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 (Category 3 or greater on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale).
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, 2000.[1] 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; despite this, there were no off-season tropical cyclones this year. Seasonal activity began on May 22, when Hurricane Aletta formed off the southwest coast of Mexico. Two storms formed in June, though the season slowly became active in July when three named storms developed, including Hurricane Daniel, which was the second-strongest storm of the season. August was the most active month of the year, with six named storms forming, including hurricanes Gilma and Hector. September was a relatively quiet month with two storms, one of which was Hurricane Lane. Two storms developed in October including Tropical Storm Olivia, while the final named storm, Tropical Storm Rosa, formed in November.
Seasonal summary
The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2000 Pacific hurricane season as calculated by Colorado State University using data from the National Hurricane Center was 96units.[nb 1][2] Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39mph (63km/h).
The season officially started on May 15, 2000, in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 2000, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 2000. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. This season had an above average number of storms. However, it had a below-average number of hurricanes and major hurricanes. There were also two tropical depressions that did not reach storm strength. In the central Pacific, two tropical storms formed. The first storm formed on May 22 and the last storm dissipated on November 8.
A tropical wave crossed Central America and entered the Gulf of Tehuantepec on May 20. Deep convection developed near the center of the disturbance, and the system became the first tropical depression of the season on May 22 while located south of Acapulco, Mexico.[3] A mid-level ridge forced a west-northwest track away from the Mexican coast.[4] It intensified into Tropical Storm Aletta early on May 23 while located 220 miles (350km) south of Zihuatanejo, Mexico, becoming the first May tropical storm in four years. As it turned westward, it continued a slow intensification trend, before strengthening more quickly due to decreased wind shear. On May 24, Aletta attained hurricane status, and shortly thereafter reached peak winds of 105mph (169km/h); this made it a Category 2 on the Saffir–Simpson scale.[3] After maintaining peak winds for about 18 hours, Aletta began a weakening trend due to increasing wind shear. At around the same time, a trough eroded the ridge that was steering the movement of Aletta, causing the hurricane to remain almost stationary for the next two days. The lack of motion resulted in upwelling which imparted additional weakening, and Aletta dropped to tropical storm status on May 27. It quickly deteriorated that day, and on May 28 the system dissipated well south of Cabo San Lucas after it began a slow north drift. The remnants lingered in the same area for the next several days.[3]
Hurricane Aletta was the second-strongest May hurricane by pressure, as well as the fourth strongest May hurricane by winds.[5]
The tropical wave that eventually became Tropical Storm Bud was first identified off the coast of Africa on May 22. It moved across the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean, then into the eastern Pacific Ocean on June 6 with little development. The tropical wave remained disorganized until June 11 when a broad low-pressure area developed southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. The wave was only intensifying slowly, and on June 13, it became strong enough to be designated as a tropical depression. It quickly strengthened to tropical storm intensity six hours later, and moved to the northwest.[6] It was forecast to strengthen to a strong tropical storm with winds reaching 70mph (110km/h),[7] but the storm only reached a peak intensity of 50mph (80km/h) early on June 14. Bud turned to the north-northwest, and slowly weakened from June 15 onwards, due to increasing vertical wind shear and cooler ocean water temperatures.[6] The storm's forward speed decreased and began to meander, as the ridge to the north of Bud weakened and a trough developed over the western United States.[8] It drifted erratically while located just north of Socorro Island, and was downgraded to a tropical depression on June 16. By the next day, the depression degenerated into an area of low pressure, which persisted until June 19.[6]
