HURRICANE JIMENA 2009

HURRICANE JIMENA 2009

Hurricane Jimena (2009) – Detailed Overview & Impact Guide

Hurricane Jimena (2009) was a major and highly destructive tropical cyclone in the Eastern Pacific. At its peak, Jimena reached Category 4 intensity, making it one of the most powerful storms to threaten the Baja California Peninsula in decades. Its rapid intensification, large wind field, and slow movement near land created widespread flooding, wind damage, and humanitarian challenges.

1. Formation and Strengthening

Hurricane Jimena originated in late August 2009 from a tropical disturbance off the coast of southwestern Mexico.

Development Timeline:

August 28: System begins organizing into a tropical depression.
August 29: Strengthens into Tropical Storm Jimena.
August 30: Rapid intensification begins—Jimena becomes a Category 4 major hurricane.
August 31: Reaches peak intensity with:
- Sustained winds: ~250 km/h (155 mph)
- Pressure: ~931 mbar
- Category: High-end Category 4 approaching Category 5

Jimena became one of the strongest Pacific hurricanes of the 2000s, fueled by extremely warm sea-surface temperatures.

2. Path and Land Interaction

Jimena tracked northwest along the Pacific coastline, steadily approaching the Baja California Peninsula.

Key Path Points:

Stayed well offshore mainland Mexico but close enough to cause dangerous surf and rain.
Threatened the tourist and fishing regions of Baja California Sur.
Eventually made landfall on the Baja Peninsula as a weaker hurricane, then degraded into a tropical storm.
Moisture from Jimena crossed into northern Mexico and parts of the U.S. Southwest, producing additional rainfall.

3. Wind, Rain & Storm Impact

Even after weakening from Category 4 status, Jimena carried a massive rain shield and strong wind field.

Major Hazards:

• Wind Damage

Strong winds damaged homes made of lightweight materials.
Power outages became widespread across Baja communities.

• Flooding & Mudslides

Jimena’s slow movement near land produced extreme rainfall, including:

Flooded streets, villages, and arroyos
Damaged bridges and roads
Landslides in mountainous regions
Isolated towns for days

Rainfall exceeded 300 mm (12 inches) in some areas.

• Coastal and Marine Damage

High surf and storm surge affected ports and marinas.
Fishing fleets suffered equipment losses.
Large waves eroded beaches and coastal structures.

4. Humanitarian & Economic Effects

Hurricane Jimena caused significant disruption to life in Baja California Sur:

Evacuations

Thousands of residents and tourists were evacuated from low-lying and coastal areas.
Emergency shelters filled rapidly, especially in Santa Rosalía, Ciudad Constitución, and Loreto.

Property Damage

Houses made of wood, tin, or adobe suffered major destruction.
Flooding severely damaged businesses, schools, and public facilities.

Agriculture Impact

Crops, livestock, and irrigation systems were heavily affected.
Rural communities faced long-term economic effects due to crop losses.

Water & Electrical Systems

Water supply lines were damaged.
Power outages lasted days to weeks in some regions.

5. Aftermath & Recovery Efforts

Post-storm recovery involved:

• Emergency Response

Mexican Navy and civil protection teams deployed to deliver food and clean water.
Roads were cleared using heavy machinery to reconnect isolated populations.

• Health & Safety

Standing water raised concerns of mosquito-borne diseases.
Authorities distributed sanitation supplies to reduce contamination risks.

• Long-Term Recovery

Rebuilding of homes and public buildings
Restoration of electricity and water infrastructure
Assistance to fishermen and farmers whose livelihoods were disrupted

Despite severe damage, fatalities remained relatively low thanks to early warnings and evacuations.

6. Historical Significance

Hurricane Jimena (2009) is remembered as:

One of the strongest hurricanes to approach Baja California Sur.
A rare Category 4 hurricane threatening this region.
A storm that demonstrated the vulnerability of Baja’s rural and coastal communities.
A major case study for emergency preparedness in the Eastern Pacific.

Jimena is often compared to other powerful Pacific storms like Hurricane Kenna (2002) and Hurricane Odile (2014) due to its intensity and impact.

OTHER SOURCE

Hurricane Jimena pounded the middle of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula on Wednesday after lashing the Los Cabos resort region with driving rains and thundering surf.

Winds from the once-mighty storm had weakened to near 105 mph (165 kph) by early Wednesday and the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said it was expected to weaken further as it runs up the peninsula. Hurricane Jimena -force winds were already hitting land.

Despite a pummeling by the fringes of the then-Category 3 hurricane, the Mexican peninsula's biggest resort, Los Cabos, appeared escape major damage beyond power outages, mud-choked roads and downed signs.

Dozens of people evacuated from the Los Cangrejos shantytown huddled in a darkened school after electricity failed during the storm. Trying to calm squalling babies and ignore hunger from food shortages, the evacuees waited for dawn, and a chance to look at what the hurricane did to their homes of plastic sheeting, wood and tar paper.

"Instead of giving out a few sheets of roofing every year, they should give us materials to build real houses -- wood, or even bricks," said Paulino Hernandez, an out-of-work mason who sought haven at the school. "Every year it's the same thing: They (officials) give out a few sheets of roofing, and the next year it has to be replaced" when a hurricane comes.

