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{{Short description|Hurricane season in the Pacific Ocean}}
{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is a legitimate description when the title is already adequate; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Infobox hurricane season
{{Infobox tropical cyclone season
| Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
| Year=1976
| Year = 1976
| Track=1976 Pacific hurricane season summary map.png
| Track = 1976 Pacific hurricane season summary map.png
| First storm formed=June 2, 1976
| First storm formed = June 2, 1976
| Last storm dissipated=October 29, 1976
| Last storm dissipated = October 29, 1976
| Strongest storm name=Annette
| Strongest storm by pressure name = Annette
| Strongest storm pressure=925
| Strongest storm by pressure pressure = 925
| Strongest storm winds=140
| Strongest storm by pressure winds = 120
| Strongest storm by winds name = [[Hurricane Madeline (1976)|Madeline]]
⚫
| Average wind speed=1
| Strongest storm by winds pressure = 940
⚫
| Total depressions=19
| Strongest storm by winds winds = 125
⚫
| Total storms=15
⚫
| Average wind speed = 1
⚫
| Total hurricanes=9
| Total intense=5
| Total depressions = 19
⚫
| Total storms = 15
⚫
| Fatalities=614-964
⚫
| Total hurricanes = 9
⚫
| Damages=360
⚫
| Total intense = 5
⚫
| Damagespre=
⚫
| Fatalities = 614-964 total

⚫
| Damages = 360
⚫
| five seasons=[[1974 Pacific hurricane season|1974]], [[1975 Pacific hurricane season|1975]], '''1976''', [[1977 Pacific hurricane season|1977]], [[1978 Pacific hurricane season|1978]]
| fiveseasons =
⚫
|Atlantic season=1976 Atlantic hurricane season
⚫
| Damagespre =
⚫
|West Pacific season=1976 Pacific typhoon season
⚫
| five seasons = [[1974 Pacific hurricane season|1974]], [[1975 Pacific hurricane season|1975]], '''1976''', [[1977 Pacific hurricane season|1977]], [[1978 Pacific hurricane season|1978]]
⚫
|North Indian season=1976 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
⚫
| Atlantic season = 1976 Atlantic hurricane season
⚫
| West Pacific season = 1976 Pacific typhoon season
⚫
| North Indian season = 1976 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
}}
}}
The '''1976 Pacific hurricane season''' was a very deadly and costly season. Hurricanes Kathleen, Liza, and Madeline were the most notable storms this year. [[Hurricane Kathleen (1976)|Hurricane Kathleen]] caused death and destruction in California and Arizona due to flooding. [[Hurricane Liza (1976)|Hurricane Liza]] was the deadliest storm of the season when it killed over 600&nbsp;people in Mexico. Hurricane Madeline is notable for being one of the most intense Pacific hurricanes at landfall.
The '''1976 Pacific hurricane season''' was a very deadly and costly season. Hurricanes Kathleen, Liza, and Madeline were the most notable storms this year. [[Hurricane Kathleen (1976)|Hurricane Kathleen]] caused death and destruction in California and Arizona due to flooding. [[Hurricane Liza (1976)|Hurricane Liza]] was the deadliest storm of the season when it killed over 600&nbsp;people in Mexico. Hurricane Madeline is notable for being one of the most intense Pacific hurricanes at landfall.
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== Season summary ==
== Season summary ==
⚫
{{center|<timeline>
⚫
The season officially started May 15, 1976, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1976, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1976. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern [[Pacific Ocean]]. In practice, the season lasted from the formation of the first storm on June 2 to the dissipation of the last on October 30.

⚫
This season had a slightly below average number of tropical storms, with fourteen. The number of hurricanes was average, with eight. The season had an above-average number of major hurricanes, with five reaching Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. Four of tropical depressions dissipated before they could reach tropical storm strength. There were five landfalls, including three by consecutive storms.

In the Central Pacific, one tropical cyclone, a hurricane formed. Two storms entered the region from the east. These totals are close to average.<ref name=CPHC>[http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/hurrclimate.php#1976 Central Pacific Hurricane Center archive] accessed March 11, 2006</ref>

<div style="text-align: center;">
⚫
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:800 height:205
ImageSize = width:800 height:205
PlotArea = top:10 bottom:80 right:20 left:20
PlotArea = top:10 bottom:80 right:20 left:20
Line 47: Line 43:
ScaleMinor = grid:black unit:month increment:1 start:01/06/1976
ScaleMinor = grid:black unit:month increment:1 start:01/06/1976


Colors =
Colors =
id:canvas value:gray(0.88)
id:canvas value:gray(0.88)
id:GP value:red
id:GP value:red
id:TD value:rgb(0.38,0.73,1) legend:Tropical_Depression_=_&lt;39_mph_(0–62_km/h)
id:TD value:rgb(0.43,0.76,0.92) legend:Tropical_Depression_=_≤38_mph_(≤62_km/h)
id:TS value:rgb(0,0.98,0.96) legend:Tropical_Storm_=_39–73_mph_(63–117 km/h)
id:TS value:rgb(0.3,1,1) legend:Tropical_Storm_=_39–73_mph_(63–117_km/h)
id:C1 value:rgb(1,1,0.80) legend:Category_1_=_74–95_mph_(119–153_km/h)
id:C1 value:rgb(1,1,0.85) legend:Category_1_=_74–95_mph_(118–153_km/h)
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id:C2 value:rgb(1,0.85,0.55) legend:Category_2_=_96–110_mph_(154–177_km/h)
id:C3 value:rgb(1,0.76,0.25) legend:Category_3_=_111–130_mph_(178–209-km/h)
id:C3 value:rgb(1,0.62,0.35) legend:Category_3_=_111–129_mph_(178–208_km/h)
id:C4 value:rgb(1,0.56,0.13) legend:Category_4_=_131–155_mph_(210–249_km/h)
id:C4 value:rgb(1,0.45,0.54) legend:Category_4_=_130–156_mph_(209–251_km/h)
id:C5 value:rgb(1,0.38,0.38) legend:Category_5_=_&gt;=156_mph_(&gt;=250_km/h)
id:C5 value:rgb(0.55,0.46,0.90) legend:Category_5_=_≥157_mph_(≥252_km/h)


Backgroundcolors = canvas:canvas
Backgroundcolors = canvas:canvas
Line 82: Line 78:
from:29/08/1976 till:07/09/1976 color:TS text:"Joanne (TS)"
from:29/08/1976 till:07/09/1976 color:TS text:"Joanne (TS)"
barset:break
barset:break
from:07/09/1976 till:10/09/1976 color:C1 text:"[[Hurricane Kathleen (1976)|Kathleen (C1)]]"
from:07/09/1976 till:10/09/1976 color:C1 text:"[[Hurricane Kathleen|Kathleen (C1)]]"
from:22/09/1976 till:02/10/1976 color:C2 text:"Kate (C2)"
from:22/09/1976 till:02/10/1976 color:C2 text:"Kate (C2)"
from:25/09/1976 till:01/10/1976 color:C4 text:"[[Hurricane Liza (1976)|Liza (C4)]]"
from:25/09/1976 till:01/10/1976 color:C4 text:"[[Hurricane Liza|Liza (C4)]]"
from:29/09/1976 till:08/10/1976 color:C4 text:"[[Hurricane Madeline (1976)|Madeline (C4)]]"
from:29/09/1976 till:08/10/1976 color:C4 text:"[[Hurricane Madeline (1976)|Madeline (C4)]]"
from:25/10/1976 till:29/10/1976 color:TS text:"Naomi (TS)"
from:25/10/1976 till:29/10/1976 color:TS text:"Naomi (TS)"
Line 102: Line 98:


</timeline>
</timeline>
}}
</div>
⚫
The season officially started May 15, 1976, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1976, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1976. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern [[Pacific Ocean]]. In practice, the season lasted from the formation of the first storm on June 2 to the dissipation of the last on October 30.

