1981 Pacific hurricane season
Encyclopedia
The 1981 Pacific hurricane season was a moderately active Pacific hurricane season with six tropical cyclone
s directly affecting land. 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 the northeastern Pacific Ocean
. The first tropical cyclone developed on May 30, which was ten days later than the normal start of the season. The final storm of the season, Hurricane Otis, dissipated on October 30. There was an absence in storm activity across the Central Pacific Ocean
, as no storms developed in the basin. However, two tropical cyclones from the Eastern Pacific, Greg and Jova, entered the Central Pacific, with the latter entering as a hurricane. The season produced fifteen named storms, which was slightly below the average of sixteen named storms per season. However, the total of eight hurricanes during the season was equal to the average, and the total of one major hurricane was below the average of three.
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 (1981 USD) in damage, which can be contributed to significant crop damage and many tornadoes. However, the deadliest tropical cyclone of the season was Tropical Storm Lidia
made two landfalls one on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula
and the second on the shores of Sinaloa
in early October. Because of the heavy rainfall observed in northwestern Mexico, seventy-three fatalities were reported, along with $80 million in damage.
. No storms formed in the central Pacific. There are also at least two tropical depressions that did not strengthen into storms.
Six tropical cyclones made landfall in Mexico: first, Tropical Storm Adrian made landfall 240 mi (386.2 km) east-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico, 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 Mazatlan
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. Hurricane Norma
, struck as a Category 2 hurricane just northeast of Mazatlan. The second to strike the area in 10 days, Norma was absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. The combined entity produced heavy rainfall and severe weather across Texas, which subsequently led to severe crop damage. Lastly, 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 Mazatlan at hurricane intensity on October 30. Otis was the second of two hurricanes to make landfall in the country this season.
activity located 270 mi (434.5 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 (28.9 °C) sea surface temperatures
. Twelve hours after formation, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm, earning the name Adrian, and becoming the first tropical storm of the season. Reaching a peak intensity of 45 mph (72.4 km/h), Adrian began to move over slightly cooler ocean temperatures of 81 °F (27.2 °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 (386.2 km) east-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico; however, no damage associated with the tropical cyclone was reported, and Adrian dissipated later that same day.
, Beatriz attained hurricane status at 1800 UTC on June 30, and intensified further to attain its first brief peak at 85 mph (136.8 km/h) by early on June 1. Fluctuating in intensity, Hurricane Beatirz attained its peak intensity for a second time on June 2, 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
. Initially posing a threat to Mexico, the Hurricane Hunters
were put on standby; but, no flights were made into the storm. However, the system did produce wave heights as high as 4 ft (1.2 m) to southern California, but impact from the storm was less than anticipated.
on July 8, Calvin further weakened to a tropical depression and turned to the west. The system dissipated the following day. As a dying system, Calvin produced high clouds over California
and Arizona
.
became apparent on satellite imagery, and the storm turned more towards the west. Cooler ocean temperatures of 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 1000 mi (1,609.3 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas, without any effects to land.
, the storm accelerated towards the west-northwest, and Eugene reached a peak intensity of 50 mph (80.5 km/h) early on June 19. Shortly thereafter, the system began to enter cooler ocean temperatures, and weakened to a tropical depression on July 20. After holding in intensity for a day, Eugene dissipated on July 21, while located 700 mi (1,126.5 km) west of Baja California Sur
, over water temperatures of 73 °F (22.8 °C). There are no reports of any effects attributed to the storm.
, the next cyclone of the season developed on August 13. Over warm sea surface temperatures, the depression steadily intensified; it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Greg at 1800 UTC. Because the storm was moving on the southwest side of an area of high pressure, it moved west-northwest. Meanwhile, the storm passed 34 mi (54.7 km) south of Clarion Island at 2100 UTC 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. However, increased wind shear caused the storm to rapidly weaken back into a tropical storm. At this time, the tropical storm was located over 78 °F (25.6 °C) water. Shortly thereafter, Greg moved into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility. It continued to weaken, and was only a minimal tropical storm by the afternoon of August 21. While Greg weakened into a depression, it maintained a well-defined center of circulation for an additional 24 hours until dissipating at 1800 UTC August 22 over 600 mi (965.6 km) west-northwest of Hawaii
.
