&sq=&lang=&file=File:Hurricane_Pauline_(1968)_on_September_29.JPG) Pauline as a newly-upgraded tropical storm on September 29. | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 26, 1968 |
| Dissipated | October 3, 1968 |
| Category 1 hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | ≤1002 mbar (hPa); ≤29.59 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 5 direct |
| Areas affected | Northwestern Mexico, California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1968 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Pauline was the deadliest hurricane of the 1968 Pacific hurricane season. Forming from a disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone on September 26 and becoming a tropical storm on September 29, the hurricane strengthened to a peak of 85 mph (137 km/h) as a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale on September 30 before making landfall just east of La Paz, Baja California Sur, near Ciudad Constitución in Mexico, exiting over the Gulf of California. Before making a second landfall on the state of Sonora on October 3, Pauline lost tropical characteristics. The storm continued inland, passing directly over Ciudad Obregón before dissipating south-southeast of Sierra Vista, Arizona.
There is very little information as to the effects of Pauline on Mexico, but during the passage of the hurricane over Magdalena Bay, a boat disappeared with its five occupants. Despite a large-scale search for the boat or any possible remnants, no trace was ever found. The remnants of Pauline triggered showers over the southwest United States and may have been responsible for a damaging tornado which occurred near Glendale, Arizona.