Hurricane Pauline facts for kids
| Category 4 major hurricane (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Hurricane Pauline at peak intensity near landfall in Mexico on October 8
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| Formed | October 5, 1997 |
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| 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.
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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
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Hurricane Pauline off the Mexican coast on October 7
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Hurricane Pauline Rainfall in Mexico
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In Spanish: Huracán Pauline para niños
