Mexico’s Most Devastating Hurricanes – A Historical Overview

Mexico has experienced several powerful hurricanes throughout its history, many of which have reached the highest categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale, a system that measures hurricane intensity based on wind speed.

HURRICANE OTIS (2023)

Otis was a highly destructive cyclone that hit near Acapulco as a category 5 hurricane, even surpassing Hurricane Patricia. It resulted in at least 47 deaths and 59 disappearances, along with significant infrastructure damage.

HURRICANE PATRICIA (2015)

Patricia, formed in the Pacific Ocean, is considered the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere. It reached category 5, with sustained winds of up to 325 km/h. Despite making landfall in Jalisco, the damage was less severe than expected due to its rapid dissipation.

HURRICANE WILMA (2005)

Wilma, one of Mexico's most destructive hurricanes, struck the Yucatán Peninsula as a category 5 storm. It caused severe damage in Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres, resulting in economic losses estimated at 18,772 million pesos.

HURRICANE DEAN (2007)

Dean, a category 5 hurricane, wreaked havoc on the Yucatán Peninsula, particularly in the southeast regions of Quintana Roo and Veracruz. It's remembered for its rapid intensification and devastating impact.

HURRICANE GILBERT (1988)

Gilbert, a category 5 hurricane, is one of Mexico's most notorious storms. It hit the Yucatán Peninsula and caused extensive damage in the northeast of the country, marked by heavy rainfall and a large area of impact.

HURRICANE ODILE (2014)

Odile, the most powerful cyclone to hit Baja California Sur in 25 years, made landfall as a category 3 hurricane. It claimed 11 lives and left damages worth a billion dollars.

HURRICANE PAULINA (1997)

Paulina, a category 4 hurricane, had a devastating impact on Guerrero and Oaxaca. It was one of Mexico's deadliest hurricanes, causing landslides and floods that resulted in numerous deaths and significant damage.

HURRICANE AMANDA (2014)

Amanda, a category 4 cyclone, caused landslides and intense rainfall in Colima and other areas of the Mexican coast, despite not causing any deaths.

HURRICANE NORBERT (2008)

Norbert, a category 3 hurricane, moved parallel to the western coast of Mexico, causing floods and three deaths in Baja California.

HURRICANE RAYMOND (2013)

Raymond, a category 3 hurricane, lingered near the Mexican Pacific coast, causing heavy rainfall and landslides in Guerrero and Michoacán.

HURRICANE KENNA (2002)

Kenna, a category 5 hurricane, approached the Mexican Pacific coast, causing severe damage in Puerto Vallarta and other coastal areas.

HURRICANE LIZA (1976)

Liza, a category 4 hurricane, impacted Baja California Sur, resulting in catastrophic floods and over 600 deaths, primarily in La Paz.

HURRICANE ISIDORE (2002)

Isidore, a category 3 hurricane, caused widespread flooding and damage in the Yucatán Peninsula, particularly in Mérida and other areas of Yucatán state.