List of Baja California Peninsula hurricanes
Encyclopedia
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 that impacted 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...
, which includes the Mexican states 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...
and 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...
.
1967 Pacific hurricane season
The 1967 Pacific hurricane season started on June 1 and ended on November 30, 1967. The season was of little note except for Hurricanes Katrina and Olivia. Katrina made landfall on the Baja Peninsula, killing at least 60 and make 2,500 homeless. Olivia made landfall on the Eastern side of the Baja...
and Hurricane Kiko in 1989
Hurricane Kiko (1989)
Hurricane Kiko was one of the strongest tropical cyclones to ever make landfall on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The eleventh named storm of the 1989 Pacific hurricane season, Kiko formed out of a large mesoscale convective system on August 25. Slowly tracking...
). The most expensive storm in the area is Hurricane Norbert in 2008
Hurricane Norbert (2008)
Hurricane Norbert was the strongest tropical cyclone in the below-average 2008 Pacific hurricane season. Norbert originated as a tropical wave, developed into a tropical depression on October 3, and into a tropical storm the next day. Norbert ultimately rapidly intensified to a major...
and the deadliest is Hurricane Liza in 1976
Hurricane Liza (1976)
Hurricane Liza was one of the deadliest East Pacific tropical cyclones on record. The seventeenth tropical cyclone, thirteenth named storm, and the eight hurricane of the 1976 Pacific hurricane season, Liza developed from an area of disturbed weather to the southwest of Mexico on September 25...
.
Pre-1949
- Sometime in between June and October 1884: a tropical cyclone of unknown intensity made landfall in the peninsula.
- July 1902: A tropical cyclone made landfall in Baja California.
- August 1915: A tropical cyclone impacted the northern part of Baja California.
- September 13, 1918: Twenty five deaths and heavy damage in La PazLa Paz, Baja California SurLa 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...
and elsewhere were a result of a tropical cyclone of unknown intensity making landfall on this date. - August 1921: A tropical cyclone impacted the central part of the Baja California peninsula.
- September 1921: A tropical cyclone's remnants tracked across the Baja California Peninsula.
- September 1921: The remnants of a tropical cyclone dissipated moved inland after dissipating on this date.
1950s
- August 29, 1951: A tropical storm made landfall in the northern part of the peninsula.
- July 17, 1954: A hurricane made landfall on the peninsula.
- October 5, 1957: A hurricane made landfall on the peninsula.
- September 11, 1958: A tropical storm made landfall and passed north-northwest over the peninsula.
- October 4, 1958: A hurricane made landfall at the southern tip of the peninsula.
- September 9, 1959: A hurricane made landfall and travels up the peninsula.
1960s
- September 6, 1962: Tropical Storm Bernice made landfall on the peninsula.
- September 23–24, 1962: Tropical Storm Claudia skirted the Pacific coast of the northern part of the peninsula before making landfall.
- October 4, 1962: Hurricane Doreen passed close to the southern tip of the peninsula before crossing the Gulf of California and making landfall.
- September 18, 1963: Tropical Depression Jen-Kath made landfall in northern Baja California, just south of the U.S.-Mexico border after weakening from a tropical storm.
- September 6, 1965:Tropical Depression Emily made landfall in the northern part of the peninsula days after passing close by as a hurricane.
- September 15, 1966: Tropical Storm Helga made landfall on the peninsula well after weakening from a hurricane.
- September 28, 1966: Tropical Storm Kirsten made landfall on the peninsula.
- August 31, 1967: Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the southern tip of the peninsula and traveled up it. Katrina did heavy damage, sinking 60 ships and leaving 2500 homeless after it partially destroyed the city of San FelipeSan Felipe, Baja CaliforniaSan Felipe is a town on the Gulf of California in the Mexican state of Baja California, 190 km south of the United States border and within the municipality of Mexicali. It also serves as a borough seat of its surrouding area....