Bud passed near Socorro Island on June 15, with estimated one-minute winds of 45mph (72km/h), and caused large waves along the western coast of Mexico. However, no reports of damage or casualties were received.[6]
A tropical wave left the coast of Africa on June 3. It entered the East Pacific on June 12 and spawned a weak low four days later. It remained disorganized until developing a concentration of deep convection on June 18, and the low became Tropical Depression Three-E by 18:00 UTC that day. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Carlotta six hours later. Moving generally westward at about 11 knots (13mph), Carlotta developed a ragged banding eye surrounded by deep convection late on June 19, and became a hurricane at 6:00 UTC on the 20th. Carlotta began to rapidly intensify shortly after becoming a hurricane, with its winds increasing by 80mph in just 24 hours, and it reached peak intensity at 6:00 UTC on the 21st with 155mph (249km/h) winds. Shortly thereafter, Carlotta turned to the west-northwest, slowing slightly, around the edge of a mid-tropospheric ridge over Mexico. It quickly weakened during this time, down to 100 knots (115mph) by 00:00 UTC on June 22. Oscillating eye definition that day caused Carlotta to fluctuate in intensity until it resumed weakening on June 23, falling to tropical storm status on June 24 as it moved more quickly towards cooler waters. Diminishing convection caused Carlotta to weaken to tropical depression intensity by 00:00 UTC on June 25, and it dissipated six hours later. A remnant swirl of low clouds persisted for several days afterward.[9]
Though it never made landfall, Carlotta killed 18 people when it sank the Lithuanianfreighter M/V Linkuva. Carlotta is also the third-most intense June tropical cyclone in the east Pacific; only Ava of 1973 and Celia of 2010 were stronger.[9]
Tropical Depression Four-E formed from the same tropical wave that spawned Tropical Depression Two in the Atlantic Ocean. The tropical wave crossed Central America between June 30 and July 1, continuing to move westward into the Pacific Ocean. The wave became more organized on July 6 and the National Hurricane Center started issuing advisories on the newly developed tropical depression later that day.[10] The NHC initially predicted that the depression would reach tropical storm intensity, as there was a lack of vertical wind shear around the system and sea surface temperatures were warm enough for intensification to occur.[11] The depression lacked any deep convection, however, and it began weakening On July 7.[12] The depression entered an area of stronger wind shear and dissipated that day.[13]
A tropical wave organized into Tropical Depression One-C on July 20 while located southeast of the Hawaiian Islands. It strengthened slowly and moved nearly due west, before reaching storm strength later on July 20. The storm was named Upana, which is Hawaiian for "Urban". Despite a favorable environment, Upana strengthened little, reaching a peak intensity on July 21 with winds of 50mph (80km/h). The storm had no deep convection in its circulation on July 22, and was downgraded to a tropical depression in the afternoon. Late on July 23, deep convection flared up, briefly strengthening the system again, but failed to re-gain tropical storm status, as it remained poorly organized. It dissipated on July 24, despite a low-shear environment favorable for development.[14]
Upana was the first tropical storm to develop in the Central Pacific region since Tropical Storm Paka in the 1997 season.
The origins of Tropical Depression Five-E were first identified on July 8 when a tropical wave moved off the west African coast. It entered the eastern Pacific Ocean on July 16 after tracking over the Caribbean Sea. The wave developed to a tropical depression on July 22.[15] Lacking significant deep convection and moving over cold waters, Five-E never intensified further to a tropical storm.[16] The depression dissipated late on July 23, just one day after it formed.[17]
A tropical wave departed the western African coast on July 8. The wave crossed the Atlantic and Central America uneventfully. However, on July 23, while in the East Pacific, the wave's weather became well-organized, and it developed into a tropical depression that day. After reaching tropical storm intensity, the system was named Daniel, and it became a hurricane the next day. Rapid intensification brought Daniel to its peak as a Category 3 hurricane on July 25. Afterwards, the storm fluctuated in intensity until it weakened to a tropical storm on July 30. Daniel slowed, turned northwestward, and passed 120 nautical miles north of Hawaii the next day. Accelerating, Daniel weakened to a tropical depression on August 3 and dissipated two days later.
