, Jova turned back towards the west while weakened into a tropical storm. On September 19, the cyclone turned west-northwest, and dissipated about 100 miles (160 km) north of Hawaii on September 21. [4] Due to its track just north of Hawaii and rapidly weakening in the Central Pacific, its only effect on the Hawaiian Islands was to disrupt the trade winds, leading to an increase in humidity. [3]

Tropical Storm Knut

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Knut 1981-09-20 1815Z.png   Knut 1981 track.png
DurationSeptember 19 – September 21
Peak intensity65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min);

While Jova was weakening, a tropical disturbance formed within 300 mi (480 km) the Mexican coast. Moving west-northwest, a tropical depression formed on September 19, and became a tropical storm six hours later. Above 85 °F (29 °C) sea surface temperatures, Knut continued to intensify. After turning north, Tropical Storm Knut reached its peak strength of 65 mph (120 km/h). Between a high-pressure area and a weak upper-level trough, Knut turned sharply to the east. After passing 100 mi (160 km) south of the Baja California Peninsula, the tropical storm weakened over cooler water. Knut dissipated as it made landfall in Mexico, at 1330 UTC on September 21. No damage was reported. [4]

Tropical Storm Lidia

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Lidia 1981-10-07 2345Z.png   Lidia 1981 track.png
DurationOctober 6 – October 8
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

A tropical depression formed on October 6 [8] ahead of a front; [11] the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Lidia on October 7. Lidia moved generally north, and reached its peak wind speed of 50 mph (85 km/h). [8] Despite encountering warm ocean temperatures, Lidia slowly weakened as it moved towards southern Baja California Peninsula. The tropical cyclone passed over the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula on 1700 UTC October 7; at the time of the landfall Lidia was located about 65 mi (105 km) northwest of Cabo San Lucas. Two hours later, [4] Lidia entered the Gulf of California, and turned to the northeast. [8] Lidia made landfall on the shores of Sinaloa just south of Los Mochis on October 8, with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h). [4] The remnants of Lidia continued their northeast track, ultimately emerging into the Southern United States, [11] bringing moisture to extreme southeastern Arizona. [12]

Heavy rain caused flooding that cut off seven towns in Sinaloa from the outside world. It also contaminated the water supply in Culiacán, leaving many without clean drinking water. [13] Almost a hundred villages and two dams were flooded, [14] [15] The Rio Fuerte burst its banks and flooded sixty settlements. [14] These rains sent water down a dry river bed, killing 40 people, mostly children. [16] In one village, [14] [17] six soldiers died. [14] In the northern part of Sinaloa, 42 were confirmed killed and 76 were missing. [13] Around Los Mochis, four people were killed, [16] where 800 houses were destroyed. [15] In Culiacán, eleven people were killed. [17] The total death toll from Tropical Storm Lidia was determined to exceed 73, [4] which mostly occurred in rural areas. [18] Losses to cattle, crops, and fishing vessels were more than $80 million (equivalent to $268.11 million in 2023). [13] Due to the damage wrought by both Lidia and Norma, Sinaloa Governor Antonio Toledo Corro declared his state a disaster area. [19]

Tropical Storm Max

Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Max oct 7 1981 2221Z.jpg   Max 1981 track.png
DurationOctober 7 – October 10
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

On October 7, a tropical depression developed several hundred miles to the south of the Mexican coastline. Under favorable environmental conditions, the depression began to organize, and became a tropical storm twelve hours after formation, receiving the name Max. Moving north-northwestward, Max reached a peak intensity of 50 mph (80 km/h) briefly on October 9 before the system began to move into an area with cooler ocean temperatures and stronger wind shear. Early on October 10, Max weakened to a tropical depression, and dissipated during the afternoon hours of the same day without any effects to land. [4]

Hurricane Norma

Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
Norma 1981-10-10 1800Z.png   Norma 1981 path.png
DurationOctober 8 – October 12
Peak intensity125 mph (205 km/h) (1-min);