⚫
This season had a slightly below average number of tropical storms, with fourteen. The number of hurricanes was average, with eight. The season had an above-average number of major hurricanes, with five reaching Category&nbsp;3 or higher on the [[Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale]]. Four of tropical depressions dissipated before they could reach tropical storm strength. There were five landfalls, including three by consecutive storms. In the Central Pacific, one tropical cyclone, a hurricane formed. Two storms entered the region from the east. These totals are close to average.<ref name=CPHC>[http://www.prh.noaa.gov/cphc/pages/hurrclimate.php#1976 Central Pacific Hurricane Center archive] accessed March 11, 2006</ref>


== Systems ==
== Systems ==
=== Hurricane Annette ===
=== Hurricane Annette ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=AnnetteJune101976.png
| Image = AnnetteJune101976.png
|Track=Annette 1976 track.png
| Track = Annette 1976 track.png
|Formed=June 3
| Formed = June 3
|Dissipated=June 14
| Dissipated = June 14
|1-min winds=140
| 1-min winds = 120
|Pressure=925
| Pressure = 925
}}
}}
A tropical disturbance formed well south of the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]] on June&nbsp;2.<ref name="1976MWR">{{cite journal|author=Emil L. Gunther|title=Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1976|journal=Monthly Weather Review|publisher=American Meteorological Society|bibcode=1977MWRv..105..508G|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1977)105<0508:EPTCO>2.0.CO;2|volume=105|issue=4|date=April 1977|pages=508–522|type=PDF|doi-access=free}}</ref> It organized into a tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;3 but initially failed to intensify further,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} due in part to its loosely-defined [[Low-pressure area|circulation]].<ref name="1976MWR" /> Following a consolidation of its center, the cyclone finally strengthened into Tropical Storm Annette early on June&nbsp;6 and entered a period of steady to rapid development. Annette became the season's first hurricane by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;7,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} coincident with indications of an eye on satellite imagery. It became a major hurricane late on June&nbsp;8 and reached Category&nbsp;4 intensity with peak winds of 140&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h) the next day, when a [[Hurricane hunters|reconnaissance aircraft]] measured a minimum [[atmospheric pressure]] of 925&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 27.32&nbsp;inHg). Annette slowed and curved north after its peak, bringing the cyclone over colder waters that prompted weakening.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm early on June&nbsp;12 and further to a tropical depression late the next day. Annette dissipated by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;14.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
A tropical disturbance formed well south of the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]] on June&nbsp;2.<ref name="1976MWR">{{cite journal|author=Emil L. Gunther|title=Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1976|journal=Monthly Weather Review|publisher=American Meteorological Society|bibcode=1977MWRv..105..508G|doi=10.1175/1520-0493(1977)105<0508:EPTCO>2.0.CO;2|volume=105|issue=4|date=April 1977|pages=508–522|type=PDF|doi-access=free}}</ref> It organized into a tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;3 but initially failed to intensify further,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} due in part to its loosely-defined [[Low-pressure area|circulation]].<ref name="1976MWR" /> Following a consolidation of its center, the cyclone finally strengthened into Tropical Storm Annette early on June&nbsp;6 and entered a period of steady to rapid development. Annette became the season's first hurricane by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;7,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} coincident with indications of an eye on satellite imagery. It became a major hurricane late on June&nbsp;8 and reached Category&nbsp;4 intensity with peak winds of {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} the next day, when a [[Hurricane hunters|reconnaissance aircraft]] measured a minimum [[atmospheric pressure]] of 925&nbsp;mbar (hPa; 27.32&nbsp;inHg). Annette slowed and curved north after its peak, bringing the cyclone over colder waters that prompted weakening.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm early on June&nbsp;12 and further to a tropical depression late the next day. Annette dissipated by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;14.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{clear}}
{{clear}}


=== Hurricane Bonny ===
=== Hurricane Bonny ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=BonnyJune281976.png
| Image = BonnyJune281976.png
|Track=Bonny 1976 track.png
| Track = Bonny 1976 track.png
|Formed=June 26
| Formed = June 26
|Dissipated=June 29
| Dissipated = June 29
|1-min winds=65
| 1-min winds = 65
|Pressure=987
| Pressure = 987
}}
}}
A tropical disturbance formed about 335&nbsp;miles (540&nbsp;km) south of [[Acapulco|Acapulco, Guerrero]], early on June&nbsp;22,<ref name="1976MWR" /> only slowly consolidating into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;26.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} On a westward track, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Bonny twelve hours after formation and further organized into a hurricane around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;27, attaining peak winds of 75&nbsp;mph (120&nbsp;km/h).{{EPAC hurricane best track}} This forward trajectory brought the system over cooler waters,<ref name="1976MWR" /> causing Bonny to weaken to rapidly weaken to a tropical depression by early on June&nbsp;28. It moved erratically before dissipating around 18:00&nbsp;UTC the next day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
A tropical disturbance formed about {{convert|335|mi|km}} south of [[Acapulco|Acapulco, Guerrero]], early on June&nbsp;22,<ref name="1976MWR" /> only slowly consolidating into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;26.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} On a westward track, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Bonny twelve hours after formation and further organized into a hurricane around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on June&nbsp;27, attaining peak winds of {{convert|75|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} This forward trajectory brought the system over cooler waters,<ref name="1976MWR" /> causing Bonny to weaken to rapidly weaken to a tropical depression by early on June&nbsp;28. It moved erratically before dissipating around 18:00&nbsp;UTC the next day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{clear}}
{{clear}}


=== Tropical Storm Celeste ===
=== Tropical Storm Celeste ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=CelesteJuly1619762315UTC.png
| Image = CelesteJuly1619762315UTC.png
|Track=Celeste 1976 track.png
| Track = Celeste 1976 track.png
|Formed=July 14
| Formed = July 14
|Dissipated=July 19
| Dissipated = July 19
|1-min winds=45
| 1-min winds = 45
}}
}}
On July&nbsp;14, a tropical disturbance formed about 655&nbsp;miles (1,055&nbsp;km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero;<ref name="1976MWR" /> it rapidly developed into a tropical depression around 12:00&nbsp;UTC that day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Celeste late on July&nbsp;15, and it continued to gather strength as it moved west, reaching peak winds of 50&nbsp;mph (85&nbsp;km/h) on July&nbsp;16 as a transient eye appeared on satellite imagery. The effects of cooler water impeded further development,<ref name="1976MWR" /> and the storm rapidly weakened to a tropical depression early on July&nbsp;17 before dissipating around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;19.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
On July&nbsp;14, a tropical disturbance formed about {{convert|655|mi|km}} southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero;<ref name="1976MWR" /> it rapidly developed into a tropical depression around 12:00&nbsp;UTC that day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Celeste late on July&nbsp;15, and it continued to gather strength as it moved west, reaching peak winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on July&nbsp;16 as a transient eye appeared on satellite imagery. The effects of cooler water impeded further development,<ref name="1976MWR" /> and the storm rapidly weakened to a tropical depression early on July&nbsp;17 before dissipating around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;19.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


