1992 Pacific hurricane season 2187721 219289173 2008-06-14T14:29:28Z Lightbot 7178666 Units/dates/other {{Infobox hurricane season| name=1992 Pacific hurricane season | first storm formed=[[January 26]], [[1992]] (record earliest) | last storm dissipated=[[November 22]], [[1992]] | strongest storm=''Tina'' - 932 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]] | total storms=27 <small>(record)</small> | major storms=10 <small>(record)</small> | total damages=2 billion+ ([[United States Dollar|USD]]){{tcunits}}<!-- what year? --> | total fatalities=17 | basin=Pacific hurricane | five seasons=[[1990 Pacific hurricane season|1990]], [[1991 Pacific hurricane season|1991]], '''1992''', [[1993 Pacific hurricane season|1993]], [[1994 Pacific hurricane season|1994]] }} The '''1992 Pacific hurricane season''' was the most active Pacific season on record. The most notable storm was [[Hurricane Iniki]], which caused billions of dollars of damage to the [[Hawaiian Islands]]. Hurricanes Lester, Virgil, Winifred, and Orlene also made landfall and killed several people, but were significantly less destructive. Hurricane Darby and Tropical Storm Agatha brought rains and more destruction to [[Mexico]], without making landfall. Hurricane Tina was the longest-lasting pacific hurricane at the time. Also of note are Hurricane Ekeka and Tropical Storm Hali, which formed in late January and March, respectively. ==Season Summary== {{Saffir-Simpson small}} The season officially started on [[May 15]], [[1992]] in the eastern Pacific, and on [[June 1]], [[1992]] in the central Pacific, and lasted until [[November 30]], [[1992]]. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern [[Pacific Ocean]]. The season wildly exceeded these bounds, however, as climatological effects including an [[El Niño]] caused Hurricane Ekeka to form on [[January 26]]. This season, there were twenty-four named storms in the eastern Pacific. Of these, fourteen became hurricanes and eight became major hurricanes by reaching Category 3 or higher on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. In the central Pacific, three named storms formed, of which two were major hurricanes. Several storms moved in from the east. The eleven total tropical cyclones entering or forming in the central Pacific is a record level. Despite this activity, there were only five landfalls. Additionally there were three named storms in the central Pacific (west of longitude 140° West). Two of these became hurricanes. ==Storms== ===Hurricane Ekeka=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Ekeka | category=cat3 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Ekeka (1992).JPG | track=Ekeka 1992 track.png | formed=[[January 28]] | dissipated=[[February 8]], [[1992]] | highest winds=115&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (185&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 100&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=Pressure unknown }} An extratropical low sat just north of the equator in the vicinity of [[Kiritimati|Christmas Island]] and [[Fanning Atoll]]. Despite the fact that it was late January, the low began to acquire tropical features. On [[January 28]], it had developed enough convection to be considered a tropical depression. It intensified fairly quickly and was named Ekeka ([[Hawaiian language|Hawaiian]] for Edgar) that same day.<ref name="EkekaTCR">{{ cite web | author=Central Pacific Hurricane Center | year=1992 | title=Hurricane Ekeka Preliminary Report | publisher=Central Pacific Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/1992.php#Ekeka }}</ref> The system continued to strengthen and became a hurricane on [[January 30]]. Ekeka peaked as a Category 3 major hurricane on [[February 2]] while located barely north of 10°N. As Ekeka moved towards the dateline, a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] developed. The resulting [[wind shear]] rapidly decayed the system, and the cyclone was a minimal tropical storm when it crossed the [[international date line]] on [[February 4]]. The system was downgraded to a [[depression (meteorology)|depression]] that same day. The depression passed through the [[Marshall Islands]] before the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] laid the system to rest on [[February 8]].<ref name="EkekaTCR"/> No damage was done by Tropical Depression Ekeka as it passed through the Marshall Islands causing no known problems. However, it remains a [[meteorology|meteorological]] enigma due to both the unusual time of formation ([[January 28]], midwinter for the [[Northern Hemisphere]]) and an exceptionally low [[latitude]] (4.5°N), at which the [[Coriolis effect]] normally cannot fuel a cyclone.<ref name="EkekaTCR"/> Hurricane Ekeka is the earliest tropical depression, storm, hurricane, and major hurricane in the central Pacific basin. It is the only known tropical cyclone to occur during the month of February or January in the Pacific Ocean east of the dateline. As a consequence, it is also the strongest system in both of those months.