Hurricane Odile (1984)
Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | September 17, 1984 |
Dissipated | September 23, 1984 |
Category 2 hurricane | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Highest winds | 105 mph (165 km/h) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 21 total |
Damage | Unknown |
Areas affected | Southwestern Mexico |
Part of the 1984 Pacific hurricane season |
Hurricane Odile was the second of three
Meteorological history
A tropical disturbance was first noted about 150 mi (240 km) south of Acapulco on September 16. After tracking over 84 °F (29 °C) waters, the disturbance began to strengthen, and became a depression at 18:00
Late on September 21, Hurricane Odile reached its peak intensity of 105 mph (169 km/h), which made it a Category 2 hurricane on the
Preparations and impact
Due to the storm's slow motion, Odile dropped heavy rainfall over a prolonged period across Southern Mexico. Nation-wide, the maximum rainfall totals of 24.73 in (628 mm) occurred in Costa Azul and Acapulco.[3] In all, Odile, in conjunction with a series of storms that affected the country in 1984, brought the heaviest rains to the region since 1978.[4] Acapulco Mayor Alfonso Arugdin Alcaraz reported that flooding inundated 30 miles (50 km) of highways, damaged roughly 900 homes, and left 20,000 families without running water.[5] According to press reports, flooding triggered an evacuation of 7,000 people across the city, and six people were killed, with two others reported missing.[6] However, these reports were not confirmed because telephone circuits between Acapulco and Mexico City were down.[6] Commercial flights in Acapulco were suspended on September 21, but were resumed on September 23, even though the airline terminal remained flooded by more than 3 ft (910 mm) of water.[3]
The city of Zihuatanejo was left without electricity since the hurricane had knocked down two high-tension towers.[4] Throughout Guerrero, 80% of all crops were damaged.[4] Across the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo corridor, several dozen adobe and other poorly constructed huts had their walls damaged and roofs blown away by strong winds.[7] Slight damage was reported in the area, although there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.[8] Nevertheless, the tourism industry in Acapulco and Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo was severely affected by Odile and the preceding storms,[9] with few foreign tourists visiting the area.[5] Officials estimated that hotels were only 5% full in Acapulco.[10] Overall, a total of 44 riverbanks and 30,000 residents were isolated due to flooding. There were a total of 21 confirmed fatalities from the storm after 18 passengers and 3 crewman drowned on the Atoyac River.[11] As a result of Odile and a combination of other storms that hit the country in 1984, crop losses were estimated at US$60 million,[nb 1][12] mostly from corn, beans, wheat, rice and sorghum.[13]
See also
- Other tropical cyclones named Odile
Notes
- ^ All damage totals are in 1984 values of their respective currencies.
References
- ^ ISSN 1520-0493.
- ^ National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (April 4, 2023). "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2022". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. A guide on how to read the database is available here. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Hydrometeorological Prediction Center. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
- ^ a b c "Storms leave thousands homeless across Mexico". Lakeland Ledger. Associated Press. September 25, 1984. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
- ^ a b "Hurricane Moves Along Mexico's Pacific Coast". Associated Press. September 24, 1984. – via Lexis Nexis (subscription required)
- ^ a b "Hurricanes big and ugly, shipping warned". The Free Lance-Star. Associated Press. September 24, 1984. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
- ^ "Tropical Storm Odile Hits Pacific Coast Resort". Associated Press. September 22, 1984. – via Lexis Nexis (subscription required)
- ^ Levi, Isaac B. (September 23, 1984). "Hurricane Comes On Heels of Tropical Storm Odille". Associated Press. – via Lexis Nexis (subscription required)
- ^ "Storm batters Mexican resort". The Spokesman-Review. September 24, 1984. Retrieved December 17, 2011.
- ^ "Hurricanes Batter Pacific Coast". Associated Press. September 24, 1984. – via Lexis Nexis (subscription required)
- ^ "Dateline: Mexico; Mexican stock market hits all time high". United Press International. September 26, 1984. – via Lexis Nexis (subscription required)
- ^ "News from Mexico". Santa Maria Times. United Press International. September 30, 1984. p. 46. Retrieved January 8, 2022. – via Newspapers.com (subscription required)
- ^ "Mexico News Briefs". United Press International. September 28, 1984. – via Lexis Nexis (subscription required)