No casualties or damaged was reported in association with Hurricane Daniel, despite the system's passing close enough to Hawaii to require tropical storm warnings. It still produced heavy surf conditions along the northern shores of the Hawaiian Islands. Daniel was the first tropical cyclone to be a significant threat to Hawaii since 1994.[18]
On July 11, a tropical wave moved off the African coast, and moved to the Lesser Antilles one week later. It passed over Central America near Panama on July 22 without any increase in organization. On July 25, the wave began to show curved banding, showing that it had become better organized. It intensified to a tropical depression on July 26 while located south southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico, designated as Tropical Depression Seven-E. The depression was upgraded to Tropical Storm Emilia later that day while moving northwest, steered by a mid-level ridge to its north.[19] During this time, Emilia was forecast to strengthen to a hurricane within two days, due to the system moving over warm waters.[20] However, late on July 27, the storm began to accelerate, meaning that it will move into cooler waters sooner than firstly anticipated, therefore, only allowing the storm to intensify within a few hours before weakening.[21] Emilia moved near Socorro Island and its intensity peaked with wind speeds of 65mph (105km/h), with an eyewall beginning to form. A few hours later, the storm moved into cooler waters and drier air, and Emilia's deep convection dissipated, weakening the storm.[19] Late on July 28 deep convection redeveloped near the storm's center, but wind shear prevented Emilia from strengthening.[22] It turned to the west and weakened below tropical storm intensity on July 29,[19] as the deep convection in the storm diminished again.[23] It shortly dissipated while located several hundred miles west south-west of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.[19]
A tropical wave moved off the west coast of Africa on July 19, and entered into the Pacific on July 27. Minimal development occurred in the west-northwestward moving wave until August 1. It was then that the tropical wave began developing a low-level circulation and convective organization was seen to the south of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. The system continued to become better organized, and was classified as Tropical Depression Eight-E, which was centered about 621 miles (999km) west-southwest of Manzanillo on August 3 at 1200 UTC. The depression initially moved west-northwestward about 15mph (24km/h), and later slowed and turned westward on August 4. As the depression had curved westward, it had intensified enough to be upgraded to Tropical Storm Fabio. Despite the presence of wind shear, Fabio continued to strengthen and reach a peak intensity of 50mph (80km/h) later that day. Fabio turned toward west-southwest while weakening on August 5. Fabio weakened back to a tropical depression on August 6 and dissipated two days later about 1,347 miles (2,168km) west-southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The remnant swirl of low clouds persisted for several more days, eventually undergoing a Fujiwhara interaction with the remains of Hurricane Gilma.[24]
Gilma's precursor was a tropical wave that moved off the African coast on July 20 or 21. The wave entered the East Pacific on August 2, and the formation of a well-defined center led to the formation of a depression on August 5, 250 nautical miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico. The system strengthened into a tropical storm at 12:00 UTC that day, at which point it became known as Gilma. Gilma gradually intensified and became a hurricane on August 8 at 6:00 UTC. Gilma reached peak intensity six hours later and moved over cooler waters. Gilma steadily weakened thereafter, and became a tropical depression again at 00:00 UTC on August 10. The cyclone lost any significant convection at 18:00 UTC on the same day, and dissipated six hours later.[25]
In the middle of August, two tropical storms developed off the Mexican coastline. Hector, the first, became a tropical depression at 18:00 UTC on August 10, and developed banding features late the next day and strengthened into a tropical storm. Hector moved generally westward under the influence of a strong ridge, developed a central dense overcast and a ragged eye, and became a hurricane on August 14. Hector reached peak intensity 12 hours later. Hector then weakened and dissipated over colder water southwest of Baja California. The remnants of Hector passed over the Hawaiian Islands several days later, producing heavy rain over most of the island chain.[26]
A tropical wave emerged from the African coast on the first day of August. The wave crossed Central America and southern Mexico into the Eastern Pacific, and on August 13, a 12:21 UTC QuikSCAT scan revealed a low-level circulation, and it was designated as a tropical depression. Early the next day, the depression strengthened into a 40mph tropical storm named Ileana. Tropical Storm Ileana paralleled the Mexican coast and reached peak intensity as a high-end tropical storm early on August 15 with 70mph winds. The storm maintained this intensity for 18 hours before passing just south of the Baja California Peninsula, turning west, and weakening to a tropical depression late on August 16. It dissipated early the next day, but the remnant low-level circulation persisted until August 20.[27]
A tropical disturbance developed in the Western Pacific Ocean along the eastern periphery of the monsoon trough in mid-August. Located at 33° north, it steadily organized, and became Tropical Depression Sixteen-W on August 15 while located 1,700 miles (2,700km) to the northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. It moved eastward along the west–east-oriented surface pressure trough, and crossed the International Date Line later on August 15. Abnormally warm sea surface temperatures allowed the system to intensify despite its unusually high latitude, and it became Tropical Storm Wene on August 16. It quickly attained a peak intensity of 50mph (80km/h), but weakened due to colder sea surface temperatures and wind shear. Wene continued to weaken, and dissipated when the storm merged with an extratropical cyclone.[14]
As a depression, Wene was the first Western Pacific tropical cyclone to cross the dateline since the 1996 season. The name Wene is Hawaiian for "Wayne".[14] The system formed at the second-northernmost latitude of any storm in the East Pacific basin.