. - October 14, 1967:Hurricane Olivia1967 Pacific hurricane seasonThe 1967 Pacific hurricane season started on June 1 and ended on November 30, 1967. The season was of little note except for Hurricanes Katrina and Olivia. Katrina made landfall on the Baja Peninsula, killing at least 60 and make 2,500 homeless. Olivia made landfall on the Eastern side of the Baja...
becomes the fist of only one of two major hurricanes to make landfall on Baja California No damage figures exist from Olivia, due to the scarce population of the area it struck. However, a total of 61 lives were lost. - October 2, 1968: Hurricane Pauline1968 Pacific hurricane seasonThe 1968 Pacific hurricane season ties the record for having the most active August in terms of tropical storms. It officially started on May 15, 1968 in the eastern Pacific and June 1 in the central Pacific and lasted until November 30, 1968...
made landfall on the peninsula and crossed it. Four or five people died when a sailboat is sunk in Magdalena BayMagdalena BayBahía Magdalena is a 50 km long bay in Comondú Municipality along the western coast of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. It is protected from the Pacific Ocean by the sandy barrier islands of Isla Magdalena and Isla Santa Margarita....
.
1970s
- September 5, 1970: Tropical Depression NormaTropical Storm Norma (1970)Tropical Storm Norma was the fourteenth named tropical cyclone of the 1970 Pacific hurricane season. The storm formed off the coast of Mexico and intensified rapidly, peaking as a strong tropical storm on September 3 before starting a weakening trend which saw it dissipate before making landfall on...
dissipated just offshore, with its moisture being drawn into an extratropical system further to the north. - September 30, 1971: Tropical Depression Olivia made landfall on the peninsula.
- October 6, 1972: Tropical Storm Joanne made landfall in the northern part of the peninsula, causing localized flooding.
- September 25, 1973: Hurricane Irah made landfall on the peninsula. Damage was limited to power lines and flooding.
- September 10, 1976: Tropical Storm KathleenHurricane Kathleen (1976)Hurricane Kathleen was a hurricane of the 1976 Pacific hurricane season that caused destructive impacts in California. Kathleen caused widespread flooding and damage in northern Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It also took an unusual path. On September 7, a tropical depression...
came close to the Point Eugenia peninsula before making landfall just south of EnsenadaEnsenada, Baja CaliforniaEnsenada is a coastal city in Mexico and the third-largest city in Baja California. It is located south of San Diego on the Baja California Peninsula. The city is locally referred to as La Cenicienta del Pacífico, or, The Cinderella of the Pacific...
that same day as it accelerated northwards. No damage was reported. - October 1, 1976: Hurricane LizaHurricane Liza (1976)Hurricane Liza was one of the deadliest East Pacific tropical cyclones on record. The seventeenth tropical cyclone, thirteenth named storm, and the eight hurricane of the 1976 Pacific hurricane season, Liza developed from an area of disturbed weather to the southwest of Mexico on September 25...
passed close to the southern tip of the Baja California PeninsulaBaja California PeninsulaThe 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...
. Liza's heavy rains caused a flash floodFlash floodA flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas—washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins. It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a storm, hurricane, or tropical storm or meltwater from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields...
that burst a dyke near La PazLa Paz, Baja California SurLa 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...
. The resulting torrent of water did heavy damage and killed at least 435, and probably more than 630 people. - August 15, 1977: Hurricane Doreen briefly made landfall as it skirted the Pacific coast of the peninsula.
1980s
- August 30, 1981: Tropical Depression Irwin made landfall on the peninsula.
- September 29, 1982: Hurricane Paul briefly passed over the extreme southern tip of the peninsula. No damage or casualties were reported.
- September 26, 1984: Tropical Storm Norbert made landfall on the peninsula and rapidly weakens. No damage or casualties were reported.
- September 22, 1986: Hurricane Newton made landfall in Cabo San LucasCabo San LucasCabo 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...