<ref name="Unisys">{{ cite web | author=Dan Voight | year=2007 | title=Unisys 1992 EPHS Archive | publisher=Unisys Inc. | accessdate=2006-03-16 | url=http://www.weather.unisys.com/hurricane/e_pacific/1992/index.html }}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Hali=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Hali | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=Tropical Storm Hali (1992).JPG | track=Hali 1992 track.png | formed=[[March 28]] | dissipated=[[March 30]], [[1992]] | highest winds=50&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (80&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 45&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=Pressure unknown }} The history set by Hurricane Ekeka repeated itself when, on [[March 28]], a low-latitude area of [[thunderstorm]]s organized into Tropical Depression Two-C. The next day, it intensified into a tropical storm and was named Hali, which is Hawaiian for Holly.<ref name="HaliTCR">{{ cite web | author=Central Pacific Hurricane Center | year=1992 | title=Hurricane Hali Preliminary Report | publisher=Central Pacific Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/1992.php#Hali }}</ref> The reached its peak intensity on [[March 29]]. Almost immediately thereafter, wind shear blew the top off the system and caused it to fall apart. The [[Central Pacific Hurricane Center]] declared the system dissipated on [[March 30]]. Tropical Storm Hali had no impact on land. However, it is also a meteorological enigma. Hali is the only known eastern Pacific tropical cyclone to develop in the month of March. It is thus the strongest March storm.<ref name="Unisys"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Agatha=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Agatha | category=storm | type=tropical storm | track=Agatha 1992 track.png | image=Tropical Storm Agatha (1992).JPG | formed=[[June 1]] | dissipated=[[June 6]], [[1992]] | highest winds=60&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (95&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 50&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=990&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} A tropical wave that entered the Pacific in late May organized into Tropical Depression One-E on [[June 1]]. It moved north for the next two days. The depression strengthened into a tropical storm on [[June 2]]. After peaking the same day, Agatha slowed down and started drifting west. It steadily weakened, falling to a depression on [[June 5]]. Agatha had dissipated by the next day.<ref name="AgathaTCR">{{ cite web | author=Miles B. Lawrence | year=[[1992-06-28]] | title=Tropical Storm Agatha Preliminary Report | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/agatha/prelim01.gif }}</ref> Agatha approached close enough to the coast of Mexico that watches and warnings were issued. Gale-force winds were not reported, and there was no deaths and no damage. The only other impact was isolated instances of flash-flooding due to rain.<ref name="AgathaTCR"/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Blas=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Blas | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=Tropical storm blas (1992).JPG | track=Blas 1992 track.png | formed=[[June 22]] | dissipated=[[June 24]], [[1992]] | highest winds=40&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (80&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 35&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=1004&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} A tropical wave crossed over [[Dakar, Africa]] on [[June 4]] and crossed the [[Cape Verde Islands]] by the day after. The wave continued westward and on [[June 10]], passed the [[Windward Islands]]. The wave went through [[Central America]] during the period of [[June 14]] and [[June 16]]. The system entered the Eastern Pacific basin without gaining much convection. Over waters marginally suitable for [[tropical cyclogenesis|cyclogenesis]], a tropical wave organized into the second depression of the season on [[June 22]]. It briefly reached tropical storm strength on [[June 23]]. It then moved over cooler waters and dissipated the next day. Blas did not have any impact on land masses.<ref name="BlasTCR">{{ cite web | author=Lixion A. Avila | year=[[1992-08-08]] | title=Tropical Storm Agatha Preliminary Report | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/blas/prelim01.gif }}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Celia=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Celia | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | track=Celia 1992 track.png | image=Hurricane Celia (1992).JPG | formed=[[June 22]] | dissipated=[[July 4]], [[1992]] | highest winds=140&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (225&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 125&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=935&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Celia's origin as a tropical wave on [[June 8]] off the coast of Africa.