 Surface weather analysis of the storm near peak intensity | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | November 10, 1961 |
| Dissipated | November 12, 1961 |
| Category 1 hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 996 mbar (hPa); 29.41 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 436 total |
| Damage | $16 million (1961 USD) |
| Areas affected | Southern Mexico |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1961 Pacific hurricane season | |
Hurricane Tara was one of the deadliest Pacific hurricanes on record. The final tropical cyclone of the 1961 Pacific hurricane season, Tara formed on November 10 about 230 mi (365 km) off the coast of Mexico. It strengthened to reach maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) before making landfall in the Mexican state of Guerrero near Zihuatanejo. Hurricane Tara dissipated on November 12, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to locations inundated by 10 days of precipitation. Damage was light in the major port city of Acapulco, though further west along the coast, the effects of Tara were much worse. The city of Nuxco in Tecpan de Galeana municipality received the most damage and deaths from the hurricane. Throughout Mexico, at least 436 fatalities were reported, and damage exceeded $16 million (1961 USD, $115 million 2009 USD).