&sq=&lang=&file=File:Paul_Oct_15_2012_1815Z.jpg) Hurricane Paul at peak intensity, after rapid deepening on October 15 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | October 13, 2012 |
| Remnant low | October 17, 2012 |
| Dissipated | October 18, 2012 |
| Category 3 major hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 120 mph (195 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 959 mbar (hPa); 28.32 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | None reported |
| Damage | $15.6 million (2012 USD) |
| Areas affected | Baja California Peninsula, Northwestern Mexico |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2012 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Paul was a strong tropical cyclone that threatened the Baja California peninsula during October 2012. The sixteenth tropical cyclone, tenth hurricane, and fifth major hurricane of the season, Paul originated from a trough of low pressure west of the coastline of Mexico on October 13. While turning towards the north, the system quickly organized, reaching hurricane status in the morning of October 15. By that afternoon, Paul had reached its peak intensity as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS) with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h), but began to weaken rapidly thereafter due to land interaction and strong wind shear. Late on October 17, Paul degenerated into a remnant low. The remnants of Paul later moved ashore along the central Baja California Peninsula, before dissipating on October 18.
Prior to the storm's arrival in Baja California Sur, hurricane watches and warnings were issued for coastal locations. Hundreds of homes were damaged across the region and damage to infrastructure was significant. Power outages also occurred across the region as a result of Hurricane Paul. A total of 400 homes were destroyed, and 300 others were flooded. Damage totaled $15.6 million (2012 USD).