1983 Pacific hurricane season

The 1983 Pacific hurricane season was an above average Pacific hurricane season which became the longest season ever recorded at the time. The season began on May 15, 1983 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1983 in the central Pacific, and ended on November 30, 1983. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. During the 1983 season, there were 20 named storms, which was slightly less than the previous season. Furthermore, twelve storms strengthened into hurricanes while eight reached major hurricane status, Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS). The decaying 1982–83 El Niño event likely contributed to a high level of activity. That same El Niño influenced a very quiet Atlantic hurricane season.

The first storm of the season, Hurricane Adolph, became the southernmost-forming east Pacific tropical cyclone on record after forming at a latitude of 7.1°N. After a slow start, activity picked up in July, when Hurricane Gil moved through the Hawaiian Islands, resulting in minor damage. In early August, Hurricane Ismael was responsible for three deaths and $19 million (1983 USD) in damage in the United States. In September, hurricanes Kiko and Lorena brought significant damage and seven deaths to southern Mexico. About a month later, Tropical Storm Octave became the worst tropical cyclone on record to affect Arizona. Octave killed 15 people, and caused $500 million in damage to Arizona and $12.5 million to New Mexico. Later in October, Hurricane Tico was a very intense hurricane at the time of its landfall and thus left 25,000 homeless. Damage throughout the country was estimated at $200 million while 135 deaths were reported in Mexico. Although the majority of its impact occurred in Mexico, Tico's remnants brought significant flooding in the Central United States, resulting in six deaths and $42 million in damage. A few days later, Hurricane Raymond posed a threat to Hawaii, but sustained minimal damage. The final storm of the season, Hurricane Winnie, was a rare December cyclone.

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Seasonal summary

During the 1983 season, a total of 21 named storms formed, which was well-above the long-term average of 15. However, this total was slightly less active than the 1982 Pacific hurricane season, which saw a then-record 22 storms form. However, 1983 was at that time the most active season in the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center (EPHC) warning zone, and again in the 1992 Pacific hurricane season. Additionally, 12 storms reached hurricane intensity, which was above the average of eight. A moderate El Niño was present throughout the season, with water temperatures across the equatorial Central Pacific was nearly 5 °F (0.6 °C) above normal. The Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) was in a warm phase during this time period. Both of these factors are known to enhance Pacific hurricane season activity. Furthermore, 1983 was in the middle of an era where all but the 1988 Pacific hurricane season was near or above average.

One storm in 1983 formed in May, an event the occurs every other year on average. Another storm formed in June, which was below the average of 1.7 storms per June. Despite a somewhat slow start, activity picked up in July, where 6 storms formed. This was twice the average, though only two of the storms thus far had exceeded hurricane intensity. Although August was less active, with only 3 storms developing, compared to the average of 4, two of the storms that formed in July lasted into the early part of the month. However, activity picked back up again in September, with 5 storms forming, which was above the average of 3. Three storms also formed in October, which was two storms above normal. One storm developed in November as well, a somewhat unusual occurrence. For the first time since 1947, a hurricane developed in December. As the depression headed gradually west-northwestward over extremely warm sea surface temperatures, it steadily intensified. Later that day, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Adolph. Further intensification occurred as Adolph headed west-northwestward; by May 24, the EPHC reported that Adolph had strengthened into a hurricane, Shortly thereafter, the storm turned northwestward and intensified into a Category 2 hurricane on the SSHWS. Around that time, Adolph attained its peak intensity with winds of }.

Following peak intensity, Adolph gradually weakened to a Category 1 hurricane. By May 25, Adolph curved sharply north-northeastward, as a result of being steered by anticyclonic deep-layer mean. Despite being situated over fairly warm waters, Adolph weakened considerably due to increased wind shear. Although a modern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15,

Hurricane Barbara

A tropical disturbance was first observed in early June about south of Guatemala, and headed westward. The tropical disturbance intensified, and became the second tropical depression of the season on June 9. After staying a tropical depression for 24 hours, the system was subsequently upgraded to Tropical Storm Barbara. Jellyfish stung 50 tourists. On the northern part of the island, winds were reported, resulting in extensive damage in some areas, but slight damage to others. A minor power outage on the island briefly left 2,400 customers without electricity. In Maui, the outer rainbands of Gil led to minor flooding. Overall, damage from Gil was minimal and less than expected. Offshore, one person was presumed to have died when a catamaran, named Hurricane, went missing.