=== Hurricane Diana ===
=== Hurricane Diana ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=DianaJuly1819761745UTC.png
| Image = DianaJuly1819761745UTC.png
|Track=Diana 1976 track.png
| Track = Diana 1976 track.png
|Formed=July 16
| Formed = July 16
|Dissipated=July 23
| Dissipated = July 23
|1-min winds=85
| 1-min winds = 85
}}
}}
A day after the formation of Celeste, a new tropical disturbance formed roughly 460&nbsp;miles (740&nbsp;km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero, organizing into the season's sixth tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;16.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} A sprawling storm,<ref name="1976MWR" /> the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Diana twelve hours later. It reached hurricane strength the next day and continued to intensify, peaking as a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane with winds of 100&nbsp;mph (160&nbsp;km/h) around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;18.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} A continual west-northwest track brought Diana over progressively cooler waters,<ref name="1976MWR" /> causing it to weaken to a tropical storm again early on July&nbsp;20.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} After further degrading to a tropical depression, the system crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, where it maintained its status as a tropical cyclone until dissipating around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;23.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
A day after the formation of Celeste, a new tropical disturbance formed roughly {{convert|460|mi|km}} south of Acapulco, Guerrero, organizing into the season's sixth tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;16.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} A sprawling storm,<ref name="1976MWR" /> the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Diana twelve hours later. It reached hurricane strength the next day and continued to intensify, peaking as a Category&nbsp;2 hurricane with winds of {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;18.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} A continual west-northwest track brought Diana over progressively cooler waters,<ref name="1976MWR" /> causing it to weaken to a tropical storm again early on July&nbsp;20.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} After further degrading to a tropical depression, the system crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, where it maintained its status as a tropical cyclone until dissipating around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;23.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


=== Tropical Storm Estelle ===
=== Tropical Storm Estelle ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=EstelleJuly2819760415UTC.gif
| Image = EstelleJuly2819760415UTC.gif
|Track=Estelle 1976 track.png
| Track = Estelle 1976 track.png
|Formed=July 27
| Formed = July 27
|Dissipated=July 28
| Dissipated = July 28
|1-min winds=35
| 1-min winds = 35
}}
}}
On July&nbsp;24, a large area of disturbed weather developed about 1,035&nbsp;miles (1,665&nbsp;km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero. This complex became composed of two distinctly separate areas of low pressure late on July&nbsp;26.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The eastern circulation organized into a tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;27 and further strengthened into Tropical Storm Estelle six hours later. Moving swiftly toward the west, the system failed to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm intensity, instead weakening to a tropical depression again by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;28 as it moved into cooler waters. After losing its convective structure, Estelle dissipated around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;29.<ref name="1976MWR" />{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
On July&nbsp;24, a large area of disturbed weather developed about {{convert|1,035|mi|km}} southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero. This complex became composed of two distinctly separate areas of low pressure late on July&nbsp;26.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The eastern circulation organized into a tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;27 and further strengthened into Tropical Storm Estelle six hours later. Moving swiftly toward the west, the system failed to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm intensity, instead weakening to a tropical depression again by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;28 as it moved into cooler waters. After losing its convective structure, Estelle dissipated around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;29.<ref name="1976MWR" />{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


=== Tropical Storm Fernanda ===
=== Tropical Storm Fernanda ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=FernandaJuly2819760415UTC.gif
| Image = FernandaJuly2819760415UTC.gif
|Track=Fernanda 1976 track.png
| Track = Fernanda 1976 track.png
|Formed=July 28
| Formed = July 28
|Dissipated=August 2
| Dissipated = August 2
|1-min winds=35
| 1-min winds = 35
}}
}}
Fernanda developed out of the same area of disturbed weather that first formed on July&nbsp;24 and split into two separate circulations two days later. While the easternmost low organized into Tropical Storm Estelle,<ref name="1976MWR" /> the western circulation developed into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;28. It intensified into a tropical storm six hours later. Like Estelle, however, the cyclone failed to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm strength. The compact storm instead weakened to a tropical depression by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;29, shortly before it entered the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It dissipated around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;2.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
Fernanda developed out of the same area of disturbed weather that first formed on July&nbsp;24 and split into two separate circulations two days later. While the easternmost low organized into Tropical Storm Estelle,<ref name="1976MWR" /> the western circulation developed into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;28. It intensified into a tropical storm six hours later. Like Estelle, however, the cyclone failed to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm strength. The compact storm instead weakened to a tropical depression by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on July&nbsp;29, shortly before it entered the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It dissipated around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;2.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


=== Tropical Storm Gwen ===
=== Tropical Storm Gwen ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=Gwenaug9197623z.png
| Image = Gwenaug9197623z.png
|Track=Gwen 1976 track.png
| Track = Gwen 1976 track.png
|Formed=August 5
| Formed = August 5
|Dissipated=August 18
| Dissipated = August 18
|1-min winds=55
| 1-min winds = 55
}}
}}
An area of disturbed weather formed roughly 435&nbsp;miles (700&nbsp;km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero, on August&nbsp;3.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The westward-moving disturbance organized into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;5 and further developed into Tropical Storm Gwen about 24&nbsp;hours later. The newly-named storm continued to intensify, reaching peak winds of 65&nbsp;mph (100&nbsp;km/h) on August&nbsp;8.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} Thereafter, a deceleration of the storm's forward speed over a patch of colder waters prompted weakening, and Gwen fell to tropical depression strength early on August&nbsp;11. Rapidly-developing Hurricane Hyacinth to its east forced the weak cyclone to move abruptly north,<ref name="1976MWR" /> during which time Gwen regained its status as a tropical storm around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;12.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} This redevelopment was short-lived, as Gwen weakened to a tropical depression yet again on August&nbsp;14 as it absorbed the weakening Hyacinth and crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Gwen moved westward and passed north of the Hawaiian Islands before dissipating around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;18.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
An area of disturbed weather formed roughly {{convert|435|mi|km}} south of Acapulco, Guerrero, on August&nbsp;3.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The westward-moving disturbance organized into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;5 and further developed into Tropical Storm Gwen about 24&nbsp;hours later. The newly named storm continued to intensify, reaching peak winds of {{convert|65|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} on August&nbsp;8.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} Thereafter, a deceleration of the storm's forward speed over a patch of colder waters prompted weakening, and Gwen fell to tropical depression strength early on August&nbsp;11. Rapidly-developing Hurricane Hyacinth to its east forced the weak cyclone to move abruptly north,<ref name="1976MWR" /> during which time Gwen regained its status as a tropical storm around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;12.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} This redevelopment was short-lived, as Gwen weakened to a tropical depression yet again on August&nbsp;14 as it absorbed the weakening Hyacinth and crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Gwen moved westward and passed north of the Hawaiian Islands before dissipating around 06:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;18.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