. No deaths are reported. - October 1, 1986: Hurricane PaineHurricane Paine (1986)Hurricane Paine in 1986 contributed to one of the most significant flooding events in Oklahoma history. The 16th tropical storm and 8th hurricane of the 1986 Pacific hurricane season, Paine formed on September 28 off the southeast coast of Mexico. It moved around a ridge, later turning to the north...
brushes Cabo San Lucas. Heavy precipitation fell in the southern portion of the Baja California PeninsulaBaja California PeninsulaThe 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...
, upwards of 7 inches (18 cm) fell across its path. strong winds knocked down trees and caused disruptions to city services. - Early October 1986: Hurricane RoslynHurricane Roslyn (1986)Hurricane Roslyn was the strongest hurricane in the 1986 Pacific hurricane season. The 17th and final named storm of the season, Roslyn developed on October 15 to the south of Mexico. Its movement was initially guided by a ridge to its north, and it became a tropical storm on October 16 and a...
drops light rainfall in extreme southern Baja California SurBaja California SurBaja 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...
despite remaining far offshore. - August 27, 1989: Hurricane KikoHurricane Kiko (1989)Hurricane Kiko was one of the strongest tropical cyclones to ever make landfall on the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula. The eleventh named storm of the 1989 Pacific hurricane season, Kiko formed out of a large mesoscale convective system on August 25. Slowly tracking...
made landfall on the Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of CaliforniaThe Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
side of the peninsula. It caused heavy damage but no deaths. However, high winds, gusting over 109 mph (175.4 km/h), brought down numerous trees and power lines. - October 5, 1989: Tropical Storm Raymond made landfall on the peninsula. Since Raymond was moving rapidly, only minor impacts were recorded in Mexico.
1990s
- October 2, 1990: Tropical Storm RachelTropical Storm Rachel (1990)Tropical Storm Rachel was only tropical cyclone to make landfall during the 1990 Pacific hurricane season. The twenty-fourth tropical depression and eighteenth named storm, Rachel developed on September 27 from a tropical wave southwest of mainland Mexico. After becoming a tropical depression,...
made landfall on southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. No reports of either deaths or damage were received. - August 23, 1992: Hurricane LesterHurricane Lester (1992)Hurricane Lester was the first Pacific tropical cyclone to enter the United States as a tropical storm since 1967. The twelfth named storm and seventh hurricane of the 1992 Pacific hurricane season, Lester formed on August 20 from a tropical wave southwest of Mexico. The tropical storm moved...
made landfall near Punta Abrejeos as it rapidly crossed the peninsula. There were no reported deaths, but some damage was reported. - July 8, 1993: Tropical Depression CalvinHurricane Calvin (1993)Hurricane Calvin was a deadly tropical cyclone that made an unusual July landfall on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The fourth tropical cyclone, third named storm, and second hurricane of the 1993 Pacific hurricane season, Calvin developed from an area of convection to the south of Mexico on July 4....
made landfall on the peninsula east-southeast of La PazLa Paz, Baja California SurLa 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...
. No damage or deaths were reported on the peninsula. - August 25–26, 1993: Tropical Storm Hilary made two landfalls on the peninsula. No deaths or damage were reported.
- August 11, 1995: Around this date, Hurricane Flossie passed close to the peninsula. Two people drowned in Cabo San LucasCabo San LucasCabo 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...
. - September 4, 1995: Strong winds, rains, and storm surgeStorm surgeA storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones and strong extratropical cyclones. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea...
from Hurricane HenrietteHurricane Henriette (1995)Hurricane Henriette was the ninth tropical cyclone, eight named storm and fifth hurricane of the 1995 Pacific hurricane season. Henriette developed from a tropical wave that emerged from the west coast of Africa on August 15...
left 800 homeless and caused heavy road damage to the southern part of Baja California Sur. No deaths are reported. - September 14–15, 1995: Hurricane IsmaelHurricane IsmaelHurricane Ismael was a weak, but deadly Pacific hurricane that killed over one hundred people in northern Mexico in September of the 1995 Pacific hurricane season. It developed from a persistent area of deep convection on September 12, and steadily strengthened as it moved to the north-northwest...