<ref name="CeliaTCR1">{{ cite web | author=Richard J. Pasch | year=[[1992-12-02]] | title=Hurricane Celia Preliminary Report - Page 1 | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/celia/prelim01.gif }}</ref> The system moved toward Central America and crossed over into the East Pacific basin around the 19th. The NHC declared the wave as a tropical depression on [[June 22]] farther east than usual due to the low vertical wind shear. The NHC declared it as a tropical storm on the 23rd and was given the name Celia. Soon afterwards Celia started strengthening and soon became a hurricane. Celia started deepening rapidly starting around [[June 26]] and soon became a Category 4 major hurricane with winds of {{convert|125|kn|km/h}} and a minimal pressure of 935 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]].<ref name="CeliaTCR2">{{ cite web | author=Richard J. Pasch | year=[[1992-12-02]] | title=Hurricane Celia Preliminary Report - Page 2 | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/celia/prelim02.gif }}</ref> Celia maintained Category 4 intensity for about 24 hours and then start gradually weakening. Celia fell below hurricane status on [[July 2]] and to tropical depression status the next day. Thereafter, all that was left of Celia was a swirl of low-convection clouds and was impossible to recognize on [[July 4]].<ref name="CeliaTCR2"/> <div style="clear:both;"></div> ===Hurricane Darby=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Darby | category=cat3 | type=hurricane | track=Darby 1992 track.png | image=Hurricane Darby (1992).JPG | formed=[[July 2]] | dissipated=[[July 10]], [[1992]] | highest winds=120&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (195&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 115&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=968&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} {{hurricane main|Hurricane Darby (1992)}} A tropical wave organized into tropical depression Five-E on [[July 2]]. It strengthened and was named Darby the next day. Steering currents became very strong, and Darby accelerated as it paralleled the coast of Mexico. It strengthened into a hurricane on [[July 5]] and also substantially increased in size. It peaked as a strong Category 3 on [[July 6]]. Darby began to substantially weaken thereafter as it passed over cooler waters. The hurricane weakened into a storm and then a depression on [[July 8]] and [[July 9]], respectively. Tropical Depression Darby lost tropical characteristics the next day. Moisture from the hurricane eventually spread over parts of the Continental United States.<ref name="DarbyTCR1">{{ cite web | author=Britt Max Mayfield | year=[[1992-08-09]] | title=Hurricane Darby Preliminary Report - Page 1 | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/darby/prelim01.gif }}</ref> During Darby's formation, flooding from the cyclone's rainbands killed three people in [[Acapulco]], [[Guerrero]] and 180 shops were damaged. Four fishermen were reported missing, fate unknown. [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]], [[Colima]], reported sustained winds just above tropical-storm force. The hurricane's remnants brought mainly light rain to the U.S. state of [[California]]. Cloud cover als delayed the landing of the [[Space Shuttle Columbia|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'']] for one day. South-facing beaches of that state were pounded with waves up to 7 feet (2.3 m) in height. A monetary value for damage is not available.<ref name="DarbyTCR2">{{ cite web | author=Britt Max Mayfield | year=[[1992-08-09]] | title=Hurricane Darby Preliminary Report - Page 2 | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/darby/prelim02.gif }}</ref> Darby also caused a few shipping accidents. A pleasure craft, the ''Oasis'', had an engine failure and was abandoned. The seven people aboard were rescued, but the boat was sunk. A smaller sailboat, the ''Hosanna'', had difficulties but was towed to a safe location by a [[Cutter (ship)|cutter]] from the [[United States Coast Guard]]. A fishing boat at an unspecified location also experienced difficulties.<ref name="DarbyTCR3">{{ cite web | author=Britt Max Mayfield | year=[[1992-08-09]] | title=Hurricane Darby Preliminary Report - Page 3 | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/darby/prelim03.gif }}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Estelle=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Estelle | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | image=HR Estelle 1992.jpg | track=Estelle 1992 track.png | formed=[[July 9]] | dissipated=[[July 17]], [[1992]] | highest winds=140&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (220&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 120&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=943&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} The origin of Hurricane Estelle is unclear. The [[National Hurricane Center]] indicates that it may have formed from a tropical wave that began on [[June 23]] off the [[African]] coast.