Early on October 8, a tropical depression had developed far from land. Moving northwest, the storm intensified into Tropical Storm Norma at 0600 UTC. On 1800 UTC October 9, the EPHC upgraded the storm into a hurricane. [8] Subsequently, Norma began to undergo a period rapid intensification; [4] the storm soon reached major hurricane status. [8] The storm reached its peak of 125 mph (205 km/h) at 1800 UTC on October 10. The storm began to accelerate [20] while weakening. [4] After briefly re-intensifying late on October 1, [8] Hurricane Norma made landfall just northeast of Mazatlán with winds of 105 mph (155 km/h) at 1000 UTC on October 12. Although the storm quickly dissipated over land, [4] a second area of low pressure formed over western Texas early on October 13 before the system itself was absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. [20]

Prior to landfall 5,000 people evacuated, thus only one deaths was reported (a fisherman drowned when his boat capsized in the storm). However, the hurricane caused more devastation in the flood-ravaged region. Agriculture was disrupted, and cattle were killed, causing at least $24 million (1981 USD) in crop damage. [4] Torrential rains caused serious flooding north of Mazatlán. [21] Five thousand two hundred residents need to be evacuated from low-lying areas. [22] [23] The remnants of the storm moved into Texas and Oklahoma. The heavy rainfall caused two rivers to reach flood-stage. A total of five people were killed in the United states, [24] three of these deaths occurred in Fort Worth. [25] During October 13 and 14, a total of 13 tornadoes were reported in northern Texas and southern Oklahoma, [26] including a F2 tornado in McLennan that injured four people and caused $25 million in damage. [27] In Oklahoma, 60 bridges were washed away due to flooding. [25] Total damage in Texas was estimated at $50 million (1981 USD). [24] [28]

Hurricane Otis

Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
Otis oct 28 1981 2142Z.jpg   Otis 1981 track.png
DurationOctober 24 – October 30
Peak intensity85 mph (140 km/h) (1-min);

On October 24, the season's last tropical cyclone developed to the south of the Mexican coastline. Moving towards the west-northwest, the depression quickly strengthened into a tropical storm, receiving the name Otis. Turning towards the north and eventually northeast, Otis steadily strengthened, and intensified into a Category 1 hurricane early on October 26. Sharply bending back towards the west-northwest, and eventually the north, Otis reached a peak intensity of 85 mph (135 km/h) before higher wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures began to impede on the system's organization. On October 29, Otis skirted the coast of Jalisco as a minimal Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm. The next day, Otis made landfall near Mazatlán before being absorbed by a frontal system. [4]

Other systems

Per the Japan Meteorological Agency, Typhoon Freda briefly existed in the basin as a dissipating tropical storm before being absorbed by another extratropical low on March 17, [29] but the system is not recognized by either NHC or CPHC.

On August 4, a tropical depression developed 800 mi (1,300 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Despite being over warm sea surface temperatures, the depression dissipated the following day as wind shear began to significantly increase. Thus, the depression was never named, and never had any effects on land. Two weeks later, a tropical disturbance developed 210 mi (340 km) south-southeast of Socorro Island drifted north-northwest of a couple of days before organizing into a tropical depression a short distance southwest of Cabo San Lucas. Despite being located over warm sea surface temperatures, it failed to intensify. Tropical Depression Nine-E moved westward for 12 hours prior to dissipation. [4]

Storm names

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Pacific Ocean east of 140°W in 1981. [30] Most of these names were used for the first time, except for Fernanda, Hilary, and Norma, which were previously used in the old four-year lists. [31] No names were retired from this list following the season, and it was next used (expanded to include "X", "Y", and "Z" names) for the 1987 season. [32]

  • Adrian
  • Beatriz
  • Calvin
  • Dora
  • Eugene
  • Fernanda
  • Greg *
  • Otis
  • Pilar (unused)
  • Ramon (unused)
  • Selma (unused)
  • Todd (unused)
  • Veronica (unused)
  • Wiley (unused)

Had any tropical storms formed in the North Pacific from 140°W to the International Date Line, their names would have come from a series of four rotating lists. Names are used one after the other without regard to year, thus when the bottom of one list is reached, the next named storm receives the name at the top of the next list. [30] [31] Named storms in the table above that crossed into the area during the year are noted (*). [3]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1945 Atlantic hurricane season</span>

