&sq=&lang=&file=File:Hurricane_Madeline_(1976).jpg) Hurricane Madeline off the coast of Mexico | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 29, 1976 |
| Dissipated | October 8, 1976 |
| Category 4 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 145 mph (230 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 940 mbar (hPa); 27.76 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 7 direct |
| Damage | $200 million |
| Areas affected | Central Western Mexico |
Part of the 1976 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Madeline was the second landfalling major hurricane along the Pacific coast of Mexico in a week. Madeline formed on September 29, not far from Central America. The next day, the circulation dissipated, and as a result weakened to a remnant low. Four days later, on October 3, the low regenerated into a tropical depression. The system remained weak for three days as it drifted west-northwest. When it began to recurve towards Mexico on October 6, the cyclone rapidly intensified and eventually made landfall at peak intensity as a Category 4. Shortly after landfall, the cyclone rapidly dissipated.
Prior to the arrival of Madeline, 15,000 people evacuated from the coast, which had already been impacted by Hurricane Liza. Heavy damage was reported along with seven fatalities. Two dams were flooded and extensive crop damage was reported.