John originated on August 28 from an area of disturbed weather that was associated with the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) near just outside the Central Pacific basin. Developing near the Central Pacific basin, John eventually entered early on August 30 and was then also monitored by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. that was a tropical storm for several days and moved from the eastern to the central Pacific basin. Thereafter entering the central Pacific region, Tropical Storm John approached hurricane status while meandering erratically east-southeast of Hawaii. John eventually encountered strong wind shear, and dissipated on September 1. Tropical Storm John did not cause any damage or fatalities, as there were no reports of any land being affected.[28]
Part of the same tropical wave that spawned Tropical Storm Chris in the Atlantic uneventfully crossed the rest of the Atlantic and passed far out to sea into the Pacific before it organized into Tropical Depression Fourteen-E on August 31. Despite significant shear, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Kristy as it meandered far from land over the open ocean. Wind shear then dissipated the system on September 3, just 210 kilometers from where it first formed.[29]
The precursor to Lane was a tropical wave that formed in the Atlantic Ocean on August 20. The wave moved across the Atlantic basin without development and crossed Central America on August 29. By September 1, the system was beginning to organize south of Mexico. On September 4, the system became a tropical depression 140 miles (230km) southwest of Manzanillo, Mexico. The next day the tropical depression became Tropical Storm Lane. After becoming a tropical storm, Lane executed a counter-clockwise loop, during that maneuver, the storm crossed its own wake and weakened slightly. After the storm finished the loop, it continued to move westward where it reached hurricane strength on September 9 while passing over Socorro Island. By September 11, Lane encountered cooler waters which weakened the hurricane back to tropical storm strength. Lane then encountered a trough that had formed off the western United States coastline. The interaction with the system caused Lane to curve northeast towards the West Coast of the United States. On September 13, Lane passed over cooler waters, causing it to weaken to a tropical depression. Lane then dissipated on the next day.[30]
On September 9, forecasters predicted that the storm would remain offshore and its rainbands would bring heavy rains and gusty winds across the Baja California.[31] However, because forecasters predicted that the storm would stay offshore, and so no warnings or watches were issued. Lane passed directly over Socorro Island where a weather station recorded a pressure of 973 mb.[30] Although the center of Lane was well offshore, it still brought heavy surf that closed several ports in Mexico.[32] In an Jose del Cabo, Mexico, a weather station reported winds of 32mph (51km/h).[30] Lane remnants then affected the Western United States. The moisture from Lane produced thunderstorms in California.[33] At all locations, effects were minimal, with no reports of damage or casualties.[30]
A tropical wave moved off the coast of Africa on August 29. It remained weak as it moved westward across the Atlantic Ocean, and entered the Pacific Ocean on September 9. As it moved west-northwestward, it organized, and developed into Tropical Depression Fifteen-E on September 15 while 290 miles (470km) east-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. Banding features became more pronounced, though convection remained intermittent. On September 16, the depression briefly became Tropical Storm Miriam, though quickly weakened back to a tropical depression as it continued north-northwestward. Miriam dissipated on September 17 while seventy miles (110km) northeast of Cabo San Lucas. Tropical storm force winds were never reported, and it is possible Miriam never attained tropical storm status.[34]
Miriam dropped lighter than average rainfall upon Mexico, peaking at 7.68 inches (195mm) at La Cruz/Elota.[35] Total damages from the storm amounted to $7.2 million (MXN; $558,000 in 2000 USD$, 987,256 in 2024 USD).[36] By October 24, a national disaster declaration was signed for areas affected by Tropical Storm Miriam in Baja California Sur.[37]
The same tropical wave that spawned Atlantic Hurricane Gordon organized into an area of low pressure in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on September 18. Its convection slowly organized while south of Mexico, and a tropical depression formed on September 20 while 205 miles (330km) south-southeast of Manzanillo, Colima. Weak steering currents forced the depression to drift slowly northward, and later on September 20 it strengthened into Tropical Storm Norman. Norman quickly reached peak winds of 50mph (80km/h) before making landfall in western Mexico. The storm rapidly weakened to a tropical depression over land, but Norman maintained its circulation and some deep convection as it turned to the northwest. It emerged over water on September 22, but turned to the northeast, made landfall again in Mexico, and dissipated later that day.[38]
Norman produced heavy rainfall across western Mexico, peaking at nearly 16 inches (410mm) in the state of Colima.[39] In all, Norman caused $13.3 million (2000 USD; $23.5million2024 USD) in damage.[36]