=== Hurricane Hyacinth ===
=== Hurricane Hyacinth ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=Hyacinthaug9197623z.png
| Image = Hyacinthaug9197623z.png
|Track=Hyacinth 1976 track.png
| Track = Hyacinth 1976 track.png
|Formed=August 6
| Formed = August 6
|Dissipated=August 14
| Dissipated = August 14
|1-min winds=100
| 1-min winds = 100
}}
}}
An area of disturbed weather formed well south of Mexico around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;5.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It intensified into a tropical depression 24&nbsp;hours later and further organized into Tropical Storm Hyacinth by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;7. On a west-northwest track, the storm continued to strengthen and became a hurricane around 12:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;9,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} after which time a small yet distinct eye became evident on satellite imagery.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Hyacinth attained its peak as a Category&nbsp;3 hurricane with winds of 115&nbsp;mph (185&nbsp;km/h) the next day,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} but soon began to weaken as it rapidly moved toward cooler waters.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It weakened to a tropical storm early on August&nbsp;13 and further degraded to a tropical depression on August&nbsp;14 before being absorbed by nearby Tropical Storm Gwen around 06:00&nbsp;UTC that day.<ref name="1976MWR" />{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
An area of disturbed weather formed well south of Mexico around 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;5.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It intensified into a tropical depression 24&nbsp;hours later and further organized into Tropical Storm Hyacinth by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;7. On a west-northwest track, the storm continued to strengthen and became a hurricane around 12:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;9,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} after which time a small yet distinct eye became evident on satellite imagery.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Hyacinth attained its peak as a Category&nbsp;3 hurricane with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} the next day,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} but soon began to weaken as it rapidly moved toward cooler waters.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It weakened to a tropical storm early on August&nbsp;13 and further degraded to a tropical depression on August&nbsp;14 before being absorbed by nearby Tropical Storm Gwen around 06:00&nbsp;UTC that day.<ref name="1976MWR" />{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

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=== Hurricane Iva ===
=== Hurricane Iva ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=IvaAugust2819760615UTC.gif
| Image = IvaAugust2819760615UTC.gif
|Track=Iva 1976 track.png
| Track = Iva 1976 track.png
|Formed=August 24
| Formed = August 24
|Dissipated=September 1
| Dissipated = September 1
|1-min winds=130
| 1-min winds = 115
}}
}}
Late on August&nbsp;23, an area of disturbed weather developed about 485&nbsp;miles (780&nbsp;km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It rapidly coalesced into a tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC the next day, but only slowly strengthened into Tropical Storm Iva by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;25.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The system moved west and then west-northwest, further developing into a hurricane by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;26 as a small eye became distinct.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Iva attained major hurricane strength late on August&nbsp;27, further intensifying to its peak as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane with winds of 130&nbsp;mph (215&nbsp;km/h) around 06:00&nbsp;UTC the following morning.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} It oscillated in strength over the subsequent 24&nbsp;hours, but ultimately began a steady weakening trend by August&nbsp;30 while passing over marginal ocean temperatures.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Iva fell to tropical storm strength early that day, weakened to a tropical depression early on September&nbsp;1, and dissipated around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;2.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
Late on August&nbsp;23, an area of disturbed weather developed about {{convert|485|mi|km}} south of Acapulco, Guerrero.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It rapidly coalesced into a tropical depression around 00:00&nbsp;UTC the next day, but only slowly strengthened into Tropical Storm Iva by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;25.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The system moved west and then west-northwest, further developing into a hurricane by 18:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;26 as a small eye became distinct.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Iva attained major hurricane strength late on August&nbsp;27, further intensifying to its peak as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane with winds of {{convert|130|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} around 06:00&nbsp;UTC the following morning.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} It oscillated in strength over the subsequent 24&nbsp;hours, but ultimately began a steady weakening trend by August&nbsp;30 while passing over marginal ocean temperatures.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Iva fell to tropical storm strength early that day, weakened to a tropical depression early on September&nbsp;1, and dissipated around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;2.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

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=== Tropical Storm Joanne ===
=== Tropical Storm Joanne ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=JoanneSeptember419760015UTC.gif
| Image = JoanneSeptember419760015UTC.gif
|Track=Joanne 1976 track.png
| Track = Joanne 1976 track.png
|Formed=August 29
| Formed = August 29
|Dissipated=September 7
| Dissipated = September 7
|1-min winds=45
| 1-min winds = 45
}}
}}
A tropical disturbance formed about 175&nbsp;miles (280&nbsp;km) west of the coastline of Colombia early on August&nbsp;26. The large system moved steadily west,<ref name="1976MWR" /> developing into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;29. Over the course of the next several days, the depression failed to intensify further as it moved erratically. Finally, by 12:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;3, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Joanne. After reaching peak winds of 50&nbsp;mph (85&nbsp;km/h), the storm moved generally west-southwest and weakened. It degraded to a tropical depression early on September&nbsp;5 and maintained its status as a weak tropical cyclone until dissipating around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;8.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
A tropical disturbance formed about {{convert|175|mi|km}} west of the coastline of Colombia early on August&nbsp;26. The large system moved steadily west,<ref name="1976MWR" /> developing into a tropical depression by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on August&nbsp;29. Over the course of the next several days, the depression failed to intensify further as it moved erratically. Finally, by 12:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;3, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Joanne. After reaching peak winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, the storm moved generally west-southwest and weakened. It degraded to a tropical depression early on September&nbsp;5 and maintained its status as a weak tropical cyclone until dissipating around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;8.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

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=== Hurricane Kathleen ===
=== Hurricane Kathleen ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=KathleenSeptember919760415UTC.gif
| Image = KathleenSeptember919760415UTC.gif
|Track=Kathleen 1976 track.png
| Track = Kathleen 1976 track.png
|Formed=September 7
| Formed = September 7
|Dissipated=September 10
| Dissipated = September 10
|1-min winds=70
| 1-min winds = 70
|Pressure=986
| Pressure = 986
}}
}}
{{Main|Hurricane Kathleen (1976)}}
{{Main|Hurricane Kathleen}}
Kathleen formed from an area of disturbed weather that was first identified roughly 345&nbsp;miles (555&nbsp;km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, on September&nbsp;6.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The disturbance organized into a tropical depression around 12:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;7 and further intensified into Tropical Storm Kathleen twelve hours later as it began to move northwestward. Despite fluctuations in strength over the next day, Kathleen intensified into a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;10,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} when a reconnaissance aircraft measured peak winds of 80&nbsp;mph (130&nbsp;km/h). An accelerating forward motion brought the cyclone over Point Eugenia as a moderate tropical storm early on September&nbsp;10. It continued onshore about 160&nbsp;miles (260&nbsp;km) south of [[Ensenada, Baja California]],<ref name="1976MWR" /> ultimately losing its status as a tropical cyclone by 18:00&nbsp;UTC.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The remnants of the storm continued north across Arizona and Nevada on September&nbsp;11.<ref name="1976MWR" />
Kathleen formed from an area of disturbed weather that was first identified roughly {{convert|345|mi|km}} southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, on September&nbsp;6.<ref name="1976MWR" /> The disturbance organized into a tropical depression around 12:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;7 and further intensified into Tropical Storm Kathleen twelve hours later as it began to move northwestward. Despite fluctuations in strength over the next day, Kathleen intensified into a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane around 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;10,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} when a reconnaissance aircraft measured peak winds of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. An accelerating forward motion brought the cyclone over Point Eugenia as a moderate tropical storm early on September&nbsp;10. It continued onshore about {{convert|160|mi|km}} south of [[Ensenada, Baja California]],<ref name="1976MWR" /> ultimately losing its status as a tropical cyclone by 18:00&nbsp;UTC.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The remnants of the storm continued north across Arizona and Nevada on September&nbsp;11.<ref name="1976MWR" />

