Historical Storms
Past storms that have affected Baja California Sur and mainland Mexico’s Pacific region. Some made direct landfall. Others caused serious flooding, dangerous surf, road damage, power outages and disruption beyond the landfall area. These accounts show how wind, rain and terrain can shape local impacts.
Hurricane Otis
Explosive strengthening before an overnight landfall devastated Acapulco and nearby communities.
Cat 5 landfall in Acapulco, GuerreroOct 25, 2023
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 5 · 165 mph
- Regional impact
- Acapulco and coastal Guerrero · Oct 25, 2023
- Landfall or closest pass
- Acapulco · Category 5, 160 mph
- Primary hazards
- Destructive wind, storm surge, flooding, landslides
Otis approached Guerrero as a tropical storm before intensifying exceptionally quickly on Oct 24. Within hours it became a major hurricane, reaching Category 5 offshore and striking Acapulco shortly after midnight. The final analysis separates its 165 mph peak from 160 mph landfall winds. It weakened rapidly over the mountains, while the emergency continued across the damaged coastal region.
Local impacts
- Destructive winds severely damaged homes and hotels, including high-rise buildings along Acapulco's waterfront.
- Storm surge flooded coastal communities and damaged marinas, leaving boats piled along Acapulco Bay's shoreline.
- Heavy rain produced flash and river flooding and landslides in Acapulco, Coyuca de Benítez and elsewhere in Guerrero.
- Power and communications failures disrupted daily life; emergency water deliveries supported residents while damaged services were restored.
- The surrounding tropical forest suffered extensive damage, visible in satellite images as vegetation changed from green to brown.
Lessons learned
Otis showed how quickly an expected storm can become a much greater emergency. Prepare early, even while forecasts are still changing, particularly when landfall may occur at night. Have a safe shelter plan, essential supplies and a way to receive official updates if electricity or mobile service fails.
Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / Michala Garrison · NOAA-20 VIIRS · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Norma
A slow-moving October hurricane that brought destructive rain, flooding, wind, and surf to southern BCS.
Cat 4 peak / Cat 1 landfall near El Pozo de Cota, Baja California SurOct 21, 2023
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Oct 20-22, 2023
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 1 landfall near El Pozo de Cota, west-northwest of Cabo San Lucas
- Primary hazards
- Extreme rain, flash flooding, wind damage, storm surge, dangerous surf, road disruption
Norma rapidly intensified to Category 4 south of Baja California Sur, then weakened while moving slowly toward Los Cabos. It made landfall near El Pozo de Cota on Oct 21, 2023, as a Category 1 hurricane before crossing the southern peninsula and continuing toward Sinaloa.
Local impacts
- Exceptional rainfall affected southern Baja California Sur, including 488 millimeters at El Quemado, 480 millimeters at San Vicente de la Sierra, and 473 millimeters at La Palmilla.
- Flash flooding and runoff damaged roads and disrupted travel across parts of Los Cabos and La Paz municipalities.
- Strong winds downed trees and power lines and damaged buildings near the landfall area.
- Large, destructive waves and coastal flooding affected exposed shores and marine activity.
- Closures and interruptions affected airports, ports, schools, businesses, and other services while the storm crossed the region.
Lessons learned
Norma showed how a storm's speed, rainbands, and terrain can produce sharply different local impacts even within southern Baja California Sur. Residents should follow municipal forecasts and flood instructions, not assume that conditions in a nearby community describe the risk where they are.
Credit: NOAA GOES-18 · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Lidia
A late surge in strength brought a major hurricane ashore southwest of Puerto Vallarta.
Cat 4 landfall near Las Peñitas, JaliscoOct 10, 2023
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4 · 140 mph
- Regional impact
- Jalisco, Nayarit and Colima · Oct 10-11, 2023
- Landfall or closest pass
- Las Peñitas, Jalisco · Category 4, 140 mph
- Primary hazards
- Destructive wind, heavy rain, landslides, coastal flooding
Lidia spent several days offshore before turning back toward mainland Mexico and accelerating toward Jalisco. Warm water and favorable upper-level winds supported rapid strengthening: it rose from tropical-storm strength to Category 4 before its evening landfall on Oct 10 near Las Peñitas, southwest of Puerto Vallarta. The mountains quickly weakened its winds, but broad rainbands continued affecting western and central Mexico.