<ref name="EstelleTCR">{{ cite web | author=Edward Rappaport | year=[[1992-08-10]] | title=Hurricane Estelle Preliminary Report | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/estelle/prelim01.gif }}</ref> The wave began to move at low latitudes and passed the northern part of [[South America]]. On [[July 2]], deep convection began to join with the wave as it crossed into the eastern Pacific Ocean on [[July 7]]. Reports indicate that the wave strengthened into Tropical Depression Five on [[July 9]]. 18 hours later, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Estelle in unusually strong wind shear. The shear began to weaken and an eye began to form in Estelle on [[July 11]]. These eye formations caused the NHC to upgrade Estelle to a hurricane.<ref name="EstelleTCR"/> From early [[July 11]] to late [[July 15]], Estelle moved at about 7 - {{convert|15|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} to the northwest. During this period, Estelle reached {{convert|130|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} winds and became a Category 4 hurricane. Estelle to weaken gradually and on [[July 17]], Estelle had completely lost its characteristics.<ref name="EstelleTCR"/> Estelle did not affect land in its lifetime, thus no damage was reported. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Frank=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Frank | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | image=HR Frank 1992.jpg | track=Frank 1992 track.png | formed=[[July 13]] | dissipated=[[July 23]], [[1992]] | highest winds=140&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (225&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 125&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=935&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 4, minimum pressure of 935 mb. Formed [[July 13]], dissipated [[July 23]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Georgette=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Georgette | category=cat2 | type=hurricane | image=HR Georgette 1992.jpg | track=Georgette 1992 track.png | formed=[[July 14]] | dissipated=[[July 26]], [[1992]] | highest winds=110&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (175&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 95&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=964&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 2, minimum pressure of 964 mb. Formed [[July 14]], dissipated [[July 26]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Howard=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Howard | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=TS Howard 1992.jpg | track=Howard 1992 track.png | formed=[[July 26]] | dissipated=[[July 30]], [[1992]] | highest winds=65&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (105&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 55&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=992&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 992 mb. Formed [[July 26]], dissipated [[July 30]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Isis=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Isis | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=TS Isis 1992.jpg | track=Isis 1992 track.png | formed=[[July 28]] | dissipated=[[August 2]], [[1992]] | highest winds=65&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (105&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 55&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=992&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 992 mb. Formed [[July 28]], dissipated [[August 2]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Depression Twelve-E=== {{storm path needed}} {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Depression 12-E | category=depression | type=tropical depression | formed=[[August 10]] | dissipated=[[August 12]], [[1992]] | highest winds=35&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (55&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 55&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=1008&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 1008 mb. Formed [[August 10]], dissipated [[August 12]]. <ref name="TD12 Archive">[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992/td12e/ Tropical Depression Twelve-E Archive]</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Javier=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Javier | category=cat1 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Javier 