| 1993 Pacific hurricane season | |
|---|---|
 Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | June 11, 1993 |
| Last system dissipated | October 14, 1993 |
| Strongest storm | |
| Name | Lidia |
| • Maximum winds | 150 mph (240 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| • Lowest pressure | 930 mbar (hPa; 27.46 inHg) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 18 |
| Total storms | 15 |
| Hurricanes | 11 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 9 |
| Total fatalities | 50 total |
| Total damage | $45 million (1993 USD) |
| Related articles | |
The 1993 Pacific hurricane season included more than double the average number of major hurricanes – Category 3 or stronger cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale. This activity was the result of an El Niño event, which is the main factor contributing to above-average activity across the Pacific basin.[1] The season featured 15 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and 9 major hurricanes. While the number of named storms was near the long-term average, the number of hurricanes was above the average of 8, and the number of major hurricanes far exceeded the long-term average of 4.[2] Seasonal activity began on May 17 and ended on November 8, within the confines of a traditional hurricane season which begins on May 15 in the East Pacific and June 1 in the Central Pacific. The season ends on November 30 in both basins. These dates conventionally delimit the period during each year when most tropical cyclones form.[3]
A majority of the season's storms formed from tropical waves between 10°N and southern coast of Mexico. While they generally followed the typical path away from Mexico before dissipating over cooler waters near 25°N, a persistent upper-level trough across the Western United States periodically curved storms into land.[4] Tropical Storm Beatriz produced heavy rainfall and downed trees across Southern Mexico, causing 6 fatalities. In July, Hurricane Calvin struck Southwestern Mexico, prompting the evacuation of 42,000 residents, the displacement of 1,600 people, and 37 deaths. This area was later affected by Hurricane Jova in September, which flooded houses. Hurricanes Dora, Eugene, and Fernanda produced generally minor rainfall across the Hawaiian Islands, alleviating drought conditions. However, their large swells caused damage to beachfront homes and caused the death of a fisherman offshore. Hurricane Hilary produced heavy rainfall across portions of Mexico and California in August. The next month, Hurricane Lidia destroyed hundreds of homes, displaced over 10,000 people, and resulted in 7 deaths.
- ^ Jan Tenbruggencate (August 22, 1993). "Weird weather in the Pacific due to El Nino". The Honolulu Advertiser. Honolulu, Hawaii. p. 6. Retrieved January 9, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Tropical Cyclone Climatology". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
- ^ "Hurricanes: Frequently Asked Questions". Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ Lixion A. Avila; Britt M. Mayfield (March 1, 1995). "Eastern North Pacific Hurricane Season of 1993". Monthly Weather Review. 123 (3). American Meteorological Society: 1393–1410. Bibcode:1995MWRv..123..897A. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1995)123<0897:ENPHSO>2.0.CO;2.