A tropical wave left the African coast on September 16. Crossing into the East Pacific on September 28, the wave exhibited little thunderstorm activity until it developed a burst of deep convection late on September 30. The development of banding features and sustained winds of 20-25 knots (25-30mph) allowed it to develop into Tropical Depression Seventeen-E at 12:00 UTC on October 2. It strengthened into Tropical Storm Olivia eighteen hours later. Moving west-northwestward away from Mexico, Olivia reached its peak intensity late on October 3 with 55-knot (65mph) winds, a minimum pressure of 994 millibars. It maintained this intensity for 36 hours before an increase in wind shear caused by Atlantic Hurricane Keith caused it to weaken on October 5. After Keith made landfall on Mexico and dissipated, northeasterly shear relaxed, and allowed Olivia to re-strengthen and achieve 55-knot winds again early on October 8. Continual westward movement brought the storm over cooler waters, and it began to weaken for a second time. Olivia dropped to tropical depression intensity at 6:00 UTC on October 9, and dissipated 24 hours later. The resulting remnant low briefly re-gained moderate convection on October 11, but increasing southwesterly shear disrupted it. The low eventually crossed the Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California, and tracked across northwestern Mexico and entered the southwest United States.[40]
The remnants of Olivia brought considerable rainfall to the American Southwest, Northwestern Mexico, and the Baja California Peninsula, exceeding 3 inches in many areas.[40]
An area of disturbed weather emerged from the Intertropical Convergence Zone on October 22. Located several hundred miles south-southeast of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, convection gradually organized and increased, and by October 25 satellite images indicated the development of the eighteenth tropical depression of the season.[41] Operationally it was not classified until 15 hours later.[42] The depression moved westward throughout its duration,[41] and based on Dvorak estimates, intensified into Tropical Storm Paul on October 26. Despite increasing wind shear ahead of the storm, the National Hurricane Center predicted steady intensification to near hurricane status,[43] although Paul only attained peak winds of 45mph (72km/h).[41]
As wind shear increased and convection became disorganized, Paul weakened. A trough briefly curved it to the northwest, before resuming its westward motion.[41] Although the convection was becoming displaced from the low-level circulation, the National Hurricane Center continued to predict strengthening.[44] However, the thunderstorms became minimal,[45] and Paul weakened to a tropical depression early on October 28.[41] The circulation center deteriorated, and although there were bursts in convection,[46] Paul dissipated early on October 29, as it was becoming indistinguishable in the ITCZ.[47] The remnants continued westward, and interacted with an upper-level low, affecting Hawaii with heavy rainfall in early November. The flooding caused $70 million in damage, and the highest rainfall total was 38.76 inches (985mm) at Kapapala Ranch.[48] That rainfall total made Paul the rainiest tropical cyclone in Hawaii, since Hurricane Hiki in 1950.[49]
The origins of Tropical Storm Rosa can be traced to a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa on October 18. It showed signs of development in the southwestern Caribbean Sea, though moved into the East Pacific Ocean on November 1 before being able to develop further. Favorable conditions allowed the system to quickly organize, and the wave formed into Tropical Depression Nineteen-E on November 3 while 230 miles (370km) south of the El Salvador–Guatemala border. A ridge of high pressure to its north forced the depression westward, where it slowly organized into a tropical storm on November 5. A mid-level trough eroded the high-pressure system, allowing Rosa to turn more to the north. On November 6, the storm reached a peak of 65mph (105km/h), though Rosa slowly weakened as it accelerated to the northeast. On November 8, the storm made landfall on the southern coast of Mexico with winds of 40mph (64km/h), and quickly dissipated.[50]
Rosa dropped moderate rainfall across Mexico, peaking at 15.32 inches (389mm) near the Mexico/Guatemala border.[51] Damage was minimal, totaling to only $15,000 (2000 USD; $26,5392024 USD).[36] Rosa was the first November storm since Hurricane Rick in the 1997 season.[5]
Other system
Tropical Storm Chanchu over the western Pacific Ocean on July29
On July 26, a westward moving disturbance in the central Pacific basin containing remnants of Tropical Storm Upana began showing signs of organization as it neared the International Date Line. The next day, a tropical depression, designated 12W by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), formed about 575mi (925km) east of Kwajalein Atoll. The system moved generally northwestward over the next day, and gradually became better organized. At 18:00UTC on July28, JTWC upgraded the depression to a tropical storm and named it Chanchu. Chanchu then tracked north, before dissipating on July30.[52][53]
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Pacific Ocean east of 140°W in 2000.[54] This is the same list used in the 1994 season,[55] as no names were retired from the list following that season.[56] No names were retired from the list at the end of that season, so it was used again for the 2006 season.