Hurricane Henriette

A tropical disturbance developed about south of the Guatemala coastline. After developing a circulation, the system was upgraded into a tropical depression on July 27. Moving west-northwest, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Henriette at 1800 UTC that day. One person was swept away at a beach. The remnants of the storm later moved over South California, resulting in moderate rainfall. The Yucca Valley was the worst hit by the storm, Almost 50,000 residents in Palm Springs were isolated due to rains. In San Bernardino, many buildings were destroyed, forcing numerous evacuations. Moreover, three interstates were closed. In all, minor injuries were reported and three people died in San Bernardino when their car swept into a channel. Damage from the storm totaled $19 million (1983 USD). After affecting California, the remnants of the hurricane moved into Nevada. Many parking lots in Laughlin were flooded. Initially expected to turn west and head out to sea, the storm moved northwest while paralleling the Mexican coast. Early on September 1, Kiko began to explosively deepen, and by 1800 UTC, it intensified into a Category 3 hurricane on the SSHWS, bypassing both Category 1 and 2 status. Six hours later, the EPHC reported that Kiko had intensified into a low-end Category 4. After remaining at this intensity for 30 hours, the hurricane resumed intensification, attaining its peak intensity of 145 mph (230 km/h) late on September 3 about west of Lázaro Cárdenas.

Shortly after its peak, a combination of cooler waters and increased wind shear associated with the subtropical jetstream Kiko brought high clouds to the extreme southwestern portion of the Baja California Peninsula for four days. While at sea, Hurricane Kiko was responsible for waves along Newport Beach, California, resulting in more than 100 lifeguard rescues. As a weakening tropical system, Kiko brought subtropical moisture and high clouds to California.

Hurricane Lorena

Towards the end of the first week of September, the next cyclone of the season was starting to form south of the Mexican coast. A disturbance moved westward and was classified as a tropical depression about south of Acapulco early on September 6. Like Kiko, the storm deepened rapidly, and was upgraded into a tropical storm at 1800 UTC that day. Furthermore, it was also responsible for $33,000 in damage to Acapulco. Seven people died due to flooding. Four ships drowned in the storm; as a result, many local ports were closed. In addition, a mudslide blocked a portion of the Pan-American Highway.

Hurricane Manuel

A vigorous tropical disturbance was first noted on September 10 south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Despite the presence of wind shear, the EPHC upgraded system into a tropical depression at 0600 UTC on September 12 and a tropical storm at 1200 UTC that day In the mountains and deserts of California, the storm brought heavy rains across. A laboratory near Palm Springs recorded a peak rainfall total of . Further east, in Arizona, isolated rain showers were reported, peaking at at the Alamo Dam. In all, impact from the storm was less than anticipated.

Tropical Storm Narda

Several hours after Manuel dissipated on September 20, a tropical disturbance formed south of Socorro Island. While situated south of a ridge, the disturbance started to deepen. After developing a circulation, the system was declared a tropical depression the morning of September 21. Later that morning, the EPHC upgraded the disturbance into a tropical storm. Officials urged many Hawaiians to complete preparations by the night of September 28. Campers at coastal parks were also ordered by police to find shelter on higher ground. However, the hurricane watch was discontinued after Narda veered away on September 29. The outer rainbands of Narda brought locally heavy rain to the state. Nine families were evacuated to shelters. Higher than normal surf was also observed on southeast and east facing beaches. Overall, damage from Narda was minor. In the end, the highest rainfall associated with Octave was at Mount Graham. The Santa Cruz, Rillito, and Gila rivers experienced their highest crests on record. Runoff from both the Rillito and Santa Cruz rivers flooded Marana. Major flooding was reported along the Gila River, Willcox was nearly flooded. Further west, in Phoenix, 150 people were evacuated from an apartment complex. Throughout the greater Phoenix area, eight fires were started via lighting.

Tropical Storm Octave was considered the worst flood in Pima County history. Octave is also regarded as the worst tropical system to affect Arizona. Around 3,000 buildings were damaged due to Octave. Damage in Arizona totaled $500 million. Fourteen people drowned and 975 persons were injured. Elsewhere, in New Mexico, a peak total of of rain was recorded, resulting in flooding. New Mexico governor Toney Anaya declared a state of emergency in Catron County. Damage in New Mexico was estimated at $12.5 million. In Mexico, of rain was reported in Altar. In Sonora, many roads were closed. On October 3, Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt declared a state of emergency. President Ronald Reagan declared eight Arizona counties a "major disaster area" on October 5.