upgraded a tropical distrubance into a tropical depresion roughly 400 mi (643.7 km) west of the Mexican coast at 2105 UTC August 21. Four hours later, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Hilary. After truning towards the west, Tropical Storm Hillary passed about 50 mi (80.5 km) south of Socorro Island. Even though Tropical Storm 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 (402.3 km) west of Cabo San Lucas
. Moving west, Hilary began to weaken over 84 °F (28.9 °C) water. Late on August 28, 24 hours after weakening into a tropical depression, Hilary dissipated far from land.
on August 30. The next day, after moving offshore, Calvin dissipated.
s. This caused an increase in humidity.
, Knut turned sharply to the east. After passing 100 mi (160.9 km) south of Baja California, the tropical storm weakened over cooler water. Knut disspated as it made landfall in Mexico, at 1330 UTC September 21. No damage was reported.
coast of Baja California Sur
and made landfall just south of Los Mochis in Sinaloa
on October 8. Tropical Storm Lidia rapidly weakened and dissipated the same day.
In all, Tropical Storm Lidia was a deadly, destructive tropical cyclone. It resulted in more casualties and caused greater damage than Hurricane Norma
, which took place later that season. Lidia killed at least 73 people and caused at least $80 million (1981 USD) which is equivalent to $193 million (2010 USD) in damage. It inflicted heavy rain and flooding throughout parts of northwestern Mexico
, especially Sinaloa
. About 800 homes were destroyed in Los Mochis alone.
during the season, it developed on October 8. The depression soon strengthened 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 re-curved 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 (254 mm) in rain. In Texas, the storm produced flooding rains that killed five people, $50 million in damage and caused many tornado
es. Rainfall was also reported as far inland as Kansas
.
as a minimal Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm. On October 30, Otis made landfall near Mazatlan, before being absorbed by a frontal system.
drifted north-northwest of a couple of days before organizing into a tropical depression a short distance southwest of Cabo San Lucas
. Despite belong located over warm sea surface temperatures, it failed to intensify. Tropical Depression Nine-E moved westward for 12 hours prior to dissipation.
.
The central Pacific used names and numbers from the western Pacific's typhoon list. No names or numbers were used during the 1981 season, and the season was the last to use this scheme.
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
s directly affecting land. 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 the northeastern Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
. The first tropical cyclone developed on May 30, which was ten days later than the normal start of the season. The final storm of the season, Hurricane Otis, dissipated on October 30. There was an absence in storm activity across the Central Pacific Ocean
Central Pacific Hurricane Center
The Central Pacific Hurricane Center of the United States National Weather Service is the official body responsible for tracking and issuing tropical cyclone warnings, watches, advisories, discussions, and statements for the Central North Pacific Basin...
, as no storms developed in the basin. However, two tropical cyclones from the Eastern Pacific, Greg and Jova, entered the Central Pacific, with the latter entering as a hurricane. The season produced fifteen named storms, which was slightly below the average of sixteen named storms per season. However, the total of eight hurricanes during the season was equal to the average, and the total of one major hurricane was below the average of three.
The strongest tropical cyclone of the season was Hurricane Norma
Hurricane Norma (1981)
Hurricane Norma was the one of 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...
, which was a powerful Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane scale
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale , or the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale , classifies hurricanes — Western Hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms — into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds...
. The storm caused six deaths, five in Texas, and one in Mexico, due to severe flooding. Additionally, the storm caused $74 million (1981 USD) in damage, which can be contributed to significant crop damage and many tornadoes. However, the deadliest tropical cyclone of the season was Tropical Storm Lidia
Tropical Storm Lidia (1981)
Tropical Storm Lidia was a deadly, destructive tropical cyclone that occurred during the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. It resulted in more casualties and caused greater damage than Hurricane Norma, which took place later that season. On October 6, a tropical depression formed and strengthened into...
made two landfalls one on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula
Baja California Peninsula
The Baja California peninsula , is a peninsula in northwestern Mexico. Its land mass separates the Pacific Ocean from the Gulf of California. The Peninsula extends from Mexicali, Baja California in the north to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur in the south.The total area of the Baja California...
and the second on the shores of Sinaloa
Sinaloa
Sinaloa officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 18 municipalities and its capital city is Culiacán Rosales....
in early October. Because of the heavy rainfall observed in northwestern Mexico, seventy-three fatalities were reported, along with $80 million in damage.
