Hurricane Patricia facts for kids

Satellite view of Hurricane Patricia as it approached Mexico.

The path Hurricane Patricia took in October 2015.

Hurricane Patricia was a very powerful storm that happened in 2015. It was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Western Hemisphere. This means it was the most powerful storm of its kind in North and South America. Patricia was headed for the western coast of Mexico. Its winds were incredibly fast, reaching speeds of 215 miles per hour.

Patricia's winds were the strongest for a hurricane since Hurricane Linda in 1997. Because of how strong and impactful it was, the name Patricia was officially "retired" on April 25, 2016. This means no future hurricanes will be named Patricia. Instead, the name Pamela will be used for future storms.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a huge, spinning storm that forms over warm ocean waters. It is a type of tropical cyclone. These storms have very strong winds and heavy rain. They can cause a lot of damage when they reach land. Hurricanes are given different "categories" based on their wind speed.

Category 5 Hurricane Explained

Hurricane Patricia reached Category 5 strength. This is the highest category for a hurricane. A Category 5 hurricane has winds of 157 miles per hour or more. These storms are extremely dangerous. They can cause huge damage to buildings and trees. They can also lead to serious flooding.

Patricia's Incredible Strength

Hurricane Patricia became very strong very quickly. It went from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 24 hours. This rapid growth made it especially dangerous. Scientists watched it closely as it moved across the Pacific Ocean. Its eye, the calm center of the storm, was very clear.

Preparing for the Storm

As Patricia approached Mexico, people worked hard to prepare. Thousands of people living near the coast were asked to leave their homes. This was to keep them safe from the powerful winds and storm surge. Shelters were opened for those who needed a safe place to stay.

Impact and Aftermath

Hurricane Patricia made landfall in Jalisco, Mexico. Even though it was incredibly strong, it weakened quickly after hitting land. This helped to reduce the damage. However, it still caused some flooding and damage to buildings. Luckily, there were no deaths directly caused by the storm.

Help After the Hurricane

After the hurricane passed, efforts began to help affected areas. People worked together to clean up debris and repair damaged homes. The quick evacuation helped save many lives. This showed how important it is to prepare for powerful storms.

Images for kids

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  Satellite animation of Patricia weakening considerably before making landfall on October 23

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  Infrared satellite image of Hurricane Patricia at record peak intensity captured by GOES-13/15

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  President Enrique Peña Nieto meets with cabinet members to discuss Hurricane Patricia on October 23

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  Evacuation from hotel Riu Vallarta on the morning before Hurricane Patricia made landfall

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  The sprawling precursor to Hurricane Patricia over Central America on October 17

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  Hurricane Patricia hours before making landfall in Jalisco

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  The bulk carrier Los Llanitos was grounded by the hurricane

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  Coastal damage from Patricia in Colima

See also

In Spanish: Huracán Patricia para niños