kids encyclopedia robot

Hurricane Pauline facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Hurricane Pauline
Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS)
Pauline 1997-10-08 1800Z.png
Hurricane Pauline at peak intensity near landfall in Mexico on October 8
Formed October 5, 1997
Dissipated October 10, 1997
Highest winds 1-minute sustained: 130 mph (215 km/h)
Lowest pressure 948 mbar (hPa); 27.99 inHg
Fatalities 230–500 confirmed
Damage $447.8 million (1997 USD)
Areas affected Southwestern Guerrero, Oaxaca
Part of the 1997 Pacific hurricane season

Hurricane Pauline was a very strong and destructive storm that hit Mexico in October 1997. It was one of the deadliest hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean. This powerful tropical cyclone caused a lot of damage and sadly, many people lost their lives.

What Was Hurricane Pauline?

Hurricane Pauline was a major tropical cyclone during the 1997 Pacific hurricane season. It was known for its intense strength and the widespread damage it caused. The storm brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of Mexico.

How Pauline Formed and Grew

Pauline started as a tropical cyclone in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It formed on October 5, 1997. A tropical cyclone is a rotating storm system with strong winds and heavy rain.

The storm quickly became much stronger. On October 7, it reached Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. This scale measures a hurricane's wind speed. Category 4 means the winds were very, very strong.

Its Path and Strength

After reaching Category 4, Pauline briefly weakened to a Category 3 hurricane. However, it soon became a Category 4 storm again. It moved along the coast of Mexico, causing problems as it went.

Pauline then made landfall, which means it moved over land. It hit Mexico directly, bringing its powerful winds and heavy rains with it.

The Impact in Mexico

Hurricane Pauline caused a lot of damage, especially in the city of Acapulco. The strong winds and heavy rains destroyed homes and buildings. Many roads and bridges were also damaged.

Tragically, between 230 and 500 people died because of the hurricane. The total cost of the damage was about $447.8 million.

Why Its Name Was Retired

Because Hurricane Pauline was so deadly and caused so much damage, its name was "retired." This means the name "Pauline" will never be used again for another Pacific hurricane. This is done to honor the victims and to remember the severe impact of the storm. The name "Patricia" was chosen to replace "Pauline" for future hurricane seasons.


Images for kids

kids search engine
Hurricane Pauline Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.