Local impacts
- Trees fell and roofs were damaged around Puerto Vallarta; communities in Tomatlán suffered more significant damage near the core.
- Fallen trees and landslides blocked sections of Federal Highway 200, disrupting movement along the coastal region.
- Heavy rainfall during the event extended beyond the landfall area into Colima and Michoacán, demonstrating its wider reach.
- Electricity service was interrupted across parts of Colima, Jalisco, Michoacán and Nayarit, requiring a regional restoration effort.
- An overflowing stream in Jalisco, a falling tree in Nayarit and a collapsed bridge in Colima caused fatal incidents.
Lessons learned
Lidia showed why a storm's earlier offshore track is not a guarantee of safety. Recheck forecasts when it turns or accelerates, and prepare for impacts beyond the eye's path. Avoid flooded crossings and damaged roads, and continue following local guidance after winds ease because rain and infrastructure damage can persist.
Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / Wanmei Liang · NOAA-20 VIIRS · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Hilary
A rare north-moving system that brought major rain and flooding to Baja and the U.S. Southwest.
Cat 4 peak / tropical storm landfall near San Fernando, Baja CaliforniaAug 19-20, 2023
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Aug 19-20, 2023
- Landfall or closest pass
- Tropical storm landfall near San Fernando, Baja California
- Primary hazards
- Heavy rain, flash flooding, mudslides, road damage, surf, power outages
Hilary rapidly intensified to Category 4 over the Eastern Pacific before weakening as it moved north toward the Baja California península. It made landfall near San Fernando, Baja California, as a tropical storm on Aug 20, 2023. Although Hilary weakened before landfall, it brought historic rainfall and flooding impacts to Baja California Sur, Baja California, and the southwestern United States.
Local impacts
- Heavy rain and flash flooding affected large parts of the península.
- Significant flooding was reported in Loreto, Mulegé, and Comondú.
- Flooding in Santa Rosalía breached a protection wall and caused a fatal vehicle-related flood incident.
- Storm surge and large waves damaged homes and grounded fishing boats in coastal communities including Punta Abreojos, La Bocana, and Bahía Asunción.
- Several portions of Federal Highway 1 were damaged.
- Strong winds downed trees and electric poles across Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora.
Lessons learned
Hilary was a reminder that a weakening storm can still be dangerous if it carries enough moisture. In Baja, rain and runoff can become the main threat, especially in arroyos, mountain drainages, low-water crossings, and coastal communities exposed to surge and surf.
Credit: NOAA GOES-16 · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Agatha
An early-season hurricane brought destructive weather to Oaxaca's coast and mountains.
Cat 2 landfall near La Redonda, OaxacaMay 30, 2022
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 2 · 110 mph
- Regional impact
- Coastal and inland Oaxaca · May 30-31, 2022
- Landfall or closest pass
- Near La Redonda, west of Puerto Ángel · Category 2, 105 mph
- Primary hazards
- Heavy rain, deadly flooding, landslides, wind, storm surge
Agatha rapidly strengthened south of Oaxaca, reaching Category 2 before turning northeast toward the coast. It peaked at 110 mph offshore and made landfall near La Redonda, west of Puerto Ángel, on May 30 with winds of 105 mph. It was the strongest May hurricane on record to strike Mexico's Pacific coast. Its circulation weakened over the mountains while destructive rainfall affected coastal and inland communities.
Local impacts
- Strong winds and downpours struck fishing communities and tourist areas along Oaxaca's coast.
- Freshwater flooding and landslides caused deaths and damaged communities beyond the coastal landfall zone.
- Storm surge damaged parts of the coast and eroded beaches near where the eye came ashore.
- Damaged rural roads, highways and bridges complicated access to affected communities during the response.
- Electricity outages and damaged drinking-water systems added to the emergency in Oaxaca's affected municipalities.