1992.jpg | track=Javier 1992 track.png | formed=[[July 30]] | dissipated=[[August 12]], [[1992]] | highest winds=80&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (130&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 70&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=985&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 1, minimum pressure of 985 mb. Formed [[July 30]], dissipated [[August 12]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Kay=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Kay | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=Tropical Storm Kay (1992).JPG | track=Kay 1992 track.png | formed=[[August 18]] | dissipated=[[August 22]], [[1992]] | highest winds=50&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (80&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 45&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=1000&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 1000 mb. Formed [[August 18]], dissipated [[August 22]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Lester=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Lester | category=cat1 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Lester 22 aug 1992 2246Z.jpg | track=Lester 1992 track.png | formed=[[August 20]] | dissipated=[[August 24]], [[1992]] | highest winds=80&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (130&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 70&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=964&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} {{hurricane main|Hurricane Lester (1992)}} Lester was the first actual landfall of the Eastern Pacific season. The hurricane first made landfall in [[Baja California Peninsula]] on the 23rd, striking mainland Mexico late that day. Accelerating northeast, Lester entered the U.S. state of [[Arizona]] as a tropical storm and [[New Mexico]] as a tropical depression before ejecting out into the Plains.<ref name=HPCLester>[http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/tropical/rain/lester1992.html HPC Lester Rainfall] accessed March 6, 2006</ref> No deaths were reported. Lester left over 5000 people homeless. Several tiny settlements west of [[Hermosillo]], [[Sonora]], and on a highway to [[San Diego, California]], were destroyed. A ship called the ''Gladiator'' rolled over 33 degrees to both starboard and port, spilling a considerable amount of cargo. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Madeline=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Madeline | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=TS Madeline 1992.jpg | track=Madeline 1992 track.png | formed=[[August 27]] | dissipated=[[August 31]], [[1992]] | highest winds=50&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (80&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 45&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=999&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Far in the open ocean, a [[tropical wave]] organized into Tropical Depression 14-E on [[August 27]]. Banding and convection increased, and the depression became a tropical storm the next day. Development continued, and Madeline peaked with a minimum pressure of 999&nbsp;mb, and winds of {{convert|45|kn|km/h}}, on [[August 29]]. As the system progressed westward, it entered a region of strong [[wind shear]] and had dissipated on [[August 31]]. The system never came near land.<ref name="MadelineTCR">{{ cite web | author=Lixion Avila | year=1992 | title=Tropical Storm Madeline Preliminary Report | publisher=National Hurricane Center | accessdate=2007-08-18 | url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/storm_wallets/epacific/ep1992-prelim/madeline/prelim01.gif }}</ref> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Newton=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Newton | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=TS Newton 1992.jpg | track=Newton 1992 track.png | formed=[[August 27]] | dissipated=[[August 31]], [[1992]] | highest winds=50&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (80&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 45&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=999&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 999 mb. Formed [[August 27]], dissipated [[August 31]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Orlene=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Orlene | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | image=Orlene 92 nearpeak1a.jpg | track=Orlene 1992 track.png | formed=[[September 2]] | dissipated=[[September 14]], [[1992]] | highest winds=140&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (225&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 125&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=934&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 4, minimum pressure of 934 mb. Formed [[September 2]], dissipated [[September 14]]. As a depression, Orlene made landfall on the [[Big Island of Hawaii]]. It caused downpours and washed out roads. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Iniki=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Iniki | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Iniki.jpg | track=Iniki 1992 track.png | formed=[[September 5]] | dissipated=[[September 13]], [[1992]] | highest winds=140&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (225&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 125&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=938&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} {{hurricane main|Hurricane Iniki}} On [[September 5]], a [[tropical wave]] organized into Tropical Depression Eighteen-E. After crossing 140°W, the system strengthened into a tropical storm on [[September 8]] and was named Iniki (Hawaiian for Enid <ref name=CPHCIniki>[http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/summaries/1992.php#Iniki CPHC Iniki Report] accessed March 6, 2006</ref>) In a favorable environment, Iniki intensified into a hurricane on [[September 9]] and a major hurricane the day after. Iniki reached Category 4 intensity early on [[September 11]]. Meanwhile, a series of [[trough (meteorology)|troughs]] broke down a [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] over the [[Hawaiian Islands]]. This recurved Iniki and accelerated the system northward. Iniki's [[tropical cyclone#structure|eye]] passed directly over [[Kauai]] on [[September 11]], the first hurricane to make landfall in Hawaii since [[1950-1969 Pacific hurricane seasons#1959 Season|Hurricane Dot]] in 1959. Iniki weakened to a tropical storm and went extratropical on [[September 13]] and was promptly absorbed by a [[weather front|front]].<ref name=CPHCIniki/> At the time, Hurricane Iniki was the costliest Pacific hurricane in recorded history. Damage was heavy on Kauai, with many buildings being unroofed. A total of 1241 houses were completely destroyed. The total cost of damage was 2 billion dollars. Six people died and more than 100 people were injured.<ref name=CPHCIniki/> <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Paine=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Paine | category=cat1 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Paine 1992.jpg | track=Paine 1992 track.png | formed=[[September 11]] | dissipated=[[September 16]], [[1992]] | highest winds=75&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (120&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 65&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=987&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 1, minimum pressure of 987 mb. Formed [[September 11]], dissipated [[September 16]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Roslyn=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Roslyn | category=cat2 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane roslyn (1992).JPG | track=Roslyn 1992 track.png | formed=[[September 13]] | dissipated=[[September 25]], [[1992]] | highest winds=100&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (160&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 85&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=975&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 2, minimum pressure of 975 mb. Formed [[September 13]], dissipated [[September 25]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Seymour=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Seymour | category=cat1 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Seymour 1992.jpg | track=Seymour 1992 track.png | formed=[[September 17]] | dissipated=[[September 27]], [[1992]] | highest winds=85&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (135&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 75&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=980&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Category 1, minimum pressure of 980 mb. Formed [[September 17]], dissipated [[September 27]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Tina=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Tina | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | image=Tina 92 peak1a.jpg | track=Tina 1992 track.png | formed=[[September 17]] | dissipated=[[October 11]], [[1992]] | highest winds=145&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (235&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 130&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=932&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Tina was the strongest storm of the season and threatened land for a time. It formed from a tropical wave on [[September 17]]. It moved glacially towards the west and strengthened into a hurricane. A breakdown in a [[ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] and to the north and a [[trough (meteorology)|trough]] then recurved Tina to the