The 1945 Atlantic hurricane season produced multiple landfalling tropical cyclones. It officially began on June 16 and lasted until October 31, dates delimiting the period when a majority of storms were perceived to form in the Atlantic Ocean. A total of 11 systems were documented, including a late-season cyclone retroactively added a decade later. Five of the eleven systems intensified into hurricanes, and two further attained their peaks as major hurricanes. Activity began with the formation of a tropical storm in the Caribbean on June 20, which then made landfalls in Florida and North Carolina at hurricane intensity, causing one death and at least $75,000 in damage. In late August, a Category 3 hurricane on the modern-day Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale struck the Texas coastline, with 3 deaths and $20.1 million in damage. The most powerful hurricane of the season, reaching Category 4 intensity, wrought severe damage throughout the Bahamas and East Coast of the United States, namely Florida, in mid-September; 26 people were killed and damage reached $60 million. A hurricane moved ashore the coastline of Belize in early October, causing one death, while the final cyclone of the year resulted in 5 deaths and $2 million in damage across Cuba and the Bahamas two weeks later. Overall, 36 people were killed and damage reached at least $82.85 million.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1942 Atlantic hurricane season</span>

The 1942 Atlantic hurricane season was one of seven seasons to feature multiple hurricane landfalls in Texas. The season officially lasted from June 16, 1942, to October 31, 1942. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. A total of 11 tropical storms from 1943 are listed in the Atlantic hurricane database, with two additional tropical depressions. The first system of the year, a tropical depression, developed over the central Gulf of Mexico on June 3, while the last system, the Belize hurricane, dissipated over the Yucatán Peninsula on November 11. After the depression dissipated on June 3, the season remained dormant until the next system developed two months later. In mid-August, a hurricane struck Texas, causing about $790,000 (1942 USD) in damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2005 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2005 Pacific hurricane season was a near-average Pacific hurricane season which produced fifteen named storms, seven hurricanes and two major hurricanes. It was also the second consecutive season in which no tropical cyclone of at least tropical storm intensity made landfall. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1993 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 1993 Pacific hurricane season included more than double the average number of major hurricanes – Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was the result of an El Niño event, which is the main factor contributing to above-average activity across the Pacific basin. The season featured 15 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 9 major hurricanes. While the number of named storms was near the long-term average, the number of hurricanes was above the average of 8, and the number of major hurricanes far exceeded the long-term average of 4. Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8, within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific. The season ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1992 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 1992 Pacific hurricane season is the most active Pacific hurricane season on record, featuring 27 named storms. The season also produced the second-highest ACE value on record in the basin, only surpassed by the 2018 season. The 1992 season 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, tropical cyclogenesis is possible at any time of the year, as demonstrated by the development of Hurricane Ekeka on January 28, and Tropical Storm Hali two months later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1987 Pacific hurricane season</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1986 Pacific hurricane season</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1985 Pacific hurricane season</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1984 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 1984 Pacific hurricane season featured numerous tropical cyclones, several of which were impactful to land. It was a busy hurricane season with 21 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and 7 major hurricanes, the latter of which are Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was unusual given the presence of a La Niña, which typically suppresses Central and East Pacific tropical cyclone activity, and only average sea surface temperatures. Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8. This lies within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific, and ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1983 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 1983 Pacific hurricane season was the longest season ever recorded at that time. It was a very active Pacific hurricane season. The season started on May 15, 1983 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1983 in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1983. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. During the 1983 season, there were 20 named storms, which was slightly less than the previous season. Furthermore, twelve of those storms became hurricanes. And eight of the storms reached major hurricane status, or Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS). The decaying 1982–83 El Niño event likely contributed to this level of activity. That same El Niño influenced a very quiet Atlantic hurricane season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1978 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 1978 Pacific hurricane season was the first Pacific hurricane season to use both masculine and feminine names for tropical cyclones. It also began the modern practice of utilizing naming lists every six years. Despite lacking an El Niño, a common driver of enhanced activity in the East and Central Pacific basins, the 1978 season was active. It featured 19 named storms, 14 hurricanes, and 7 major hurricanes, the latter of which are Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Within the confines of the Central Pacific basin, located between the International Date Line and 140°W, 13 tropical cyclones or their remnants were observed by forecasters at the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, a record number of occurrences at the time. Seasonal activity began on May 30 and ended on October 21, within the limits of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific. The season ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2011 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2011 Pacific hurricane season was a below average season in terms of named storms, although it had an above average number of hurricanes and major hurricanes. During the season, 13 tropical depressions formed along with 11 tropical storms, 10 hurricanes and 6 major hurricanes. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. The season's first cyclone, Hurricane Adrian formed on June 7, and the last, Hurricane Kenneth, dissipated on November 25.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2015 Pacific hurricane season is the second-most active Pacific hurricane season on record, with 26 named storms, only behind the 1992 season. A record-tying 16 of those storms became hurricanes, and a record 11 storms further intensified into major hurricanes throughout the season. The Central Pacific, the portion of the Northeast Pacific Ocean between the International Date Line and the 140th meridian west, had its most active year on record, with 16 tropical cyclones forming in or entering the basin. Moreover, the season was the third-most active season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy, amassing a total of 290 units. The season officially started on May 15 in the Eastern Pacific and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Northeast Pacific basin. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year. This was shown when a tropical depression formed on December 31. The above-average activity during the season was attributed in part to the very strong 2014–2016 El Niño event.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2017 Pacific hurricane season was an above average Pacific hurricane season in terms of named storms, though less active than the previous three, featuring eighteen named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes. Despite the considerable amount of activity, most of the storms were weak and short-lived. The season officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the respective regions. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated in 2017 by the formation of the season's first named storm, Tropical Storm Adrian, on May 9. At the time, this was the earliest formation of a tropical storm on record in the eastern Pacific basin proper. The season saw near-average activity in terms of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), in stark contrast to the extremely active seasons in 2014, 2015, and 2016; and for the first time since 2012, no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific basin. However, for the third year in a row, the season featured above-average activity in July, with the ACE value being the fifth highest for the month. Damage across the basin reached $375.28 million (2017 USD), while 45 people were killed by the various storms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurricane Norma (1981)</span> Category 3 Pacific hurricane in 1981