Lessons learned
Agatha showed that serious hurricane impacts can arrive early in the season and extend far beyond beachfront areas. Have coastal and inland flood plans ready before May storms approach. Follow river and hillside warnings after landfall, and avoid interpreting weakening winds as a signal that flooded roads or unstable slopes are safe.
Credit: NASA GSFC / MODIS Land Rapid Response Team · Aqua MODIS · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Lorena
A compact hurricane that hugged the southeastern Baja coast and affected La Ventana, La Paz, Los Cabos, and East Cape areas.
Cat 1 landfall near La Ventana, Baja California SurSept 20-21, 2019
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 1
- Baja impact
- Sept 20-21, 2019
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 1 landfall near La Ventana, Baja California Sur
- Primary hazards
- Wind, heavy rain, surf, coastal flooding, localized damage
Lorena first affected the mainland coast of México, then moved back over warm water and strengthened again near southern Baja California Sur. It tracked close to the southeastern coast of the península and made landfall near La Ventana on Sept 21, 2019, as a Category 1 hurricane. Lorena was a relatively small storm, but its close track made it important for La Ventana, La Paz, Los Cabos, and East Cape communities.
Local impacts
- Hurricane conditions occurred near La Ventana.
- A weather station in La Ventana reported strong sustained winds and higher gusts as the core moved nearby.
- Significant damage was reported in La Ventana.
- Dangerous surf affected the Los Cabos area.
- Coastal roads and low-lying areas experienced flooding in places.
Lessons learned
Lorena showed that small storms can still create serious local problems if the core passes close to populated areas. For southeastern Baja California Sur, track shifts near the Gulf of California can matter as much as category. La Ventana, Los Barriles, East Cape, La Paz, and Los Cabos all need to watch close coastal tracks carefully.
Credit: NASA · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Willa
A major hurricane whose rain and river flooding spread the damage beyond its coastal landfall.
Cat 5 peak / Cat 3 mainland landfall in southern SinaloaOct 23, 2018
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 5
- Regional impact
- Sinaloa and Nayarit, October 2018
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 3 near Palmito del Verde, Sinaloa, on Oct 23 local time
- Primary hazards
- River flooding, landslides, hurricane winds, coastal surge
Willa strengthened rapidly south of the Mexican Pacific coast and reached Category 5 on October 22. It weakened before crossing the Islas Marías the following day, then struck near Palmito del Verde in southern Sinaloa as a Category 3 hurricane on October 23 local time. Its circulation weakened rapidly over the mountains, while its moisture continued northeast across Mexico.
Local impacts
- Flooding devastated northern Nayarit, with recovery needs persisting in Acaponeta and Tuxpan well after landfall.
- Washed-out roads and damaged bridges isolated communities in the affected Sinaloa and Nayarit municipalities.
- Storm surge and large waves damaged Teacapán's seawall and battered its harbor area.
- Flooding in Acaponeta and Tecuala prompted sanitation work and coordinated public-health assistance.
- NASA's rainfall analysis documented substantial accumulations as the storm's moisture spread beyond the coastal strike.
Lessons learned
Willa showed why the coastal landfall point and wind category cannot describe the full emergency. Rainfall, river flooding, damaged access routes, and recovery needs extend the timeline beyond the hurricane's arrival. Follow local river and evacuation warnings, and plan for disrupted travel and services even after winds begin to ease.
Credit: NASA Earth Observatory / Joshua Stevens · NOAA GOES-16 · Public domain
Source ↗Tropical Storm Lidia
A major rain and flood event for Baja California Sur, especially southern BCS and Los Cabos.
Tropical storm landfalls near Punta Marquez and Punta AbreojosAug 31-Sept 2, 2017
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Tropical storm
- Baja impact
- Aug 31-Sept 2, 2017
- Landfall or closest pass
- Tropical storm landfalls near Punta Marquez and Punta Abreojos
- Primary hazards
- Torrential rain, flooding, power outages, road damage, sheltering
Lidia formed near the southern Baja California península and became a large tropical storm. It passed close to Cabo San Lucas, moved along the west coast of the península, made landfall near Punta Marquez on Sept 1, then crossed the coast again near Punta Abreojos on Sept 2. Lidia was not a hurricane, but it produced a major rainfall and flooding event for Baja California Sur.
