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2007 Pacific hurricane season

A below‑average tropical cyclone season in the Eastern and Central Pacific (May–November 2007) with low accumulated energy, one major hurricane, and notable storms Barbara, Flossie and Henriette.

The 2007 Pacific hurricane season was a below‑average period of tropical cyclone activity in the Eastern and Central Pacific basins. The season is conventionally defined as running from May 15 (eastern Pacific) and June 1 (central Pacific) through November 30 each year. In 2007 the basin produced comparatively little intensity and accumulated cyclone energy (ACE), and only one storm reached the threshold for a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir–Simpson scale).

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Geographic scope and agencies

The Eastern Pacific basin, for operational purposes, is the area east of 140°W, while the Central Pacific lies between 140°W and the International Date Line. Tropical cyclones in the eastern region are monitored primarily by the National Hurricane Center; those that form or move into the central region are the responsibility of the Central Pacific Hurricane Center. These agencies issue advisories, warnings and post‑storm analyses that form the basis of seasonal summaries.

Season characteristics and indices

2007 was marked by unusually low ACE early in the season. Through the end of July the seasonal ACE ranked as one of the lowest since routine satellite monitoring began in the mid‑1960s. August remained quiet as well, and by some records it ranked among the calmest Augusts since reliable ACE records were kept beginning in 1971. Low ACE indicates that storms were generally weaker, shorter‑lived, or both, compared with climatological averages.

Notable storms and impacts

Although activity was muted, several named systems produced meaningful impacts on land. Tropical Storm Barbara produced heavy rainfall over southeastern Mexico in June, causing extensive crop losses and an estimated $55 million (2007 USD) in agricultural damage. In August, Hurricane Flossie tracked from the Eastern into the Central Pacific and posed a threat to the Hawaiian Islands before weakening; it caused little damage to the islands. In early September Hurricane Henriette brought heavy rains to southwestern Mexico, resulting in multiple fatalities and approximately $25 million (2007 USD) in damage. These events illustrate that even an otherwise quiet season can yield localized destructive effects.

  • Barbara (June) — Heavy rains and crop damage in southeastern Mexico; reported agricultural losses.
  • Flossie (August) — Crossed into the Central Pacific and threatened Hawaii but produced minimal damage.
  • Henriette (September) — Flooding and fatalities in southwest Mexico with notable economic loss.

History, context and notable facts

Seasonal variability in the Pacific is influenced by large‑scale climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña, which modify sea surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation. A below‑average season like 2007 typically coincides with conditions less favorable for cyclone formation—cooler ocean waters, stronger wind shear, or stable air masses. The 2007 season is often cited when discussing variability in Pacific tropical cyclone climatology because of its low ACE and limited number of intense storms compared with adjacent years.

Data sources and further reading

Official analyses and post‑season reports from responsible agencies provide detailed storm tracks, intensity estimates and damage assessments. For chronological advisories and technical discussions consult the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center archives. Additional seasonal summaries and research syntheses are available for readers seeking deeper examination of the 2007 Pacific hurricane season.

References and agency summaries: seasonal timeline, basin boundary information, and regional impact reports (Hawaii advisories). For supplemental technical material see official advisories and post‑storm reports.

Questions and answers

Q: What was the 2007 Pacific hurricane season like?

A: The 2007 Pacific hurricane season was a below average season with only one major hurricane.

Q: When did the 2007 Pacific hurricane season officially start?

A: The season officially started on May 15, 2007 in the eastern Pacific and on June 1, 2007 in the central Pacific.

Q: When did the 2007 Pacific hurricane season officially end?

A: The season lasted until November 30, 2007.

Q: What do the dates of May 15 and June 1 conventionally delimit?

A: These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin.

Q: What was the third quietest August in terms of ACE since reliable records began in the basin?

A: The third quietest August in terms of ACE since reliable records began in the basin was the month following the slow start of the season.

Q: Which hurricane formed in the Eastern Pacific and crossed into the Central Pacific in August?

A: Hurricane Flossie formed in the Eastern Pacific and crossed into the Central Pacific in August, threatening Hawaii but causing little damage.

Q: What were the damages caused by Hurricane Henriette in early September?

A: Hurricane Henriette dropped heavy rainfall in southwest Mexico, causing nine fatalities and $25 million (2007 USD) in damage.

Author

AlegsaOnline.com 2007 Pacific hurricane season

URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/133617

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