passed up the Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of CaliforniaThe Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
. A total of 57 fisherFisherFisher is an archaic term for fisherman, revived as gender-neutral.Fisher or Fishers may also refer to:*Fisher , a North American mustelid*Fisher , a rock band featuring Kathy Fisher as lead singer...
s were killed, some of whom may have been from or near the peninsula. - September 13, 1996: Hurricane FaustoHurricane Fausto (1996)Hurricane Fausto was a Pacific hurricane that caused light damage to Baja California Sur in September 1996. On September 10, a tropical depression developed a short distance south-southeast of the Mexican Riviera. Slowly intensifying, Fuasto paralleled the coastline...
made landfall near Todos Santos on the peninsula. The only death was of a vacationer from San DiegoSan Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
who was electrocuted by a downed power line in Cabo San LucasCabo San LucasCabo 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...
. Damage elsewhere was appreciable, with downed power lines, smashed windows and significant disruption throughout the peninsula. - Early August 1997: Hurricane GuillermoHurricane Guillermo (1997)Hurricane Guillermo was the sixth strongest Pacific hurricane on record, attaining peak winds of 160 mph and a barometric pressure of 919 mbar . Forming out of a tropical wave on July 30, 1997, roughly 345 mi south of Salina Cruz, Mexico, Guillermo tracked in a steady...
produce high waves, up to 12 feet (3.7 m) high. These rough ocean conditions which flooded homes situated along the coast. Two people were killed from after being swept out to sea. - September 25, 1997: Hurricane NoraHurricane Nora (1997)Hurricane Nora was only the third tropical cyclone on record to reach Arizona as a tropical storm. Nora was the fourteenth named tropical cyclone and seventh hurricane of the 1997 Pacific hurricane season...
made landfall near Punta Eugenia. Nora killed two people when one person was electrocutedElectric shockElectric Shock of a body with any source of electricity that causes a sufficient current through the skin, muscles or hair. Typically, the expression is used to denote an unwanted exposure to electricity, hence the effects are considered undesirable....
in MexicaliMexicaliMexicali is the capital of the State of Baja California, seat of the Municipality of Mexicali, and 2nd largest city in Baja California. The City of Mexicali has a population of 689,775, according to the 2010 census, while the population of the entire metropolitan area reaches 936,826.The city...
and a diverScuba divingScuba diving is a form of underwater diving in which a diver uses a scuba set to breathe underwater....
was drowned near San QuintínSan Quintín, Baja CaliforniaSan Quintín is a coastal town on the west coast of the Mexican state of Baja California, in the municipio of Ensenada. San Quintín has beautiful beaches and several places for tourists to stay. Tourists can enjoy fishing, camping, bird watching, surfing, and clam digging...
. - September 2, 1998: Tropical Storm Isis made landfall near San José del CaboSan José del CaboThe city of San José del Cabo is located in Baja California Sur Mexico and is the seat of the municipality of Los Cabos at the south end of the Baja California peninsula. In the 2010 census it had a population of 69,788. Together with neighboring Cabo San Lucas it forms a major tourist destination...
. Throughout the Gulf of CaliforniaGulf of CaliforniaThe Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
region, 18 people were killed and 769 houses were destroyed. - October 20, 1998: Hurricane Madeline dissipates about 120 mi (190 km) to the southeast of La Paz, however no deaths or damages were reported.
- September 7, 1999: Tropical Storm Greg made landfall near Cabo San Lucas. No damage or casualties were reported.
2000s
- August 14–15, 2000: Tropical Storm Ileana briefly threatened the southern areas of the peninsula before suddenly turning out to sea. Large waves caused by the storm likely impacted the coast of that area. No damage or deaths were reported.