Local impacts
- Torrential rain fell across southern Baja California Sur.
- Sierra La Laguna recorded the highest reported rainfall total from the storm.
- Flooding damaged homes and roads.
- Power outages affected parts of Baja California Sur.
- Thousands of people were taken to shelters.
- Downed power lines created additional danger after the storm.
Lessons learned
Lidia is one of the clearest examples of why storm category does not tell the whole story. A tropical storm can be extremely dangerous when it is large, wet, slow enough to produce heavy rain, and positioned near Baja's mountains and arroyos. Flood risk should never be judged by wind category alone.
Credit: NASA Suomi NPP · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Newton
A fast-moving hurricane that brought eyewall conditions to the southern cape before crossing the península.
Cat 1 hurricane near Cabo San Lucas / landfall near El CunanoSept 6, 2016
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 1
- Baja impact
- Sept 6, 2016
- Landfall or closest pass
- Struck Cabo San Lucas, then made landfall farther north on the west coast of Baja California Sur
- Primary hazards
- Wind, heavy rain, flooding, landslides, road damage, power outages
Newton became a Category 1 hurricane before reaching southern Baja California Sur. The hurricane struck Cabo San Lucas, then made landfall farther north along the west coast of Baja California Sur on Sept 6, 2016. After crossing the península, Newton moved into the Gulf of California, weakened, and later made another landfall in Sonora.
Local impacts
- Hurricane conditions affected the southern cape.
- Cabo San Lucas reported wind damage, including broken windows and power issues.
- Heavy rain caused much of the serious damage farther north, especially in Mulegé.
- Santa Rosalía experienced rockslides and landslides that damaged homes and vehicles.
- Heroica Mulegé and San Ignacio had significant damage and were cut off by debris on the Transpenínsular Highway.
- Newton caused major damage across Baja California Sur, with state damage estimates reported in the hundreds of millions of pesos.
Lessons learned
Newton showed that the first point of impact is not always where the worst damage occurs. Los Cabos saw wind impacts, but Mulegé, Santa Rosalía, San Ignacio, and Highway 1 were heavily affected by rain, debris, landslides, and road disruption. Storm planning needs to consider the full track, not just the first landfall.
Credit: NASA Terra MODIS · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Patricia
Explosive intensification offshore was followed by a destructive, concentrated strike on the Jalisco coast.
Cat 5 peak / Cat 4 landfall in JaliscoOct 23, 2015
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 5
- Regional impact
- Jalisco and neighboring Pacific coastal states
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 4 near Playa Cuixmala, Jalisco, on Oct 23
- Primary hazards
- Destructive winds, coastal flooding, heavy rain, agricultural damage
Patricia intensified exceptionally quickly over the warm Eastern Pacific, reaching Category 5 before turning toward southwestern Mexico. It weakened substantially before crossing the coast near Playa Cuixmala, Jalisco, on October 23 as a Category 4 hurricane. The strike occurred between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, with the worst wind damage concentrated near the core's path. The storm then weakened rapidly over mountainous terrain.
Local impacts
- Chamela suffered severe housing damage, requiring extensive reconstruction of the coastal community.
- Near the core's path, destructive winds damaged buildings, trees, power lines, and communications infrastructure.
- Large waves caused coastal flooding and erosion beyond the narrow corridor of strongest winds.
- Colima's recovery included rebuilding coastal infrastructure and access routes at Playa El Paraíso.
- Damaged farmland required assistance to restore production, including banana, papaya, maize, and rice crops in Colima.
Lessons learned
Patricia showed how rapid intensification can compress preparation time and how a narrow hurricane core can produce sharply different outcomes along the same coast. A nearby city escaping the worst winds does not make the event harmless. Preparation must include coastal waves, inland rain, disrupted utilities, and recovery needs in smaller communities.
Credit: NASA Terra MODIS / Jeff Schmaltz, LANCE/EOSDIS Rapid Response · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Odile
One of the most damaging storms in modern Los Cabos and Baja California Sur history.