northeast and towards land, still moving slowly and gradually slowing down. The trough broke down and was replaced by a strong ridge. Tina then changed direction again and headed out to sea. It intensified into a Category 4 storm with a [[atmospheric pressure|central pressure]] of 932 millibars. Tina then slowly weakened as it turned to the north. The stubborn Tropical Depression Tina dissipated on [[11 October]], shortly after entering the central Pacific. Due to its erratic track and slow motion, Tina was alive from [[September 17]] to [[October 11]]&mdash; a span of 24 days. This is the record for the eastern [[Pacific Ocean]], smashing the east/central record of 20 days held by [[Hurricane Fico]] in the [[1978 Pacific hurricane season|1978 season]] and surpassing [[1972 Pacific typhoon season#Typhoon Rita|Typhoon Rita]]'s west Pacific 1972 record. It was itself surpassed just two years later by [[Hurricane John (1994)|Hurricane John]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Virgil=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Virgil | category=cat4 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Virgil (1992).JPG | track=Virgil 1992 track.png | formed=[[October 1]] | dissipated=[[October 5]], [[1992]] | highest winds=135&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (215&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 115&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=948&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Virgil made landfall in western Mexico as a Category 3 storm after weakening from peaking as a Category 4 hurricane. Virgil paralleled the coast and headed back out to sea as a depression and dissipated. Because Virgil made landfall in a sparsely populated area, damage from storm surge was minimal. The chief effect was heavy rain and flooding, peaking at over {{convert|10|in|cm}} in one location. One person was reported missing in the state of [[Colima]], and three people were injured in [[Guerrero]]. More than 1000 homes were damaged in Guerrero, [[Michoacán]], and Colima, as was {{convert|7400|acre|km2}} of farmland. A flood on the [[Atoyac River]] washed away 500 homes in Guerrero, which prompted the evacuation of 2500 people. A passenger train north of [[Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán]], was derailed when it encountered washed-out roadbeds. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Hurricane Winifred=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Hurricane Winifred | category=cat3 | type=hurricane | image=Hurricane Winifred (1992).JPG | track=Winifred 1992 track.png | formed=[[October 6]] | dissipated=[[October 10]], [[1992]] | highest winds=115&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (185&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 100&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=960&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Winifred was the final hurricane of the season. After reaching Category 3 status, Winifred recurved and hit western Mexico at Category 2 strength. The hurricane quickly dissipated by [[October 10]]. Three people were killed by floods. Damage was concentrated in [[Colima]] and [[Michoacán]]. Electricity and water systems was knocked out in Colima. There was also damage to hotels, restaurants, and houses. Total damage in Colima was estimated at 16 million [[Mexican peso|pesos]] (5 million [[United States dollar|USD]]) by that state's governor. Flooding along the coastal highway connecting [[Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán]], with [[Ixtapa]]-[[Zihuatanejo]] in [[Guerrero]] was extensive. Roughly 840 square kilometres (320 mi²) of farmland was damaged. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Xavier=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Xavier | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=TS Xavier 1992.jpg | track=Xavier 1992 track.png | formed=[[October 13]] | dissipated=[[October 15]], [[1992]] | highest winds=40&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (65&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 35&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=1003&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 1003 mb. Formed [[October 13]], dissipated [[October 15]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Yolanda=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Yolanda | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=Tropical Storm Yolanda (1992).JPG | track=Yolanda 1992 track.png | formed=[[October 15]] | dissipated=[[October 22]], [[1992]] | highest winds=65&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (105&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 55&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=993&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 993 mb. Formed [[October 15]], dissipated [[October 22]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ===Tropical