Hurricane Priscilla

While Tropical Storm Octave was still active, a tropical disturbance formed on September 29 near Clipperton Island. The disturbance moved northwest, and was upgraded into a depression at 1800 UTC. While moving beneath the southwest side of a ridge, Priscilla steadily intensified. In Arizona, heavy equipment was evacuated from flood-prone areas. Along the central Baja California peninsula, showers were reported. While still a Category 2 hurricane, the outer rainbands of Priscilla brought rains to California, resulting in power outages, hail, and traffic accidents. In Los Angeles, a daily rainfall record was set. Some streets in Anaheim and Santa Ana were flooded. The roof of a church was also damaged. Consequently, flash flood warnings were posted for parts of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Offshore, rough seas were generated. Across northwestern Arizona and Nevada, heavy showers and thunderstorms occurred.

Because meteorologists were predicting that the storm may pose a threat to the Hawaiian island group, the CPHC issued a hurricane watch for Hawaii. In addition, Raymond brought beneficial rains and gusty winds on all islands. Precipitation ranged from on Maui. There was one fatality when a sailor, Richard Sharp, was killed overboard off the yacht Hazaña; the boat, which was dismasted, was also occupied by his girlfriend, Tami Oldham Ashcraft, from Tahiti to San Diego, but the course was altered to Hawaii because of the storm.

Tropical Storm Sonia

Situated several hundred miles west of Hurricane Raymond, a tropical disturbance formed on October 8. Moving west-northwest, the disturbance was upgraded into a tropical depression on October 9. After moving west-northwest for 12 hours, it turned west. Despite warm waters, strong westerly wind shear prevented much further development. On October 10, the EPHC upgraded Sonia into a tropical storm. That day, Sonia reached its peak intensity of 45 mph (70 km/h). However, this was short-lived as the thunderstorm activity quickly became displaced from the center. At 0000 UTC on October 11, Sonia weakened into a tropical depression.

Moderate rainfall was reported around the landfall location, peaking at 8.98 in (228 mm) in Pueblo Nuevo, Durango; lighter precipitation of 1–3 in (25–75 mm) occurred further inland toward the Mexico/United States border. with a total of seven ships reported missing. Overall, the hurricane sank nine small ships, and nine fishermen were killed. Hurricane Tico was responsible severe flooding and heavy damage due to strong winds. Throughout the state of Sinaloa, the hurricane destroyed nearly 19,000 acres (77 km<sup>2</sup>) of bean and corn, although most of the agricultural damage occurred south of Mazatlán. Twenty-five thousand people were left homeless and damage throughout the country was estimated at $200 million (1983  USD). Hurricane Tico caused a total of 135 deaths in Mexico.

Rain from Tico continued into the South-Central United States; Across Guthire, 5% of the town's population, sought three emergency shelter due to deep water. Throughout Oklahoma and Texas, 200 people were displaced and six people were killed. A total of $77 million in crop damage occurred in Oklahoma. Total damage in the state was estimated at $84 million. Elsewhere, one person was killed in the Kansas. Situated south-southwest of Acapulco, the disturbance organized into a tropical depression on December 4. It slowly headed north, and intensified into a tropical storm. the storm stalled instead. Due to wind shear caused by a trough, Winnie began to rapidly deteriorate, and it was downgraded into a tropical storm that night. After weakening further into a depression, Winnie dissipated on December 7. Winnie is the latest hurricane on record in the eastern North Pacific.

Although the tropical cyclone never made landfall, it caused rain in parts of Mexico. The highest total of was recorded in Caleta de Campos. but damage was less than expected.

Storm names

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Pacific Ocean east of 140°W in 1983. This was a new set of names, and every name used this season was used for the first time, except for Priscilla, which was previously used in the old four-year lists. All 21 names on the list were used. No names were retired from this list following the season, and it was next used (expanded to include "X", "Y", and "Z" names) for the 1989 season.

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Adolph
Barbara
Cosme
Dalilia
Erick
Flossie
Gil*

Henriette
Ismael
Juliette
Kiko
Lorena
Manuel
Narda*

Octave
Priscilla
Raymond*
Sonia*
Tico
Velma
Winnie

For storms that form in the North Pacific from 140°W to the International Date Line, the names come from a series of four rotating lists. Names are used one after the other without regard to year, and when the bottom of one list is reached, the next named storm receives the name at the top of the next list.

Season effects

This is a table of all of the storms that have formed in the 1983 Pacific hurricane season. It includes their name, duration, peak classification and intensities, areas affected, damage, and death totals. Deaths in parentheses are additional and indirect (an example of an indirect death would be a traffic accident), but were still related to that storm. Damage and deaths include totals while the storm was extratropical, a wave, or a low, and all of the damage figures are in 1983 USD.

References

External links

Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1983
CPHC Season Summary
Unisys Weather archive for the Eastern Pacific, 1983
CPHC archive accessed November 15, 2005