Seasonal summary
There were fifteen named storms, eight hurricanes, and one major hurricane that reached Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson ScaleSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale , or the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale , classifies hurricanes — Western Hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms — into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds...
. No storms formed in the central Pacific. There are also at least two tropical depressions that did not strengthen into storms.
Six tropical cyclones made landfall in Mexico: first, Tropical Storm Adrian made landfall 240 mi (386.2 km) east-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico, but did not cause any damage. Afterwards, Tropical Storm Irwin made landfall
Landfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
in Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur , is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state on October 8, 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of , or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises...
, but similarly to Adrian, did not cause any damage. Tropical Storm Knut later made landfall near Mazatlan
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa; the surrounding municipio for which the city serves as the municipal seat is Mazatlán Municipality. It is located at on the Pacific coast, across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning...
with winds equivalent to a minimal tropical storm, but no deaths or damage was reported.Tropical Storm Lidia
Tropical Storm Lidia (1981)
Tropical Storm Lidia was a deadly, destructive tropical cyclone that occurred during the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. It resulted in more casualties and caused greater damage than Hurricane Norma, which took place later that season. On October 6, a tropical depression formed and strengthened into...
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. Hurricane Norma
Hurricane Norma (1981)
Hurricane Norma was the one of 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...
, struck as a Category 2 hurricane just northeast of Mazatlan. The second to strike the area in 10 days, Norma was absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. The combined entity produced heavy rainfall and severe weather across Texas, which subsequently led to severe crop damage. Lastly, 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
Jalisco
Jalisco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Jalisco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is located in Western Mexico and divided in 125 municipalities and its capital city is Guadalajara.It is one of the more important states...
before making landfall near Mazatlan at hurricane intensity on October 30. Otis was the second of two hurricanes to make landfall in the country this season.
Tropical Storm Adrian
On May 30, an area of intense shower and thunderstormAtmospheric convection
Atmospheric convection is the result of a parcel-environment instability, or temperature difference, layer in the atmosphere. Different lapse rates within dry and moist air lead to instability. Mixing of air during the day which expands the height of the planetary boundary layer leads to...
activity located 270 mi (434.5 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 (28.9 °C) sea surface temperatures
Sea surface temperature
Sea surface temperature is the water temperature close to the oceans surface. The exact meaning of surface varies according to the measurement method used, but it is between and below the sea surface. Air masses in the Earth's atmosphere are highly modified by sea surface temperatures within a...
. Twelve hours after formation, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm, earning the name Adrian, and becoming the first tropical storm of the season. Reaching a peak intensity of 45 mph (72.4 km/h), Adrian began to move over slightly cooler ocean temperatures of 81 °F (27.2 °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
Atmospheric circulation
Atmospheric circulation is the large-scale movement of air, and the means by which thermal energy is distributed on the surface of the Earth....
as it moved towards the Mexican coastline. On June 4, the system made landfall 240 mi (386.2 km) east-southeast of Acapulco, Mexico; however, no damage associated with the tropical cyclone was reported, and Adrian dissipated later that same day.
Hurricane Beatriz
On June 28, the season's second tropical depression formed approximately 400 mi (643.7 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. Gradually strengthening under favorable atmospheric conditionsTroposphere
The troposphere is the lowest portion of Earth's atmosphere. It contains approximately 80% of the atmosphere's mass and 99% of its water vapor and aerosols....
, Beatriz attained hurricane status at 1800 UTC on June 30, and intensified further to attain its first brief peak at 85 mph (136.8 km/h) by early on June 1. Fluctuating in intensity, Hurricane Beatirz attained its peak intensity for a second time on June 2, only to enter an area of higher wind shear
Wind shear
Wind shear, sometimes referred to as windshear or wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere...