For storms that form in the North Pacific from 140°W to the International Date Line, the names come from a series of four rotating lists. Names are used one after the other without regard to year, and when the bottom of one list is reached, the next named storm receives the name at the top of the next list.[54] Two named storms formed in the central North Pacific in 2000. Named storms in the table above that crossed into the area during the year are noted (*).[57]
Upana
Wene
Season effects
This is a table of all of the storms that formed in the 2000 Pacific hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 2000 USD.
↑ The total represents the sum of the squares of the maximum sustained wind speed (knots) for every (sub)tropical storm's intensity of over 33 knots (38mph; 61km/h), divided by 10,000 while they are above that threshold; therefore, tropical depressions are not included.
Related Research Articles
The 2000 Atlantic hurricane season was a fairly active hurricane season, but featured the latest first named storm in a hurricane season since 1992. The hurricane season officially began on June 1, and ended on November 30. It was slightly above average due to a La Niña weather pattern although most of the storms were weak. It was also the only season to have two of the storms affect Ireland. The first cyclone, Tropical Depression One, developed in the southern Gulf of Mexico on June 7 and dissipated after an uneventful duration. However, it would be almost two months before the first named storm, Alberto, formed near Cape Verde; Alberto also dissipated with no effects on land. Several other tropical cyclones—Tropical Depression Two, Tropical Depression Four, Chris, Ernesto, Nadine, and an unnamed subtropical storm—did not impact land. Five additional storms—Tropical Depression Nine, Florence, Isaac, Joyce, and Leslie—minimally affected land areas.
The 2003 Pacific hurricane season was the first season to feature no major hurricanes since 1977. The season officially began on May 15, 2003 in the Eastern North 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. The season featured 16 tropical storms, 7 of which intensified into hurricanes, which was then considered an average season. Damage across the basin reached US$129 million, and 23 people were killed by the storms.
The 2002 Pacific hurricane season was an average season which produced fifteen named storms. Eight hurricanes formed, including a record-equaling three Category 5 hurricanes, a record it shares with the 1994 and 2018 seasons. It was also a near-average season in terms of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), having an ACE of 125. The season officially began on May 15, 2002 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1, 2002 in the Central Pacific; both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclone formation occurs in these regions of the Pacific. The first system of the 2002 season, Hurricane Alma, formed on May 24, and the last, Tropical Depression Sixteen-E, dissipated on November 16.
The 2001 Pacific hurricane season was a relatively near-average Pacific hurricane season which produced fifteen named storms, though most were rather weak and short-lived. Only eight hurricanes formed and two major hurricanes. 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.
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 and becoming the second farthest travelling Pacific hurricane on record.
The 1998 Pacific hurricane season was a fairly average Pacific hurricane season. Despite this, it had nine hurricanes and six major hurricanes, which was well above average. The season officially started on May 15 in the eastern Pacific and on June 1 in the central Pacific, and ended on November 30; these dates conventionally delimit the period during which most tropical cyclones form in that region. The first tropical cyclone developed on June 11, about ten days later than the normal start of the season. The final storm of the year, Hurricane Madeline, dissipated on October 20. Storm activity in the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's warning zone was low, with just one tropical depression observed in the region. Two tropical cyclones from the eastern Pacific also entered the central Pacific; the former did so as a hurricane.