- September 30, 2001: Tropical Storm JulietteHurricane Juliette (2001)Hurricane Juliette was a long lasting Category 4 hurricane in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season. It caused 12 deaths and $400 million in damage when it hit Baja California in late September.-Meteorological history:...
made landfall near San Carlos. It caused damage and heavy rainfall throughout the peninsula; Cabo San LucasCabo San LucasCabo 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...
was "clobbered", with it being cut off from the rest of Mexico for several days. Juliette caused two deaths in or near the peninsula. A maximum of 39.8 in (1,010.9 mm) fell in Caudaño, the highest known total ever recorded from a tropical cyclone in the sate. - September 19, 2002: Tropical Storm Iselle briefly threatened Baja California on September 19, before dissipating about 55 mi (90 km) offshore the next day.
- August 25, 2003: Hurricane IgnacioHurricane Ignacio (2003)Hurricane Ignacio was the latest-forming first hurricane of a Pacific hurricane season since reliable satellite observation began in 1966. The ninth tropical storm of the 2003 Pacific hurricane season, Ignacio developed out of a tropical wave on August 22 a short distance off the coast of Mexico...
made landfall on the peninsula. Heavy rains caused a flood that swept two rescue workers to their deaths. - September 22, 2003: Hurricane MartyHurricane Marty (2003)Hurricane Marty was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 2003 Pacific hurricane season. Forming on September 18, it became the 13th tropical storm and fourth hurricane of the year...
made landfall near San Jose del Cabo. A total of 4000 houses were destroyed with disruption to boats in the area. The hurricane was responsible for significant floodFloodA flood is an overflow of an expanse of water that submerges land. The EU Floods directive defines a flood as a temporary covering by water of land not normally covered by water...
ing and storm surgeStorm surgeA storm surge is an offshore rise of water associated with a low pressure weather system, typically tropical cyclones and strong extratropical cyclones. Storm surges are caused primarily by high winds pushing on the ocean's surface. The wind causes the water to pile up higher than the ordinary sea...
s, Five deaths were reported and 6,000 people were affected. Total damage from the storm was $100 million. - Early September 2004: Outer rainbands from Hurricane HowardHurricane Howard (2004)Hurricane Howard was a powerful Category 4 hurricane which produced large swells along the coasts of Baja California and southern California. The eighth named storm of the 2004 Pacific hurricane season, Howard originated out of a tropical wave off the coast of Mexico on August 30...
produces heavy rainfall. - September 19, 2004: Tropical Depression JavierHurricane Javier (2004)Hurricane Javier was the tenth named storm and the sixth and final hurricane of the 2004 Pacific hurricane season. Javier was also the strongest hurricane of the 2004 season, with 150 mph winds and a central pressure of 930 millibars...
made landfall on the peninsula. Flooding rains damaged portions of a highway. - September 30-October 3, 2005: Hurricane OtisHurricane Otis (2005)Hurricane Otis was a moderate hurricane that threatened the Baja California Peninsula but dissipated before landfall. Otis developed on September 28, 2005, off the western coast of Mexico, from a tropical wave that emerged from the western coast of Africa and traversed the Atlantic Ocean during the...
approached close to the peninsula. Flooding was the only impact. - July 27–28, 2006: Tropical Storm EmiliaTropical Storm Emilia (2006)Tropical Storm Emilia was a rare tropical cyclone that affected the Baja California peninsula in July 2006. The sixth tropical depression and fifth tropical storm of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season, it developed on July 21 about 400 miles off the coast of Mexico...
passed close to the peninsula, causing isolated reports of galeGaleA gale is a very strong wind. There are conflicting definitions of how strong a wind must be to be considered a gale. The U.S. government's National Weather Service defines a gale as 34–47 knots of sustained surface winds. Forecasters typically issue gale warnings when winds of this strength are...