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
Baja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
. Initially posing a threat to Mexico, the Hurricane Hunters
Hurricane Hunters
The Hurricane Hunters are aircraft that fly into tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic Ocean and Northeastern Pacific Ocean for the specific purpose of directly measuring weather data in and around those storms. In the United States, the Air Force, Navy, and NOAA units have all participated in...
were put on standby; but, no flights were made into the storm. However, the system did produce wave heights as high as 4 ft (1.2 m) to southern California, but impact from the storm was less than anticipated.
Tropical Storm Calvin
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 (80.5 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 began moving over cooler water and weakened to a minimal tropcial storm, fluctuating in intensity for several days after. Located 98 mi (158 km) south-southeast of Cabo San LucasCabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas , commonly called Cabo, is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the municipality of Los Cabos in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,463 people...
on July 8, Calvin further weakened to a tropical depression and turned to the west. The system dissipated the following day. As a dying system, Calvin produced high clouds over California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
.
Hurricane Dora
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 (408.8 km) north of Clipperton Island, the depression began to strengthen under favorable atmospheric conditions, and became 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 inHg), and 79 mph (127.1 km/h) winds as it passed 29 mi (46.7 km) north of the storm's center. As Dora reached its peak intensity of 90 mph (144.8 km/h) on June 14, a well-defined eyeEye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
became apparent on satellite imagery, and the storm turned more towards the west. Cooler ocean temperatures of 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 1000 mi (1,609.3 km) southwest of Cabo San Lucas, without any effects to land.
Tropical Storm Eugene
Following Dora's dissipation, a new tropical depression formed 300 mi (482.8 km) west of the Mexican coastline. While retaining its intensity, the depression moved towards the 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 (29.4 °C), Eugene slowly intensified. After passing 83 mi (133.6 km) south of Socorro IslandSocorro Island
Socorro Island is a small volcanic island in the Revillagigedo Islands, a Mexican possession lying some 600 kilometers off the country's western coast at 18°48'N, 110°59'W. The size is 16.5 by 11.5 km, with an area of 132 km².- Geology :...
, the storm accelerated towards the west-northwest, and Eugene reached a peak intensity of 50 mph (80.5 km/h) early on June 19. Shortly thereafter, the system began to enter cooler ocean temperatures, and weakened to a tropical depression on July 20. After holding in intensity for a day, Eugene dissipated on July 21, while located 700 mi (1,126.5 km) west of Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur , is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state on October 8, 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of , or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises...
, over water temperatures of 73 °F (22.8 °C). There are no reports of any effects attributed to the storm.
Hurricane Fernanda
Fernanda originated from an area of shower and thunderstorms that organized to become a tropical depression on August 6. Moving rapidly towards the west, the system passed 126 mi (202.8 km) north of Clipperton Island. Above warm ocean temperatures, the depression strengthened to become a tropical storm twenty-one hours after formation. 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 100 mph (160.9 km/h) Category 2 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, without any effects on land.Hurricane Greg
An area of intense thunderstorm activity left the southern coast of Mexico in mid-August. About 184 mi (296.1 km) south of Socorro IslandSocorro Island
Socorro Island is a small volcanic island in the Revillagigedo Islands, a Mexican possession lying some 600 kilometers off the country's western coast at 18°48'N, 110°59'W. The size is 16.5 by 11.5 km, with an area of 132 km².- Geology :...
, the next cyclone of the season developed on August 13. Over warm sea surface temperatures, the depression steadily intensified; it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Greg at 1800 UTC. Because the storm was moving on the southwest side of an area of high pressure, it moved west-northwest. Meanwhile, the storm passed 34 mi (54.7 km) south of Clarion Island at 2100 UTC 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. However, increased wind shear caused the storm to rapidly weaken back into a tropical storm. At this time, the tropical storm was located over 78 °F (25.6 °C) water. Shortly thereafter, Greg moved into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility. It continued to weaken, and was only a minimal tropical storm by the afternoon of August 21. While Greg weakened into a depression, it maintained a well-defined center of circulation for an additional 24 hours until dissipating at 1800 UTC August 22 over 600 mi (965.6 km) west-northwest of Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
.