Cat 3 landfall just east of Cabo San LucasSept 14-15, 2014
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Sept 14-15, 2014
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 3 landfall just east of Cabo San Lucas
- Primary hazards
- Destructive wind, widespread power outages, water outages, structural damage, flooding, road and bridge damage
Odile made landfall just east of Cabo San Lucas at 0445 UTC on Sept 15, 2014, which was late Sept 14 local time, as a large Category 3 hurricane. It was the first major hurricane to strike the region in 25 years and became one of the most destructive storms in modern Baja California Sur history.
Local impacts
- Severe wind damage occurred across Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
- Hotels, homes, businesses, and the Cabo San Lucas airport suffered major damage.
- More than 90 percent of Baja California Sur's population lost electricity.
- Water and communications were disrupted in parts of Los Cabos.
- Thousands of tourists were stranded after flights were cancelled.
- Damage extended north to Todos Santos, Pescadero, La Paz, Loreto, Comondú, Mulegé, and other communities.
- Roads and bridges were damaged or washed out, complicating relief efforts.
Lessons learned
Odile remains the modern benchmark storm for Los Cabos and southern Baja California Sur. It showed the need to prepare not only for landfall, but for days or weeks of outages, limited communications, airport closure, supply shortages, road damage, and recovery delays. Odile is the storm that explains why serious preparation matters every season.
Credit: NASA Terra MODIS · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Manuel
Two landfalls and devastating rain in Guerrero showed how much damage can occur before a storm becomes a hurricane.
Tropical storm landfall in Michoacán / Cat 1 landfall in SinaloaSept 15 and 19, 2013
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 1
- Regional impact
- Southwestern Mexico and Sinaloa, September 2013
- Landfall or closest pass
- Tropical storm near Pichilinguillo on Sept 15; Category 1 west of Culiacán on Sept 19
- Primary hazards
- Extreme rain, flash flooding, landslides, renewed hurricane winds
Manuel developed south of Mexico and reached the Michoacán coast near Pichilinguillo as a tropical storm on September 15. Its circulation weakened and dissipated, but the remnants continued northwest and reorganized over water. Manuel then became a Category 1 hurricane before a second landfall west of Culiacán on September 19. During the same period, Ingrid struck Mexico's Gulf coast, compounding the country's rainfall emergency.
Local impacts
- Extreme Pacific-coast rainfall caused severe flooding in Guerrero, including the Acapulco area.
- Prolonged rain contributed to the catastrophic landslide that buried part of La Pintada, Guerrero.
- The combined emergency damaged Acapulco's airport, the Autopista del Sol, and Guerrero's road networks.
- Acapulco needed coordinated emergency measures to maintain cooking-gas supplies during the disruption.
- Manuel's second landfall brought additional flash flooding and landslides to northwestern Mexico.
Lessons learned
Manuel showed that tropical-storm winds can accompany a major flood disaster and that dissipation does not always finish a storm's story. Continue following rainfall, unstable slopes, and remnants that return over water. Preparedness should also account for blocked transport routes and supply interruptions, especially when another storm is affecting the country simultaneously.
Credit: NASA / Suomi NPP VIIRS · NHC report cover · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Jimena
A powerful Pacific-side hurricane that struck central Baja California Sur and later affected Gulf-side communities.
Cat 4 peak / Cat 2 landfalls near Isla Santa Margarita and Puerto San CarlosSept 2-4, 2009
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Sept 2-4, 2009
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 2 landfall on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, with the eye passing over Puerto San Carlos
- Primary hazards
- Wind, freshwater flooding, heavy rain, infrastructure damage, road disruption
Jimena became a powerful Category 4 hurricane off the Pacific coast of México before weakening and striking central Baja California Sur. It affected the Pacific side of the península as a Category 2 hurricane, with the eye passing over Puerto San Carlos, then continued north and later affected Gulf-side communities.
Local impacts
- Hurricane conditions likely affected parts of the data-sparse Pacific coast south of San Juanico.
- Ciudad Constitucion recorded strong sustained winds and higher gusts.