-force winds and minor flooding and damage. - September 2, 2006: Hurricane JohnHurricane John (2006)Hurricane John was the eleventh named storm, seventh hurricane, and fifth major hurricane of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season. Hurricane John developed on August 28 from a tropical wave to the south of Mexico. Favorable conditions allowed the storm to intensify quickly, and it attained peak winds...
made landfall on the peninsula. Winds and rain caused heavy damage throughout the peninsula. John killed five people. Damage in Mexico amounted to $663 million (2006 MXNMexican pesoThe peso is the currency of Mexico. Modern peso and dollar currencies have a common origin in the 15th–19th century Spanish dollar, most continuing to use its sign, "$". The Mexican peso is the 12th most traded currency in the world, the third most traded in the Americas, and by far the most...
, $60.8 million 2006 USDUnited States dollarThe United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
). - October 23–25, 2006: Tropical Storm PaulHurricane Paul (2006)Hurricane Paul was a hurricane that ultimately struck Mexico as a tropical depression in October 2006. It developed from an area of disturbed weather on October 21, and slowly intensified as it moved into an area of warm waters and progressively decreasing wind shear...
passed close to the peninsula. High surf caused two deaths. - September, 2007: Hurricane HenrietteHurricane Henriette (2007)Hurricane Henriette was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 2007 Pacific hurricane season. The storm, which caused nine fatalities, formed from an area of disturbed weather on August 30, 2007, and became a tropical storm the next day. The cyclone moved parallel to the Mexican Pacific coast, but...
caused a person to drown in surf south of the peninsula. - September 2007: The remnants of Hurricane IvoHurricane Ivo (2007)Hurricane Ivo was a minimal hurricane that threatened the coast of Mexico during mid-September 2007. The 12th tropical cyclone, ninth named storm and fourth hurricane of the 2007 Pacific hurricane season, Ivo originated from a tropical wave that left the coast of Africa on September 1 and traversed...
produces rain without any major impact. - August 25, 2008: Tropical Storm JulioTropical Storm Julio (2008)Tropical Storm Julio was a tropical storm that made landfall on the southern tip of Baja California Sur in August 2008. The tenth named storm of the 2008 Pacific hurricane season, it developed from a tropical wave on August 23 off the coast of Mexico. It moved parallel to the coast, reaching peak...
makes landfall on the peninsula, causing flooding that kills one person. - September 11, 2008: Tropical Depression LowellTropical Storm Lowell (2008)Tropical Storm Lowell was a moderate tropical storm that developed during the 2008 Pacific hurricane season. The fourteenth tropical cyclone and thirteen named storm of the season formed out of a western side of a trough on September 6. It quickly intensified into Tropical Storm Lowell, peaking as...
made landfall on the peninsula. No damage is reported. - October 11, 2008: Hurricane NorbertHurricane Norbert (2008)Hurricane Norbert was the strongest tropical cyclone in the below-average 2008 Pacific hurricane season. Norbert originated as a tropical wave, developed into a tropical depression on October 3, and into a tropical storm the next day. Norbert ultimately rapidly intensified to a major...
became the strongest hurricane to hit the western side of the Peninsula. Two towns were nearly completely damaged, with heavy flooding and storm surge reported. Officials estimated that damages from the hurricane was MXNMexican pesoThe peso is the currency of Mexico. Modern peso and dollar currencies have a common origin in the 15th–19th century Spanish dollar, most continuing to use its sign, "$". The Mexican peso is the 12th most traded currency in the world, the third most traded in the Americas, and by far the most...