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=== Hurricane Kate ===
=== Hurricane Kate ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=Katesep261976.png
| Image = Katesep261976.png
|Track=Kate 1976 track.png
| Track = Kate 1976 track.png
|Formed=September 21
| Formed = September 21
|Dissipated=October 2
| Dissipated = October 2
|1-min winds=85
| 1-min winds = 85
|Pressure=971
| Pressure = 971
}}
}}
The only hurricane to form in the central Pacific arose from a disturbance that drifted in from the east. Tropical Depression Twenty-two formed on September 22. The depression became Tropical Storm Kate the next day.<ref name="Hawaii">{{cite report|author=Pao-Shin Chu|author2=Peng Wu|publisher=University of Hawaii-Manoa|year=2008|access-date=August 2, 2015|title=Climatic Atlas of Tropical Cyclone Tracks over the Central North Pacific|url=http://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/op/czm/initiative/hazard/climatic_atlas_of_tropical_cyclone.pdf|format=[[PDF]]}}</ref> Kate headed almost due northwest. Early on September 24, the storm became a hurricane. This prompted a [[hurricane watch]] being issued for the Big Island on September 28. The watch continued until Kate was downgraded to a storm on September 29. It passed 200&nbsp;miles northwest of the island and was destroyed by [[wind shear]] on October 2.<ref name=CPHC/>
The only hurricane to form in the central Pacific arose from a disturbance that drifted in from the east. Tropical Depression Twenty-two formed on September 22. The depression became Tropical Storm Kate the next day.<ref name="Hawaii">{{cite report|author=Pao-Shin Chu|author2=Peng Wu|publisher=University of Hawaii-Manoa|year=2008|access-date=August 2, 2015|title=Climatic Atlas of Tropical Cyclone Tracks over the Central North Pacific|url=http://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/op/czm/initiative/hazard/climatic_atlas_of_tropical_cyclone.pdf}}</ref> Kate headed almost due northwest. Early on September 24, the storm became a hurricane. This prompted a [[hurricane watch]] being issued for the Big Island on September 28. The watch continued until Kate was downgraded to a storm on September 29. It passed 200&nbsp;miles northwest of the island and was destroyed by [[wind shear]] on October 2.<ref name=CPHC/>


There was only minor damage reported to the northern and eastern shores of [[Oahu]], [[Maui]], and [[Hawaii (island)|Hawaii]] due to heavy surf. A ship called the ''Hawaiian Princess'' was caught by [[gale]]s caused by Kate but escaped.<ref name=CPHC/>
There was only minor damage reported to the northern and eastern shores of [[Oahu]], [[Maui]], and [[Hawaii (island)|Hawaii]] due to heavy surf. A ship called the ''Hawaiian Princess'' was caught by [[gale]]s caused by Kate but escaped.<ref name=CPHC/>
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=== Hurricane Liza ===
=== Hurricane Liza ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=Hurricane Liza (1976) Colored.jpg
| Image = Hurricane Liza (1976) Colored.jpg
|Track=Liza 1976 track.png
| Track = Liza 1976 Path.png
|Formed=September 25
| Formed = September 25
|Dissipated=October 1
| Dissipated = October 1
|1-min winds=120
| 1-min winds = 120
|Pressure=948
| Pressure = 948
}}
}}
{{Main|Hurricane Liza}}
{{Main|Hurricane Liza}}
The deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 1976 season originated as a large tropical disturbance about 525&nbsp;miles (845&nbsp;km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, on September&nbsp;25.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It developed into a tropical depression around 18:00&nbsp;UTC that day and steadily strengthened into Tropical Storm Liza 24&nbsp;hours later.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The incipient cyclone turned toward the north while continuing over warm waters,<ref name="1976MWR" /> and it attained hurricane strength by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;28. Liza intensified into a major hurricane on September&nbsp;29,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} and a reconnaissance aircraft measured peak winds of 140&nbsp;mph (220&nbsp;km/h) around 18:00&nbsp;UTC, when the storm was in the midst of an [[eyewall replacement cycle]].<ref name="1976MWR" /> Liza maintained Category&nbsp;4 intensity until early on October&nbsp;1 when it moved ashore the coastline of Mexico north of [[Los Mochis|Los Mochis, Sinaloa]], as a slighter weaker Category&nbsp;3 cyclone. Liza rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain and was last tracked as a tropical cyclone at 12:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;1.<ref name="1976MWR" />{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
The deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 1976 season originated as a large tropical disturbance about {{convert|525|mi|km}} southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, on September&nbsp;25.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It developed into a tropical depression around 18:00&nbsp;UTC that day and steadily strengthened into Tropical Storm Liza 24&nbsp;hours later.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} The incipient cyclone turned toward the north while continuing over warm waters,<ref name="1976MWR" /> and it attained hurricane strength by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;28. Liza intensified into a major hurricane on September&nbsp;29,{{EPAC hurricane best track}} and a reconnaissance aircraft measured peak winds of {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} around 18:00&nbsp;UTC, when the storm was in the midst of an [[eyewall replacement cycle]].<ref name="1976MWR" /> Liza maintained Category&nbsp;4 intensity until early on October&nbsp;1 when it moved ashore the coastline of Mexico north of [[Los Mochis|Los Mochis, Sinaloa]], as a slighter weaker Category&nbsp;3 cyclone. Liza rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain and was last tracked as a tropical cyclone at 12:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;1.<ref name="1976MWR" />{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

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{{Main|Hurricane Madeline (1976)}}
{{Main|Hurricane Madeline (1976)}}
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=Hurricane Madeline (1976).jpg
| Image = Hurricane Madeline (1976).jpg
|Track=Madeline 1976 track.png
| Track = Madeline 1976 track.png
|Formed=September 29
| Formed = September 29
|Dissipated=October 8
| Dissipated = October 8
|1-min winds=125
| 1-min winds = 125
|Pressure=940
| Pressure = 940
}}
}}
A tropical disturbance was first noted about 345&nbsp;miles (555&nbsp;km) south of the Guatemalan coastline on September&nbsp;27.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It organized into Tropical Storm Madeline by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;29 but failed to further develop, instead weakening to a tropical depression the next morning. By 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;4, Madeline re-intensified into a tropical storm, beginning a gradual curve toward the north as well. The system continued to strengthen and became a hurricane early on October&nbsp;6; by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;8, Madline peaked as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane with winds of 145&nbsp;mph (235&nbsp;km/h). It moved onshore the coastline of Mexico a few hours later, rapidly weakening and losing its status as a tropical cyclone after 18:00&nbsp;UTC that day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
A tropical disturbance was first noted about {{convert|345|mi|km}} south of the Guatemalan coastline on September&nbsp;27.<ref name="1976MWR" /> It organized into Tropical Storm Madeline by 00:00&nbsp;UTC on September&nbsp;29 but failed to further develop, instead weakening to a tropical depression the next morning. By 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;4, Madeline re-intensified into a tropical storm, beginning a gradual curve toward the north as well. The system continued to strengthen and became a hurricane early on October&nbsp;6; by 06:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;8, Madline peaked as a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane with winds of {{convert|145|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. It moved onshore the coastline of Mexico a few hours later, rapidly weakening and losing its status as a tropical cyclone after 18:00&nbsp;UTC that day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