Storm Zeke=== {{Infobox hurricane small | name=Tropical Storm Zeke | category=storm | type=tropical storm | image=Tropical Storm Zeke (1992).JPG | track=Zeke 1992 track.png | formed=[[October 25]] | dissipated=[[October 30]], [[1992]] | highest winds=50&nbsp;[[miles per hour|mph]] (80&nbsp;[[kilometres per hour|km/h]], 45&nbsp;[[knot (speed)|knot]]s) | lowest pressure=1000&nbsp;[[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[hectopascal|hPa]]) }} Minimum pressure of 1000 mb. Formed [[October 25]], dissipated [[October 30]]. <div style="clear: both"></div> ==Accumulated Cyclone Energy Rating (ACE)== The table below shows the [[Accumulated Cyclone Energy|ACE]] for each storm in the season. ACE is, broadly speaking, a measure of the power of the hurricane multiplied by the length of time it existed, so storms that last a long time, as well as particularly strong hurricanes, have high ACEs. ACE is only calculated for full advisories on tropical systems at or exceeding 34&nbsp;knots (39&nbsp;mph, 63&nbsp;km/h) or tropical storm strength. The figures in parenthesis are for storms in the Central Pacific basin west of 140°W; those not in parenthesis are for the Eastern Pacific basin. {|class="wikitable" align=right|) |- !colspan=9|ACE (10<sup>4</sup> kt<sup>2</sup>) – Storm |- ! 1 ! 47.69 || Tina ! 2 ! 32.35 (.362) || Orlene ! 3 ! 26.91 || Celia |- ! 4 ! 26.44 (.612) || Frank ! 5 ! 20.83 || Georgette ! 6 ! 18.69 || Estelle |- ! 7 ! (16.46) || [[Hurricane Iniki|Iniki]] ! 8 ! 13.70 (1.58) || Roslyn ! 9 ! (13.69) || Ekeka |- ! 10 ! 11.51 || Darby ! 11 ! 9.75 || Seymour ! 12 ! 7.98 || Virgil |- ! 13 ! 7.50 || Javier ! 14 ! 6.04 || Winifred ! 15 ! 5.57 || Paine |- ! 16 ! 4.03 || Yolanda ! 17 ! 3.87 || [[Hurricane Lester (1992)|Lester]] ! 18 ! 3.17 || Isis |- ! 19 ! 3.08 || Agatha ! 20 ! 2.83 || Howard ! 21 ! 2.10 || Newton |- ! 22 ! 1.99 || Zeke ! 23 ! 1.81 || Madeline ! 24 ! 1.57 || Kay |- ! 25 ! (.645) || Hali ! 26 ! .405 || Xavier ! 27 ! .367 || Blas |- !colspan=9| Total= 262.152 (33.34) |} The cumulative ACE for the Eastern Pacific this season fell within the official "Near Normal" grading, even though the number of tropical storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes was above the long term average. {{clear}} ==Storm names== The following names were used for named storms that formed in the northeast Pacific in 1992. No eastern Pacific names were retired, so it was used again in the [[1998 Pacific hurricane season|1998 season]]. This is the same list used for the [[1986 Pacific hurricane season|1986 season]]. Storms were named Seymour, Tina, Virgil, Winifred, Xavier, Yolanda, and Zeke for the first time in 1992. Yolanda and Zeke were the first time that Y and Z names had been used to name storms. All names on the list were used this year. This is the second time that a northeast Pacific hurricane season had exhausted its list. The [[1983 Pacific hurricane season|1983 season]] also used every name on its list, but the list only went to the W name at the time. The [[1985 Pacific hurricane season|1985 season's]] list was lengthened while it was going on to prevent exhaustion. {| width="90%" | * Agatha * Blas * Celia * [[Hurricane Darby (1992)|Darby]] * Estelle * Frank * Georgette * Howard | * Isis * Javier * Kay * [[Hurricane Lester (1992)|Lester]] * Madeline * Newton * Orlene * Paine | * Roslyn * Seymour * Tina * Virgil * Winifred * Xavier * Yolanda * Zeke |} Three names from the central Pacific list were used - Ekeka, Hali, and [[Hurricane Iniki|Iniki]]. This was the first usage for all of these names. ===Retirement=== {{seealso|List of retired Pacific hurricane names}} One name was retired from the Central Pacific list after the 1992 season: Iniki. It was replaced with Iolana. Later, in 2006, a name change for various Central Pacific names took place and a second name was removed: Hali. It was replaced by Hene.<ref>{{cite web|author=Dennis H. McCarthy|year=2007|title=National Weather Service Instruction Tropical Cyclone Names and Pronunciation Guide|accessdate=2007-02-12|url=http://www.weather.gov/directives/sym/pd01006006curr.pdf|format=PDF}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist}} ==See also== {{tcportal}} *[[List of tropical cyclones]] *[[1992 Atlantic hurricane season]] *[[1992 Pacific typhoon season]] *[[1991-92 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season]] *[[1992-93 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season]] *[[1990-1994 North Indian Ocean cyclone seasons]] ==External links== * [ftp://ftp.nhc.noaa.gov/pub/storm_archives/pacific/prelimep/ep1992/ NHC 1992 Pacific hurricane season archive] * [http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/hurrclimate.php#1992 Central Pacific Hurricane Center archive] {{1990-1999 Pacific hurricane seasons}} [[Category:Pacific hurricane seasons|1992]] [[Category:1992 Pacific hurricane season| ]] [[simple:1992 Pacific hurricane season]]