- Puerto San Carlos experienced the passage of Jimena's eye.
- Heavy rain affected central and southern Baja California Sur.
- Ciudad Constitucion, Mulegé, Loreto, and smaller communities near the track were reported as hard hit.
- One death was attributed to freshwater flooding in Mulegé.
- Damage to buildings was widespread, with reports suggesting tens of thousands of damaged structures.
Lessons learned
Jimena showed the exposure of the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, especially central BCS communities that may not get the same attention as Los Cabos. It also reinforced the need to prepare for multi-region impacts as storms cross the península and affect both Pacific and Gulf-side communities.
Credit: NASA · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane John
A strong hurricane that hit northeast of Cabo San Lucas and moved near La Paz before weakening up the península.
Cat 4 peak / high-end Cat 2 landfall at Cabo del EsteSept 1-2, 2006
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Sept 1-2, 2006
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 2 landfall at Cabo del Este, about 40 nautical miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas
- Primary hazards
- Hurricane winds, heavy rain, flooding, rural isolation, home damage
John reached Category 4 strength over the Eastern Pacific before weakening and turning toward Baja California Sur. It made landfall at Cabo del Este around 0200 UTC on Sept 2, 2006, with maximum winds estimated near 95 knots, which is high-end Category 2. The storm then moved near or just inland along the eastern side of the península and passed near La Paz before weakening.
Local impacts
- Hurricane conditions affected the Cabo del Este area.
- La Paz reported strong winds as the center passed nearby.
- Rainfall was recorded in multiple Baja California Sur communities, including San José del Cabo, La Paz, Santiago, San José de los Planes, and Santa Rosalía.
- Homes were damaged or destroyed in parts of southern Baja California Sur.
- Flooding and road impacts affected rural communities.
- Five deaths were attributed to John.
Lessons learned
John is a strong reminder that a Baja landfall does not have to occur directly over Cabo San Lucas to matter. East Cape, La Paz, Comondú, Mulegé, and smaller rural communities can all face serious risk from a storm tracking up the Gulf side of the península.
Credit: NASA Aqua MODIS · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Marty
A Gulf-side storm that affected Los Cabos, La Paz, Santa Rosalía, and coastal communities along the península.
Cat 2 landfall near San José del CaboSept 22, 2003
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 2
- Baja impact
- Sept 22, 2003
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 2 landfall near San José del Cabo, just east of Cabo San Lucas
- Primary hazards
- Wind, heavy rain, coastal damage, marine damage, flooding, short-warning landfall
Marty strengthened into a Category 2 hurricane as it approached southern Baja California Sur. It made landfall near San José del Cabo at 0930 UTC on Sept 22, 2003, with estimated maximum winds of 85 knots. The center then entered the Gulf of California near La Paz and moved along the eastern side of the península.
Local impacts
- Category 2 hurricane conditions affected the Los Cabos area.
- Cabo San Lucas reported very strong wind gusts.
- La Paz, Todos Santos, Loreto, and Santa Rosalía reported significant rainfall.
- Marine impacts affected La Paz Harbor and other Gulf-side coastal areas.
- Marty caused damaging wind and flood impacts across southern Baja California Sur.
- The hurricane warning lead time was relatively short, with official forecasts shifting late toward the actual landfall area.
Lessons learned
Marty showed how quickly a storm can become a Gulf-side Baja event. It also showed that forecast tracks can shift significantly in the final day. Residents should not wait for perfect certainty before preparing, especially when a hurricane is close and the southern península is within the warning area.
Credit: NASA Aqua · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Juliette
A slow-moving storm that battered southern Baja with wind, rain, surf, and prolonged disruption.
Cat 4 peak / hurricane conditions near southern BCS, later tropical storm landfall near San CarlosSept 27-30, 2001
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Sept 27-30, 2001
- Landfall or closest pass
- Passed just west of Cabo San Lucas as a hurricane, later moved inland near San Carlos as a weakening tropical storm
- Primary hazards
- Strong wind, prolonged rain, surf, flooding, isolation, road disruption
Juliette became a powerful Category 4 hurricane over the Eastern Pacific, then weakened while turning north toward Baja California Sur. The center passed just west of Cabo San Lucas on Sept 28, 2001, with hurricane-force winds still affecting the region. Juliette later moved inland near San Carlos on the west coast of Baja California as a weakening tropical storm.