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=== Tropical Storm Naomi ===
=== Tropical Storm Naomi ===
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
{{Infobox Hurricane Small
|Basin=EPac
| Basin = EPac
|Image=NaomiOctober2819761045UTC.gif
| Image = NaomiOctober2819761045UTC.gif
|Track=Naomi 1976 track.png
| Track = Naomi 1976 track.png
|Formed=October 25
| Formed = October 25
|Dissipated=October 29
| Dissipated = October 29
|1-min winds=45
| 1-min winds = 45
|Prepressure=≤
| Prepressure = ≤
|Pressure=1005
| Pressure = 1005
}}
}}
The last storm of the season began as a tropical disturbance roughly 920&nbsp;miles (1,480&nbsp;km) south-southwest of [[Mazatlán|Mazatlán, Sinaloa]], late on October&nbsp;22. It originally moved west but later curved toward the north,<ref name="1976MWR" /> developing into a tropical depression around 12:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;25, and further intensifying into Tropical Storm Naomi six hours later. By 18:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;27, Naomi had reached peak winds of 50&nbsp;mph (85&nbsp;km/h).{{EPAC hurricane best track}} In the presence of wind shear, the cyclone slowly weakened thereafter, moving ashore the coastline of Mexico near Mazatlán as a minimal tropical storm early on October&nbsp;29.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Naomi rapidly weakened once inland and was last tracked as a tropical cyclone around 12:00&nbsp;UTC that day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}
The last storm of the season began as a tropical disturbance roughly {{convert|920|mi|km}} south-southwest of [[Mazatlán|Mazatlán, Sinaloa]], late on October&nbsp;22. It originally moved west but later curved toward the north,<ref name="1976MWR" /> developing into a tropical depression around 12:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;25, and further intensifying into Tropical Storm Naomi six hours later. By 18:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;27, Naomi had reached peak winds of {{convert|50|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.{{EPAC hurricane best track}} In the presence of wind shear, the cyclone slowly weakened thereafter, moving ashore the coastline of Mexico near Mazatlán as a minimal tropical storm early on October&nbsp;29.<ref name="1976MWR" /> Naomi rapidly weakened once inland and was last tracked as a tropical cyclone around 12:00&nbsp;UTC that day.{{EPAC hurricane best track}}

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=== Other systems ===
=== Other systems ===
There were four tropical depressions during the 1976 season. The first lasted from June 1–3 over the open eastern Pacific. The second existed from June 28–30, originating in the Gulf of Tehuantepec and making landfall near [[Salina Cruz|Salina Cruz, Oaxaca]], before dissipating. The third occurred from August 7–8 in the far western reaches of the East pacific while the fourth and final depression survived from August 16–19 well southwest of Baja California.<ref name="1976MWR" />
There were four tropical depressions during the 1976 season. The first lasted from June 1–3 over the open eastern Pacific. The second existed from June 28–30, originating in the Gulf of Tehuantepec and making landfall near [[Salina Cruz|Salina Cruz, Oaxaca]], before dissipating. The third occurred from August 7–8 in the far western reaches of the East pacific while the fourth and final depression was active from August 16–19 well southwest of Baja California.<ref name="1976MWR" />

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== Storm names ==
== Storm names ==
{{Tropical cyclone naming}}
The following names were used for named storms that formed in the eastern Pacific in 1976. It is the same list used in the [[1972 Pacific hurricane season|1972 season]]. No names were retired from this list. However, as modern naming began in 1978, this is the last time this list was used. Names that were not assigned are marked in <span style="color:gray;">gray</span>.
The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Pacific Ocean east of [[140th meridian west|140°W]] in 1976.<ref name="NHOP 76">{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1976.pdf|pages=84, 86|publisher=[[NOAA]] Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 1976|access-date=February 27, 2024}}</ref> It was the same list used for the [[1972 Pacific hurricane season|1972 season]].<ref name="NHOP 72">{{cite report|url=https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/general/lib/lib1/nhclib/Publications/NatHurricaneOpsPlans/HOPs-1972.pdf|page=102|publisher=[[NOAA]] Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research|location=Washington, D.C.|title=National Hurricane Operations Plan|date=May 1972|access-date=February 27, 2024}}</ref> No [[List of retired Pacific hurricane names|names were retired]] following the season; however, an overhaul of the naming system [[1978 Pacific hurricane season|in 1978]] to include male names resulted in this list being discarded.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=February 27, 2024|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames_history.shtml}}</ref>


{| width="90%"
{| width="90%"
Line 325: Line 310:
* Bonny
* Bonny
* Celeste
* Celeste
* Diana
* Diana{{thin space}}*
* Estelle
* Estelle
* Fernanda
* Fernanda{{thin space}}*
* Gwen
* Gwen{{thin space}}*
|
|
* Hyacinth
* Hyacinth
Line 347: Line 332:
|}
|}


One named storm, listed below, formed in the North Pacific between 140°W and the [[International Date Line]] in 1976. At the time, storm names within this region were assigned from the Pacific typhoon list by the [[Joint Typhoon Warning Center]] on [[Guam]].<ref name="NHOP 76"/><ref name=ATWC>{{cite web|access-date=February 27, 2024|title=Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Name History|publisher=Atlantic Tropical Weather Center|url=http://www.atwc.org/pachist.txt|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105925/http://www.atwc.org/pachist.txt|archive-date=September 29, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Named storms in the table above that crossed into the area during the season are noted (*).<ref name="Hawaii"/>
The central Pacific used names and numbers from the western Pacific typhoon name list. Kate was the only name required.

{| width="90%"
|
* Kate
|}


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 356: Line 346:
* [[1976 Pacific typhoon season]]
* [[1976 Pacific typhoon season]]
* [[1976 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
* [[1976 North Indian Ocean cyclone season]]
* Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone seasons: [[1975–76 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season|1975–76]], [[1976–77 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season|1976–77]]
* Australian cyclone seasons: [[1975–76 Australian region cyclone season|1975–76]], [[1976–77 Australian region cyclone season|1976–77]]
* South Pacific cyclone seasons: [[1975–76 South Pacific cyclone season|1975–76]], [[1976–77 South Pacific cyclone season|1976–77]]
* South-West Indian Ocean cyclone seasons: [[1975–76 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|1975–76]], [[1976–77 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season|1976–77]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 369: Line 361:
{{1976 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}
{{1976 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}
{{TC Decades|Year=1970|basin=Pacific|type=hurricane}}
{{TC Decades|Year=1970|basin=Pacific|type=hurricane}}
{{Tropical cyclone season|1976}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:1976 Pacific Hurricane Season}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:1976 Pacific Hurricane Season}}

Latest revision as of 23:53, 29 October 2024

1976 Pacific hurricane season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedJune 2, 1976
Last system dissipatedOctober 29, 1976
Strongest storm
By maximum sustained windsMadeline
 • Maximum winds145 mph (230 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure940 mbar (hPa; 27.76 inHg)
By central pressureAnnette
 • Maximum winds140 mph (220 km/h)
(1-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure925 mbar (hPa; 27.32 inHg)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions19
Total storms15
Hurricanes9
Major hurricanes
(Cat. 3+)		5
Total fatalities614-964 total
Total damage$360 million (1976 USD)
Related articles
Pacific hurricane seasons
1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978

The 1976 Pacific hurricane season was a very deadly and costly season. Hurricanes Kathleen, Liza, and Madeline were the most notable storms this year. Hurricane Kathleen caused death and destruction in California and Arizona due to flooding. Hurricane Liza was the deadliest storm of the season when it killed over 600 people in Mexico. Hurricane Madeline is notable for being one of the most intense Pacific hurricanes at landfall.

Season summary

[edit]
Hurricane Madeline (1976)Hurricane LizaHurricane KathleenSaffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale

The season officially started May 15, 1976, in the eastern Pacific, and June 1, 1976, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1976. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. In practice, the season lasted from the formation of the first storm on June 2 to the dissipation of the last on October 30.