Hurricane Hilary
Based on a report from a cargo ship, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane CenterEastern Pacific Hurricane Center
The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center was formerly the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center responsible for forecasting Pacific hurricanes in the eastern north Pacific east of 140°W...
upgraded a tropical distrubance into a tropical depresion roughly 400 mi (643.7 km) west of the Mexican coast at 2105 UTC August 21. Four hours later, the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Hilary. After truning towards the west, Tropical Storm Hillary passed about 50 mi (80.5 km) south of Socorro Island. Even though Tropical Storm Hilary developed a well-defined eye
Eye (cyclone)
The eye is a region of mostly calm weather found at the center of strong tropical cyclones. The eye of a storm is a roughly circular area and typically 30–65 km in diameter. It is surrounded by the eyewall, a ring of towering thunderstorms where the second most severe weather of a cyclone...
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 (402.3 km) west of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas , commonly called Cabo, is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the municipality of Los Cabos in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,463 people...
. Moving west, Hilary began to weaken over 84 °F (28.9 °C) water. Late on August 28, 24 hours after weakening into a tropical depression, Hilary dissipated far from land.
Tropical Storm Irwin
A tropical depression formed 155 mi (249.4 km) west of Acapulco on August 27. Over 85 °F (29.4 °C) water, the depression intesifed 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 (28.3 °C) water. Less than 100 mi (160.9 km) southeast of Baja California, Irwin was downgraded into a depression. Turning west-northwest, Irwin made landfall about 50 mi (80.5 km) south of La PazLa Paz, Baja California Sur
La Paz is the capital city of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and an important regional commercial center. The city had a 2010 census population of 215,178 persons, but its metropolitan population is somewhat larger because of surrounding towns like el Centenario, el Zacatal and San Pedro...
on August 30. The next day, after moving offshore, Calvin dissipated.
Hurricane Jova
After two weeks of inactivity, a tropical depression formed at 1200 UTC September 24. 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. After entering the Central Pacific on July 19, the cyclone turned west-northwest. Hurricane Jova dissipated about 100 miles (160.9 km) north of Hawaii on July 21. Dee 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 windTrade wind
The trade winds are the prevailing pattern of easterly surface winds found in the tropics, within the lower portion of the Earth's atmosphere, in the lower section of the troposphere near the Earth's equator...
s. This caused an increase in humidity.
Tropical Storm Knut
While Jova was weakening, a tropical disturbance formed within 300 mi (482.8 km) the Mexician coast. Moving west-northwest, a tropical depression formed on September 19, and becmae a tropical storm six hours later. Above 85 °F (29.4 °C) sea surface temperatures, Knut continuted to intesfiy. 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 troughTrough (meteorology)
A trough is an elongated region of relatively low atmospheric pressure, often associated with fronts.Unlike fronts, there is not a universal symbol for a trough on a weather chart. The weather charts in some countries or regions mark troughs by a line. In the United States, a trough may be marked...
, Knut turned sharply to the east. After passing 100 mi (160.9 km) south of Baja California, the tropical storm weakened over cooler water. Knut disspated as it made landfall in Mexico, at 1330 UTC September 21. No damage was reported.
Tropical Storm Lidia
On October 6, a tropical depression formed and strengthened into a tropical storm six hours later. Lidia brushed the Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
coast of Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur
Baja California Sur , is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. Before becoming a state on October 8, 1974, the area was known as the South Territory of Baja California. It has an area of , or 3.57% of the land mass of Mexico and comprises...
and made landfall just south of Los Mochis in Sinaloa
Sinaloa
Sinaloa officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 18 municipalities and its capital city is Culiacán Rosales....
on October 8. Tropical Storm Lidia rapidly weakened and dissipated the same day.
In all, Tropical Storm Lidia was a deadly, destructive tropical cyclone. It resulted in more casualties and caused greater damage than Hurricane Norma
Hurricane Norma (1981)
Hurricane Norma was the one of 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...