Local impacts
- Southern Baja California Sur experienced strong winds, heavy rain, and large waves.
- Cabo San Lucas recorded hurricane-force sustained winds and stronger gusts.
- An unconfirmed report described more than a foot of rain at Cabo San Lucas.
- Santiago recorded significant rainfall.
- Cabo San Lucas was isolated from the outside world for several days.
- High seas caused at least one death near the Baja California coast.
- Flooding also affected Sonora.
Lessons learned
Juliette showed the danger of slow-moving storms. Even as a storm weakens, prolonged rain and surf can create serious disruption. In Baja, slow movement near the península can mean extended flooding, blocked roads, isolated communities, and repeated rounds of coastal impacts.
Credit: NOAA · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Pauline
A weakening hurricane brought destructive floods and mudflows to the Oaxaca and Guerrero coasts.
Cat 4 peak / Cat 2 landfall in OaxacaOct 8-9, 1997
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Regional impact
- Oaxaca and Guerrero, Oct 8-9, 1997
- Landfall or closest pass
- Category 2 near Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, on Oct 8 local time
- Primary hazards
- Extreme rain, flash floods, debris flows, landslides
Pauline strengthened to Category 4 over the Eastern Pacific before weakening as it approached Oaxaca's mountainous coast. It made landfall near Puerto Escondido as a Category 2 hurricane on October 8 local time, then continued west-northwest along the coastal region. By the time the storm reached the Acapulco area, extreme rainfall and runoff had become the main threat, despite its declining wind intensity.
Local impacts
- CENAPRED recorded 16.2 inches of rain in Acapulco in less than 24 hours.
- River levels rose in the Papagayo, La Sabana, and El Camarón waterways.
- Fast runoff and mudflows carried rocks, trees, and debris through vulnerable communities.
- Landslides, destroyed bridges, and road closures cut off settlements and damaged homes.
- NOAA's rainfall map shows a broad southern-Mexico footprint, extending beyond the exact coastal landfall point.
Lessons learned
Pauline showed that weakening winds do not protect a community from extreme rainfall. On steep coastal terrain, runoff and debris can concentrate in natural channels and reach neighborhoods below. Local flood and slope warnings deserve the same attention as hurricane categories, and travel plans must allow for roads and bridges becoming unusable.
Credit: NOAA Weather Prediction Center · CONAGUA rainfall observations · Public domain
Source ↗Hurricane Liza
One of Baja California Sur's deadliest storm disasters, remembered for catastrophic flooding in La Paz.
Cat 4 peak / historic La Paz flood disasterSept 30-Oct 1, 1976
Synopsis
- Peak intensity
- Category 4
- Baja impact
- Sept 30-Oct 1, 1976
- Landfall or closest pass
- Brushed the eastern tip of Baja California, then moved north through the Gulf of California
- Primary hazards
- Catastrophic flooding, dam failure, loss of life, severe damage in La Paz
Liza is one of the most important storms in Baja California Sur history. The hurricane brushed the eastern tip of Baja California and moved north through the Gulf of California before making landfall north of Los Mochis. Its most devastating impact was in La Paz, where heavy rain contributed to the failure of an earthen dam and catastrophic flooding.
Local impacts
- La Paz sustained severe damage.
- Heavy rain led to the failure of an earthen dam.
- Floodwaters killed hundreds of people.
- The disaster remains one of the deadliest storm-related events in Baja California Sur history.
- Liza left a long-term mark on how the region understands flood risk.
Lessons learned
Liza is the clearest historical warning that flood planning can be more important than the exact hurricane track. A storm does not need to make a classic direct landfall over La Paz to create catastrophic local impacts. Arroyos, dams, drainage systems, low-lying neighborhoods, and fast desert runoff can turn rain into a disaster very quickly.
Credit: NOAA · Public domain
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