The 1996 Pacific hurricane season had below normal tropical cyclone activity, producing 9 tropical storms, of which 5 became hurricanes, with 2 of those intensifying into major hurricanes. It was later surpassed for 2010. With an Accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index of 53.9, the season ranks among the least intense Pacific hurricane seasons on record. It officially began May 15, 1996, in the eastern north Pacific and on June 1, 1996, in the central north Pacific. It ended on November 30, 1996. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The season slightly exceeded these bounds when tropical storm One-E formed on May 13.
The 1995 Pacific hurricane season was the least active Pacific hurricane season since 1979, and marked the beginning of a multi-decade period of low activity in the basin. Of the eleven tropical cyclones that formed during the season, four affected land, with the most notable storm of the season being Hurricane Ismael, which killed at least 116 people in Mexico. The strongest hurricane in the season was Hurricane Juliette, which reached peak winds of 150 mph (240 km/h), but did not significantly affect land. Hurricane Adolph was an early-season Category 4 hurricane. Hurricane Henriette brushed the Baja California Peninsula in early September.
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.
The 1991 Pacific hurricane season was a near-average Pacific hurricane season. The worst storm this year was Tropical Storm Ignacio, which killed 23 people in Mexico and injured 40 others. Elsewhere, Hurricane Fefa caused flooding in Hawaii. Hurricane Kevin was the strongest system of the season and became the then longest-lasting hurricane in the eastern north Pacific basin at the time, and Hurricane Nora was the strongest November storm to that point. The season officially started on May 15, 1991, in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1991, in the central Pacific. It lasted until November 30, 1991, in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
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 1989 Pacific hurricane season was a near normal season. It officially started on May 15, 1989, in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1989, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1989. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. A total of 18 storms and 9 hurricanes formed, which was near long-term averages. Four hurricanes reached major hurricane status on the Saffir–Simpson scale.
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 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.
The 2012 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active Pacific hurricane season that saw an unusually high number of tropical cyclones pass west of the Baja California Peninsula. The season officially began on May 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the central Pacific (from 140°W to the International Date Line, north of the equator; they both ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in these regions of the Pacific Ocean. However, the formation of tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year. This season's first system, Tropical Storm Aletta, formed on May 14, and the last, Tropical Storm Rosa, dissipated on November 3.
The 2006 Pacific hurricane season was the first above-average season since 1997 which produced twenty-five tropical cyclones, with nineteen named storms, though most were rather weak and short-lived. There were eleven hurricanes, of which six became major hurricanes. Following the inactivity of the previous seasons, forecasters predicted that season would be only slightly above active. It was also the first time since 2003 in which one 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.
The 2009 Pacific hurricane season was the most active Pacific hurricane season since 1997. The season officially started 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 Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone basin; however, tropical cyclone formation is possible at any time of the year. The first system of the season, Tropical Depression One-E, developed on June 18, and the last, Hurricane Neki, dissipated on October 27, keeping activity well within the bounds of the season.
The 2018 Pacific hurricane season was one of the most active Pacific hurricane seasons on record, producing the highest accumulated cyclone energy value on record in the basin. The season had the fourth-highest number of named storms – 23, tied with 1982. The season also featured eight landfalls, six of which occurred in Mexico. The season officially began 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 Pacific basin. However, tropical cyclone formation is possible at any time of the year, as illustrated when the first tropical depression formed on May 10, five days prior to the official start of the season.
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.
The 2020 Pacific hurricane season was a near average Pacific hurricane season in terms of named storms, featuring 17, but well below average season for hurricanes and major hurricanes, with only 4 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes forming. Additionally, no tropical cyclones formed in the Central Pacific basin for the first time since 2017. The season officially began on May 15 in the East Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the Central Pacific (from 140°W to the International Date Line, north of the equator; 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 2020 by the formation of the season's first system, Tropical Depression One-E, on April 25. This was the earliest formation of a tropical cyclone on record in the eastern Pacific basin proper. The final system of the season was Tropical Storm Polo, which dissipated on November 19.
References
↑ Dorst Neal. When is hurricane season? (Report). Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved November 25, 2010.
1 2 National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 2000. pp.3-8–9. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
↑ National Hurricane Operations Plan(PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1994. p.3-7. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
↑ Kevin R. Kodama; Hans E. Rosendal; Benjamin C. Hablutzel; Paul A. Jendrowski; Daniel Eum. 2000 Tropical Cyclones – Central North Pacific(PDF) (Report). Honolulu, Hawaii: Central Pacific Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 31, 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.
