Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | October 8, 1981 |
Dissipated | October 12, 1981 |
Category 3 major hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 125 mph (205 km/h) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 1 direct, 5 indirect |
Damage | $74 million (1981 USD) |
Areas affected | Mexico, Texas |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1981 Pacific hurricane season |
Hurricane Norma was one of the two hurricanes to make landfall during the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. It developed on October 8, strengthening into a tropical storm and later a hurricane. Norma moved slowly to the northwest and strengthened into a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. The storm recurved and accelerated to the northeast on October 11 and weakened to a Category 2. The next day, Norma made landfall near Mazatlán on October 12 and soon dissipated. The hurricane's remnants continued northeastward and entered the United States, crossing into central Texas before being absorbed by a frontal system on October 14. Norma caused $24 million in crop damage and one death in Mexico, as well as up to 10 in (250 mm). In Texas, the storm produced flooding rains that killed five people, caused $50 million in damage and caused many tornadoes. Rainfall was also reported as far inland as Kansas.