This season had a slightly below average number of tropical storms, with fourteen. The number of hurricanes was average, with eight. The season had an above-average number of major hurricanes, with five reaching Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. Four of tropical depressions dissipated before they could reach tropical storm strength. There were five landfalls, including three by consecutive storms. In the Central Pacific, one tropical cyclone, a hurricane formed. Two storms entered the region from the east. These totals are close to average.[1]

Systems

[edit]

Hurricane Annette

[edit]
Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 3 – June 14
Peak intensity140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min);
925 mbar (hPa)

A tropical disturbance formed well south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec on June 2.[2] It organized into a tropical depression around 00:00 UTC on June 3 but initially failed to intensify further,[3] due in part to its loosely-defined circulation.[2] Following a consolidation of its center, the cyclone finally strengthened into Tropical Storm Annette early on June 6 and entered a period of steady to rapid development. Annette became the season's first hurricane by 06:00 UTC on June 7,[3] coincident with indications of an eye on satellite imagery. It became a major hurricane late on June 8 and reached Category 4 intensity with peak winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) the next day, when a reconnaissance aircraft measured a minimum atmospheric pressure of 925 mbar (hPa; 27.32 inHg). Annette slowed and curved north after its peak, bringing the cyclone over colder waters that prompted weakening.[2] The hurricane was downgraded to a tropical storm early on June 12 and further to a tropical depression late the next day. Annette dissipated by 06:00 UTC on June 14.[3]

Hurricane Bonny

[edit]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationJune 26 – June 29
Peak intensity75 mph (120 km/h) (1-min);
987 mbar (hPa)

A tropical disturbance formed about 335 miles (539 km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero, early on June 22,[2] only slowly consolidating into a tropical depression by 00:00 UTC on June 26.[3] On a westward track, it strengthened into Tropical Storm Bonny twelve hours after formation and further organized into a hurricane around 06:00 UTC on June 27, attaining peak winds of 75 mph (121 km/h).[3] This forward trajectory brought the system over cooler waters,[2] causing Bonny to weaken to rapidly weaken to a tropical depression by early on June 28. It moved erratically before dissipating around 18:00 UTC the next day.[3]

Tropical Storm Celeste

[edit]
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 14 – July 19
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

On July 14, a tropical disturbance formed about 655 miles (1,054 km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero;[2] it rapidly developed into a tropical depression around 12:00 UTC that day.[3] The depression intensified into Tropical Storm Celeste late on July 15, and it continued to gather strength as it moved west, reaching peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) on July 16 as a transient eye appeared on satellite imagery. The effects of cooler water impeded further development,[2] and the storm rapidly weakened to a tropical depression early on July 17 before dissipating around 06:00 UTC on July 19.[3]

Hurricane Diana

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Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 16 – July 23
Peak intensity100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min);

A day after the formation of Celeste, a new tropical disturbance formed roughly 460 miles (740 km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero, organizing into the season's sixth tropical depression around 00:00 UTC on July 16.[3] A sprawling storm,[2] the system strengthened into Tropical Storm Diana twelve hours later. It reached hurricane strength the next day and continued to intensify, peaking as a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) around 18:00 UTC on July 18.[3] A continual west-northwest track brought Diana over progressively cooler waters,[2] causing it to weaken to a tropical storm again early on July 20.[3] After further degrading to a tropical depression, the system crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility, where it maintained its status as a tropical cyclone until dissipating around 06:00 UTC on July 23.[3]

Tropical Storm Estelle

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Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 27 – July 28
Peak intensity40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min);

On July 24, a large area of disturbed weather developed about 1,035 miles (1,666 km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero. This complex became composed of two distinctly separate areas of low pressure late on July 26.[2] The eastern circulation organized into a tropical depression around 00:00 UTC on July 27 and further strengthened into Tropical Storm Estelle six hours later. Moving swiftly toward the west, the system failed to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm intensity, instead weakening to a tropical depression again by 06:00 UTC on July 28 as it moved into cooler waters. After losing its convective structure, Estelle dissipated around 00:00 UTC on July 29.[2][3]

Tropical Storm Fernanda

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Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 28 – August 2
Peak intensity40 mph (65 km/h) (1-min);

Fernanda developed out of the same area of disturbed weather that first formed on July 24 and split into two separate circulations two days later. While the easternmost low organized into Tropical Storm Estelle,[2] the western circulation developed into a tropical depression by 00:00 UTC on July 28. It intensified into a tropical storm six hours later. Like Estelle, however, the cyclone failed to intensify beyond minimal tropical storm strength. The compact storm instead weakened to a tropical depression by 18:00 UTC on July 29, shortly before it entered the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.[2] It dissipated around 00:00 UTC on August 2.[3]

Tropical Storm Gwen

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Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 5 – August 18
Peak intensity65 mph (100 km/h) (1-min);

An area of disturbed weather formed roughly 435 miles (700 km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero, on August 3.[2] The westward-moving disturbance organized into a tropical depression by 00:00 UTC on August 5 and further developed into Tropical Storm Gwen about 24 hours later. The newly named storm continued to intensify, reaching peak winds of 65 mph (105 km/h) on August 8.[3] Thereafter, a deceleration of the storm's forward speed over a patch of colder waters prompted weakening, and Gwen fell to tropical depression strength early on August 11. Rapidly-developing Hurricane Hyacinth to its east forced the weak cyclone to move abruptly north,[2] during which time Gwen regained its status as a tropical storm around 18:00 UTC on August 12.[3] This redevelopment was short-lived, as Gwen weakened to a tropical depression yet again on August 14 as it absorbed the weakening Hyacinth and crossed into the Central Pacific Hurricane Center's area of responsibility.[2] Gwen moved westward and passed north of the Hawaiian Islands before dissipating around 06:00 UTC on August 18.[3]

Hurricane Hyacinth

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Category 3 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 6 – August 14
Peak intensity115 mph (185 km/h) (1-min);

An area of disturbed weather formed well south of Mexico around 18:00 UTC on August 5.[2] It intensified into a tropical depression 24 hours later and further organized into Tropical Storm Hyacinth by 06:00 UTC on August 7. On a west-northwest track, the storm continued to strengthen and became a hurricane around 12:00 UTC on August 9,[3] after which time a small yet distinct eye became evident on satellite imagery.[2] Hyacinth attained its peak as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) the next day,[3] but soon began to weaken as it rapidly moved toward cooler waters.[2] It weakened to a tropical storm early on August 13 and further degraded to a tropical depression on August 14 before being absorbed by nearby Tropical Storm Gwen around 06:00 UTC that day.[2][3]

Hurricane Iva

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Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 24 – September 1
Peak intensity130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min);

Late on August 23, an area of disturbed weather developed about 485 miles (781 km) south of Acapulco, Guerrero.[2] It rapidly coalesced into a tropical depression around 00:00 UTC the next day, but only slowly strengthened into Tropical Storm Iva by 18:00 UTC on August 25.[3] The system moved west and then west-northwest, further developing into a hurricane by 18:00 UTC on August 26 as a small eye became distinct.[2] Iva attained major hurricane strength late on August 27, further intensifying to its peak as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 130 mph (210 km/h) around 06:00 UTC the following morning.[3] It oscillated in strength over the subsequent 24 hours, but ultimately began a steady weakening trend by August 30 while passing over marginal ocean temperatures.[2] Iva fell to tropical storm strength early that day, weakened to a tropical depression early on September 1, and dissipated around 00:00 UTC on September 2.[3]