Hurricane Norma was one of the two hurricanes to make landfall during the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. It developed on October 8, strengthening into a tropical storm and later a hurricane. Norma moved slowly to the northwest and strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. The storm recurved and accelerated to the northeast on October 11 and weakened to a Category 2. The next day, Norma made landfall near Mazatlán on October 12 and soon dissipated. The hurricane's remnants continued northeastward and entered the United States, crossing into central Texas before being absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. Norma caused $24 million in crop damage and one death in Mexico, as well as up to 10 in (250 mm). In Texas, the storm produced flooding rains that killed five people, caused $50 million in damage and caused many tornadoes. Rainfall was also reported as far inland as Kansas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tropical Storm Lidia (1981)</span> Pacific tropical storm in 1981

Tropical Storm Lidia was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. On October 6, a tropical depression formed and strengthened into a tropical storm six hours later. Lidia brushed the southern tip of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and made landfall just south of Los Mochis in Sinaloa on October 8 as a mid-level tropical storm. Once onshore, Tropical Storm Lidia rapidly weakened and dissipated the same day. It inflicted heavy rain and flooding throughout parts of northwestern Mexico, especially Sinaloa. Overall, Lidia killed 100 people and caused at least $80 million in damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2013 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2013 Pacific hurricane season was an above-average year in which twenty named storms developed. The hurricane season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific, coinciding with the formation of Tropical Storm Alvin, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; it ended on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form. The final system of the year, Tropical Storm Sonia, dissipated on November 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timeline of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season</span>

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season was an event in the annual hurricane season in the north Atlantic Ocean. It featured below-average tropical cyclone activity, with the fewest hurricanes since the 1982 season. The season officially began on June 1, 2013 and ended on November 30, 2013. These dates, adopted by convention, historically delimit the period in each year when most tropical systems form. The season's first storm, Tropical Storm Andrea formed on June 5, and its final storm, an unnamed subtropical storm, dissipated on December 7. Altogether, there were 13 named tropical storms during the season. Two of which attained hurricane strength, but neither intensified into a major hurricane, the first such occurrence since the 1994 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2019 Pacific hurricane season was an above average season which produced nineteen named storms, most of which were rather weak and short-lived. Only seven hurricanes formed, the fewest since 2010. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. This season was one of the latest-starting Pacific hurricane seasons on record, with the first tropical cyclone, Hurricane Alvin, forming on June 25. The final system, Tropical Depression Twenty-One-E, dissipated on November 18.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Pacific hurricane season</span>

The 2023 Pacific hurricane season was an active and destructive Pacific hurricane season. In the Eastern Pacific basin, 17 named storms formed; 10 of those became hurricanes, of which 8 strengthened into major hurricanes – double the seasonal average. In the Central Pacific basin, no tropical cyclones formed, though four entered into the basin from the east. Collectively, the season had an above-normal accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) value of approximately 168 units. This season saw the return of El Niño and its associated warmer sea surface temperatures in the basin, which fueled the rapid intensification of several powerful storms. It officially began on May 15, 2023 in the Eastern Pacific, and on June 1 in the Central; both ended on November 30. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific.