8.8 billion ($650 million). The worst damage occurred in the municipality of Comondú where 16,000 residents reported damage to their homes. - September 2, 2009: Hurricane JimenaHurricane Jimena (2009)Hurricane Jimena was a Category 4 storm that is tied with Hurricane Norbert as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on western Baja California. Forming from a tropical wave late on August 28, off Mexico's Pacific coast, the system rapidly intensified into a Category 2...
ties Norbert's short–lived record as is one of the most intense hurricanes to make landfall on the Pacific side of the peninsula. Prior to the arrival of Jimena, civil defenseCivil defenseCivil defense, civil defence or civil protection is an effort to protect the citizens of a state from military attack. It uses the principles of emergency operations: prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, or emergency evacuation, and recovery...
authorities in Los CabosLos CabosLos Cabos is a municipality located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur. It encompasses the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo , as well as the Resort Corridor that lies between the two...
announced that they would have to evacuate 20,000 families from their homes. The storm later causes widespread flooding and damage, and kills one person. Damage from the storm amounted to MXN$800 million (US$59.8 million). A total of 35,000 were reported to have been left homeless. - Early October 2009: The remnants of Tropical Storm Olaf cause rain on the peninsula.
- October 14, 2009: Tropical Storm PatriciaTropical Storm Patricia (2009)Tropical Storm Patricia was a short-lived tropical cyclone that briefly affected parts of Baja California Sur before rapidly degenerating over water. Developing from a tropical wave that traversed the Atlantic Ocean during September 2009, Patricia was first classified as a tropical depression on...
threatens the southern tip of the peninsula, without causing any appreciable impact. - October 18 and 19, 2009: Waves from Hurricane RickHurricane Rick (2009)Hurricane Rick was the second-most intense Pacific hurricane on record and the strongest ever to form during October. Developing south of Mexico on October 15, 2009, Hurricane Rick traversed an area favoring rapid intensification, allowing it to become a hurricane within 24 hours of being...
kill two people on the peninsula.
2010s
- September 20, 2010: Tropical Storm GeorgetteTropical Storm Georgette (2010)Tropical Storm Georgette was a short-lived tropical storm that struck the Baja California Sur in September 2010. Georgette originated from an area of disturbed weather over the eastern Pacific on September 20. The next day, the system was upgraded into a tropical storm a short distance south...
makes landfall near San Jose del Cabo
Listed by month
Most tropical cyclone impacts occurred in the month of September. This coincides with the statistical peak in the eastern north Pacific hurricane season, which occurs in early September or late August. Although hurricane season in the eastern north Pacific officially runs from May 15 to November 30, no known tropical cyclones have impacted the peninsula in May, June, November, or outside the season.Month | Number of storms affecting the Baja California Peninsula |
---|---|
May | 0 |
June | 0 |
July | 4 |
August | 14 |
September | 38 |
October | 12 |
November | 0 |
Deadly systems
As many tropical cyclones impact the peninsula, sometimes when rather intense, deaths frequently occur.Name | Year | Number of deaths |
---|---|---|
Liza Hurricane Liza (1976) Hurricane Liza was one of the deadliest East Pacific tropical cyclones on record. The seventeenth tropical cyclone, thirteenth named storm, and the eight hurricane of the 1976 Pacific hurricane season, Liza developed from an area of disturbed weather to the southwest of Mexico on September 25... |
1976 | 435-600+ |
Unnamed | 1918 | 25 |
Marty Hurricane Marty (2003) Hurricane Marty was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 2003 Pacific hurricane season. Forming on September 18, it became the 13th tropical storm and fourth hurricane of the year... |
2003 | 5 |
John Hurricane John (2006) Hurricane John was the eleventh named storm, seventh hurricane, and fifth major hurricane of the 2006 Pacific hurricane season. Hurricane John developed on August 28 from a tropical wave to the south of Mexico. Favorable conditions allowed the storm to intensify quickly, and it attained peak winds... |
2006 | 5 |
Pauline | 1968 | 4-5 |
Flossie | 1995 | 2 |
Nora Hurricane Nora (1997) Hurricane Nora was only the third tropical cyclone on record to reach Arizona as a tropical storm. Nora was the fourteenth named tropical cyclone and seventh hurricane of the 1997 Pacific hurricane season... |