Tropical Storm Joanne

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Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 29 – September 7
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);

A tropical disturbance formed about 175 miles (282 km) west of the coastline of Colombia early on August 26. The large system moved steadily west,[2] developing into a tropical depression by 00:00 UTC on August 29. Over the course of the next several days, the depression failed to intensify further as it moved erratically. Finally, by 12:00 UTC on September 3, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Joanne. After reaching peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h), the storm moved generally west-southwest and weakened. It degraded to a tropical depression early on September 5 and maintained its status as a weak tropical cyclone until dissipating around 00:00 UTC on September 8.[3]

Hurricane Kathleen

[edit]
Category 1 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 7 – September 10
Peak intensity80 mph (130 km/h) (1-min);
986 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Kathleen

Kathleen formed from an area of disturbed weather that was first identified roughly 345 miles (555 km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, on September 6.[2] The disturbance organized into a tropical depression around 12:00 UTC on September 7 and further intensified into Tropical Storm Kathleen twelve hours later as it began to move northwestward. Despite fluctuations in strength over the next day, Kathleen intensified into a Category 1 hurricane around 00:00 UTC on September 10,[3] when a reconnaissance aircraft measured peak winds of 80 mph (130 km/h). An accelerating forward motion brought the cyclone over Point Eugenia as a moderate tropical storm early on September 10. It continued onshore about 160 miles (260 km) south of Ensenada, Baja California,[2] ultimately losing its status as a tropical cyclone by 18:00 UTC.[3] The remnants of the storm continued north across Arizona and Nevada on September 11.[2]

Hurricane Kate

[edit]
Category 2 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 21 – October 2
Peak intensity100 mph (155 km/h) (1-min);
971 mbar (hPa)

The only hurricane to form in the central Pacific arose from a disturbance that drifted in from the east. Tropical Depression Twenty-two formed on September 22. The depression became Tropical Storm Kate the next day.[4] Kate headed almost due northwest. Early on September 24, the storm became a hurricane. This prompted a hurricane watch being issued for the Big Island on September 28. The watch continued until Kate was downgraded to a storm on September 29. It passed 200 miles northwest of the island and was destroyed by wind shear on October 2.[1]

There was only minor damage reported to the northern and eastern shores of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii due to heavy surf. A ship called the Hawaiian Princess was caught by gales caused by Kate but escaped.[1]

Hurricane Liza

[edit]
Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 25 – October 1
Peak intensity140 mph (220 km/h) (1-min);
948 mbar (hPa)
Main article: Hurricane Liza

The deadliest and most destructive hurricane of the 1976 season originated as a large tropical disturbance about 525 miles (845 km) southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, on September 25.[2] It developed into a tropical depression around 18:00 UTC that day and steadily strengthened into Tropical Storm Liza 24 hours later.[3] The incipient cyclone turned toward the north while continuing over warm waters,[2] and it attained hurricane strength by 00:00 UTC on September 28. Liza intensified into a major hurricane on September 29,[3] and a reconnaissance aircraft measured peak winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) around 18:00 UTC, when the storm was in the midst of an eyewall replacement cycle.[2] Liza maintained Category 4 intensity until early on October 1 when it moved ashore the coastline of Mexico north of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, as a slighter weaker Category 3 cyclone. Liza rapidly weakened over the mountainous terrain and was last tracked as a tropical cyclone at 12:00 UTC on October 1.[2][3]

Hurricane Madeline

[edit]
Main article: Hurricane Madeline (1976)
Category 4 hurricane (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 29 – October 8
Peak intensity145 mph (230 km/h) (1-min);
940 mbar (hPa)

A tropical disturbance was first noted about 345 miles (555 km) south of the Guatemalan coastline on September 27.[2] It organized into Tropical Storm Madeline by 00:00 UTC on September 29 but failed to further develop, instead weakening to a tropical depression the next morning. By 00:00 UTC on October 4, Madeline re-intensified into a tropical storm, beginning a gradual curve toward the north as well. The system continued to strengthen and became a hurricane early on October 6; by 06:00 UTC on October 8, Madline peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph (233 km/h). It moved onshore the coastline of Mexico a few hours later, rapidly weakening and losing its status as a tropical cyclone after 18:00 UTC that day.[3]

Tropical Storm Naomi

[edit]
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 25 – October 29
Peak intensity50 mph (85 km/h) (1-min);
≤1005 mbar (hPa)

The last storm of the season began as a tropical disturbance roughly 920 miles (1,480 km) south-southwest of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, late on October 22. It originally moved west but later curved toward the north,[2] developing into a tropical depression around 12:00 UTC on October 25, and further intensifying into Tropical Storm Naomi six hours later. By 18:00 UTC on October 27, Naomi had reached peak winds of 50 mph (80 km/h).[3] In the presence of wind shear, the cyclone slowly weakened thereafter, moving ashore the coastline of Mexico near Mazatlán as a minimal tropical storm early on October 29.[2] Naomi rapidly weakened once inland and was last tracked as a tropical cyclone around 12:00 UTC that day.[3]

Other systems

[edit]

There were four tropical depressions during the 1976 season. The first lasted from June 1–3 over the open eastern Pacific. The second existed from June 28–30, originating in the Gulf of Tehuantepec and making landfall near Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, before dissipating. The third occurred from August 7–8 in the far western reaches of the East pacific while the fourth and final depression was active from August 16–19 well southwest of Baja California.[2]

Storm names

[edit]
Main articles: Tropical cyclone naming, History of tropical cyclone naming, and List of historical tropical cyclone names

The following list of names was used for named storms that formed in the North Pacific Ocean east of 140°W in 1976.[5] It was the same list used for the 1972 season.[6] No names were retired following the season; however, an overhaul of the naming system in 1978 to include male names resulted in this list being discarded.[7]

  • Annette
  • Bonny
  • Celeste
  • Diana *
  • Estelle
  • Fernanda *
  • Gwen *
  • Orla (unused)
  • Pauline (unused)
  • Rebecca (unused)
  • Simone (unused)
  • Tara (unused)
  • Valerie (unused)
  • Willa (unused)

One named storm, listed below, formed in the North Pacific between 140°W and the International Date Line in 1976. At the time, storm names within this region were assigned from the Pacific typhoon list by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center on Guam.[5][8] Named storms in the table above that crossed into the area during the season are noted (*).[4]

  • Kate

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Central Pacific Hurricane Center archive accessed March 11, 2006
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Emil L. Gunther (April 1977). "Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1976". Monthly Weather Review (PDF). 105 (4). American Meteorological Society: 508–522. Bibcode:1977MWRv..105..508G. doi:10.1175/1520-0493(1977)105<0508:EPTCO>2.0.CO;2.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af National Hurricane Center; Hurricane Research Division; Central Pacific Hurricane Center (April 26, 2024). "The Northeast and North Central Pacific hurricane database 1949–2023". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. A guide on how to read the database is available here. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ a b Pao-Shin Chu; Peng Wu (2008). Climatic Atlas of Tropical Cyclone Tracks over the Central North Pacific (PDF) (Report). University of Hawaii-Manoa. Retrieved August 2, 2015.
  5. ^ a b National Hurricane Operations Plan (PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1976. pp. 84, 86. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  6. ^ National Hurricane Operations Plan (PDF) (Report). Washington, D.C.: NOAA Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research. May 1972. p. 102. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  7. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names". Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  8. ^ "Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclone Name History". Atlantic Tropical Weather Center. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
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