, which took place later that season. Lidia killed at least 73 people and caused at least $80 million (1981 USD) which is equivalent to $193 million (2010 USD) in damage. It inflicted heavy rain and flooding throughout parts of northwestern Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, especially Sinaloa
Sinaloa
Sinaloa officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 18 municipalities and its capital city is Culiacán Rosales....
. About 800 homes were destroyed in Los Mochis alone.
Tropical Storm Max
On October 7, a tropical depression developed several hundred miles to the south of the Mexican coastline. Under apparent 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 (80.5 km/h) briefly on October 9 before the system began to move into cooler ocean temperatures and higher 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.Hurricane Norma
One of two hurricanes to make landfallLandfall (meteorology)
Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone or a waterspout coming onto land after being over water. When a waterspout makes landfall it is reclassified as a tornado, which can then cause damage inland...
during the season, it developed on October 8. The depression soon strengthened 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
Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale , or the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale , classifies hurricanes — Western Hemisphere tropical cyclones that exceed the intensities of tropical depressions and tropical storms — into five categories distinguished by the intensities of their sustained winds...
. The storm re-curved and accelerated to the northeast on October 11 and weakened to a Category 2. The next day, Norma made landfall near Mazatlán
Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa; the surrounding municipio for which the city serves as the municipal seat is Mazatlán Municipality. It is located at on the Pacific coast, across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula.Mazatlán is a Nahuatl word meaning...
on October 12 and soon dissipated. The hurricane's remnants continued northeastward and entered the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, crossing into central Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
before being absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. Norma caused $24 million in crop damage and one death in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, as well as up to 10 in (254 mm) in rain. In Texas, the storm produced flooding rains that killed five people, $50 million in damage and caused many tornado
Tornado
A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as a twister or a cyclone, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology in a wider...
es. Rainfall was also reported as far inland as Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
.
Hurricane Otis
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 (136.8 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 JaliscoJalisco
Jalisco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Jalisco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is located in Western Mexico and divided in 125 municipalities and its capital city is Guadalajara.It is one of the more important states...
as a minimal Category 1 hurricane before weakening to a tropical storm. On October 30, Otis made landfall near Mazatlan, before being absorbed by a frontal system.
Other storms
On August 4, a tropical depression developed 800 mi (1,287.5 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 (338 km) south-southeast of Socorro IslandSocorro Island
Socorro Island is a small volcanic island in the Revillagigedo Islands, a Mexican possession lying some 600 kilometers off the country's western coast at 18°48'N, 110°59'W. The size is 16.5 by 11.5 km, with an area of 132 km².- Geology :...
drifted north-northwest of a couple of days before organizing into a tropical depression a short distance southwest of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas , commonly called Cabo, is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, in the municipality of Los Cabos in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. As of the 2010 census, the population was 68,463 people...
. Despite belong located over warm sea surface temperatures, it failed to intensify. Tropical Depression Nine-E moved westward for 12 hours prior to dissipation.
Storm names
The following names were used for named storms that formed in the eastern Pacific in 1981. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray. No names were retired, so it was used again in the 1987 season1987 Pacific hurricane season
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...
.
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Tropical Storm Lidia (1981) Tropical Storm Lidia was a deadly, destructive tropical cyclone that occurred during the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. It resulted in more casualties and caused greater damage than Hurricane Norma, which took place later that season. On October 6, a tropical depression formed and strengthened into... Hurricane Norma (1981) Hurricane Norma was the one of 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... |
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The central Pacific used names and numbers from the western Pacific's typhoon list. No names or numbers were used during the 1981 season, and the season was the last to use this scheme.
See also
- List of Pacific hurricanes
- List of Pacific hurricane seasons
- 1981 Atlantic hurricane season1981 Atlantic hurricane seasonThe 1981 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, 1981, and lasted until November 30, 1981. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic basin. The 1981 season was high in activity with 18 tropical depressions and...
- 1981 Pacific typhoon season1981 Pacific typhoon seasonThe 1981 Pacific typhoon season has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1981, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern...
- 1981 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
- Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone seasons: 1980–81, 1981–82