References

  1. ↑ Dorst Neal. "When is hurricane season?". Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Basin Archives: Northeast Pacific Ocean Historical Tropical Cyclone Statistics". Fort Collins, Colorado: Colorado State University. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "The 1981 Central Pacific Tropical Cyclone Season". Central Pacific Hurricane Center . Retrieved July 19, 2007.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Gunther, Emil B. (July 1982). "Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1981". Monthly Weather Review. 110 (7): 839–851. Bibcode:1982MWRv..110..839G. doi: 10.1175/1520-0493(1982)110<0839:ENPTCO>2.0.CO;2 .
  5. 1 2 Blake, Eric S; Gibney, Ethan J; Brown, Daniel P; Mainelli, Michelle; Franklin, James L; Kimberlain, Todd B; Hammer, Gregory R (2009). Tropical Cyclones of the Eastern North Pacific Basin, 1949-2006 (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  6. ↑ "East Pacific HURDAT Metadata". Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved June 20, 2009.
  7. ↑ David Roth. "Hurricane Norma". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center . Retrieved December 18, 2010.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (April 26, 2024). "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2023". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. A guide on how to read the database is available here. PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  9. ↑ "Display Ad 53-No Title". Los Angeles Times. July 6, 1981.
  10. ↑ "WEATHER". Los Angeles Times. July 9, 1981.
  11. 1 2 Roth, David M (2007). "Tropical Storm Lidia - October 5–8, 1981". Hydrometeorological Prediction Center . Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  12. ↑ "Split personalities". The Courier. October 10, 1981. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  13. 1 2 3 "50,000 Mexicans left homeless by flooding from hurricane Lydia (sic)". Anchorage Daily News . Associated Press. November 10, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Six Die in Flash Floods". Times Daily . United Press International. October 11, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  15. 1 2 "Floods strike Mexico". Daily Union . November 9, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  16. 1 2 "The World – 44 Killed in Hurricane". Reading Eagle . November 11, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  17. 1 2 "Storm batters Mexican coast". The Spokesman-Review . October 10, 1981. Retrieved October 10, 2010.
  18. ↑ "Tropical Storm Kills 65 In Northern Mexico". The New York Times . October 9, 1981. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  19. ↑ "Death Toll in Mexico Put at 74 After 2 Storms Strike Coast". The New York Times. Associated Press. October 14, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  20. 1 2 David Roth. Hurricane Norma (Report). Hydrometeorological Prediction Center . Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Norma smacks Mexican Coast". The Pittsburgh Press. United Press International. November 12, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  22. ↑ "Mexico's Pacific Coast devastated by storms". The Palm Beach Post. United Press International. October 14, 1984. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Storms Swamp Central Texas". Times Daily. United Press International. October 14, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
  24. 1 2 "Hurricanes and Tropical Storms That Have Affected North Texas From 1874 to 2009". NWS Ft. Worth. Retrieved January 5, 2010.
  25. 1 2 "Rain over, but the danger still exist". The Leader-Post. Associated Press. October 14, 1981. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  26. ↑ David Longshore (1998). Encyclopedia of hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones. Facts On File, Inc. p. 349. ISBN   978-0-8160-6295-9 . Retrieved January 2, 2011.
  27. ↑ Stuart Hinson. Event Report for Texas (Report). National Climatic Data Center . Retrieved January 1, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  28. ↑ Stuart Hinson. "Event Report Texas". National Climatic Data Center. Retrieved January 1, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  29. ↑ JMA Historical Weather Maps (Report). Japanese Meteorological Agency. January 19, 2020.
  30. 1 2 National Hurricane Operations Plan (PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1981. pp. 3-4–3-8. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  31. 1 2 "Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Name History". Atlantic Tropical Weather Center. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  32. ↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan (PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. April 1987. p. 3-9. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.