1997 | 2 |
Juliette Hurricane Juliette (2001) Hurricane Juliette was a long lasting Category 4 hurricane in the 2001 Pacific hurricane season. It caused 12 deaths and $400 million in damage when it hit Baja California in late September.-Meteorological history:... |
2001 | 2 |
Ignacio | 2003 | 2 |
Paul Hurricane Paul (2006) Hurricane Paul was a hurricane that ultimately struck Mexico as a tropical depression in October 2006. It developed from an area of disturbed weather on October 21, and slowly intensified as it moved into an area of warm waters and progressively decreasing wind shear... |
2006 | 2 |
Rick Hurricane Rick (2009) Hurricane Rick was the second-most intense Pacific hurricane on record and the strongest ever to form during October. Developing south of Mexico on October 15, 2009, Hurricane Rick traversed an area favoring rapid intensification, allowing it to become a hurricane within 24 hours of being... |
2009 | 2 |
Fausto Hurricane Fausto (1996) Hurricane Fausto was a Pacific hurricane that caused light damage to Baja California Sur in September 1996. On September 10, a tropical depression developed a short distance south-southeast of the Mexican Riviera. Slowly intensifying, Fuasto paralleled the coastline... |
1996 | 1 |
Henriette Hurricane Henriette (2007) Hurricane Henriette was the deadliest tropical cyclone of the 2007 Pacific hurricane season. The storm, which caused nine fatalities, formed from an area of disturbed weather on August 30, 2007, and became a tropical storm the next day. The cyclone moved parallel to the Mexican Pacific coast, but... |
2007 | 1 |
Julio Tropical Storm Julio (2008) Tropical Storm Julio was a tropical storm that made landfall on the southern tip of Baja California Sur in August 2008. The tenth named storm of the 2008 Pacific hurricane season, it developed from a tropical wave on August 23 off the coast of Mexico. It moved parallel to the coast, reaching peak... |
2008 | 1 |
Jimena Hurricane Jimena (2009) Hurricane Jimena was a Category 4 storm that is tied with Hurricane Norbert as the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall on western Baja California. Forming from a tropical wave late on August 28, off Mexico's Pacific coast, the system rapidly intensified into a Category 2... |
2009 | 1 |
Ismael Hurricane Ismael Hurricane Ismael was a weak, but deadly Pacific hurricane that killed over one hundred people in northern Mexico in September of the 1995 Pacific hurricane season. It developed from a persistent area of deep convection on September 12, and steadily strengthened as it moved to the north-northwest... |
1995 | 0-57 |
Isis Hurricane Isis (1998) Hurricane Isis was the deadliest tropical cyclone and only hurricane to make landfall during the 1998 Pacific hurricane season. The ninth tropical storm and sixth hurricane of the season, Isis developed on September 1 from the interaction between a tropical wave and a large surface circulation to... |
1998 | 0-18 |
Tropical cyclone warnings and watches
If a tropical cyclone threatens to bring tropical storm or hurricane conditions to areas in the Baja California Peninsula, the government issues tropical cyclone warnings and watchesTropical cyclone warnings and watches
Warnings and watches are two levels of alert issued by national weather forecasting bodies to coastal areas threatened by the imminent approach of a tropical cyclone of tropical storm or hurricane intensity. They are notices to the local population and civil authorities to make appropriate...
for the threatened areas. The watches and warnings will be issued in coastal area between internationally recognized points known as breakpoints
Breakpoint (meteorology)
A breakpoint is a location referred to by meteorologists when issuing watches, warnings, or advisories, for specific areas. Breakpoints are used when coastal and offshore areas need to be warned of an impending weather event, usually pertaining to a hazard faced because of the water.Breakpoints are...
. The Baja California peninsula has twenty-two breakpoints, running from the United States-Mexico border, south along the Pacific
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...
coast to 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...
, and north along the Gulf of California
Gulf of California
The Gulf of California is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland...
coast to Calamajue. However, tropical cyclones can still bring dangerous conditions such as flooding to areas not covered by warnings and watches.
See also
- List of California hurricanes
- List of Pacific hurricanes
- List of Pacific hurricane seasons