Authorities reported no injuries in Los Cabos, but expressed concern about what might happen when the Hurricane Jimena hits land farther up the coast.

"It could be ugly at Bahia Magdalena," state Interior Secretary Luis Armanado Diaz said, referring to a sparsely populated bay with a smattering of fishing villages to the north.
Hurricane-jimena

Hurricane Jimena Guide Note

Hurricane Jimena Guide Note

Hurricane Jimena – Comprehensive Guide Note (Expanded Version)

Hurricane Jimena, like many Pacific tropical cyclones, is known for its rapid intensification, unpredictable shifts in direction, and the potential to cause severe coastal and inland damage. This guide note offers a clear, thorough, and practical overview of what to know about Hurricane Jimena—its characteristics, risks, preparation strategies, and recommended actions before, during, and after the storm.

1. Overview of Hurricane Jimena

“Hurricane Jimena” refers to several tropical cyclones that have formed in the Eastern Pacific over the years. These storms often track westward or northwestward, sometimes threatening the Baja California Peninsula, offshore islands, and shipping lanes. Jimena storms have historically fluctuated between Category 1 and Category 4, making them powerful enough to produce destructive winds, heavy flooding, and dangerous storm surges.

While the exact behavior varies from year to year, Jimena hurricanes typically:

Develop from tropical waves off the coast of Mexico.
Strengthen quickly in warm ocean waters.
Bring significant rainfall to coastal and inland regions.
Impact communities with high winds, landslides, and flash floods.

Understanding these patterns helps residents and travelers better prepare when a new Jimena forms.

2. Key Hazards Associated With Hurricane Jimena

A hurricane like Jimena can unleash multiple threats simultaneously. The main hazards include:

• Extreme Winds

High-velocity winds can strip roofs, uproot trees, destroy power infrastructure, and send debris flying. Even Category 1 winds (119–153 km/h) can create dangerous conditions, while Categories 3–4 cause catastrophic damage.

• Heavy Rainfall & Flash Floods

Moisture-packed bands of Jimena may bring torrential rain for hours or days. This can lead to:

Flash flooding in low-lying areas
Mudslides in mountainous terrain
Washed-out roads and bridges
Contamination of water sources

• Storm Surge & Coastal Flooding

Strong onshore winds push seawater inland, flooding coastal towns and eroding shorelines. This is often the deadliest aspect of a hurricane.

• Rough Seas & Marine Hazards

Fishermen, shipping crews, and coastal transport services may face dangerously high waves, reduced visibility, and unpredictable wind gusts.

3. Preparing Before Hurricane Jimena

Preparation is your most effective defense. Use this checklist ahead of time:

A. Home Preparation

Reinforce windows with shutters or plywood.
Clear drains, gutters, and outdoor debris.
Bring in outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
Check roof condition and seal potential leak points.

B. Emergency Supplies

Assemble a minimum 3–5 day supply of essentials:

Drinking water (3–4 liters per person per day)
Non-perishable food
First aid kit
Flashlights, batteries, candles
Portable power bank
Radio (battery or hand-crank)
Personal documents sealed in waterproof bags

C. Evacuation Readiness

Know your region’s evacuation zones.
Identify the nearest shelters.
Keep a go-bag ready at all times.
Plan routes in case roads become flooded or closed.

D. Vehicle & Communication

Fill your gas tank early.
Charge all devices fully.
Bookmark official weather updates from government agencies.

4. During the Hurricane

Once Hurricane Jimena approaches, personal safety becomes the top priority.

Stay Indoors

Remain inside a secure room away from windows. If winds worsen, seek shelter in interior spaces such as bathrooms or hallways.

Avoid Floodwaters

Even shallow moving water can sweep a person or vehicle away. Never:

Walk through floodwater
Drive through flooded roads
Play near drainage canals or rivers

Maintain Communication

Listen to updates via radio or official channels. If you lose electricity, conserve battery power by limiting device use.

Be Prepared for Sudden Calm (the Eye)

Hurricanes often bring a deceptive calm when the eye passes. Never assume the storm is over—dangerous winds will return from the opposite direction within minutes.

5. After the Hurricane

Once conditions improve, proceed cautiously.

A. Safety Checks

Wait for official clearance before leaving shelter.
Avoid downed power lines and unstable structures.
Wear shoes to protect against sharp debris.

B. Home Inspection

Check for:

Roof damage
Gas leaks
Water intrusion
Structural cracks

Do not turn on electrical systems if they have been exposed to water.

C. Health Precautions

Drink only safe, clean water.
Avoid stagnant water that may contain bacteria or wildlife.
Dispose of spoiled food.

D. Emotional Well-being

Post-storm stress is common. Reach out to community centers, family, or relief organizations if you need support.

6. Long-Term Preparedness for Future Jimena Hurricanes

Even after the storm passes, use the experience to strengthen long-term plans:

Upgrade roofing and window protection.
Store emergency supplies year-round.
Create a household hurricane response plan.
Review insurance coverage for wind and flood damage.

Conclusion

Hurricane Jimena, regardless of the year or category, is a reminder of the power of Pacific storms. By understanding the hazards, preparing in advance, responding safely during the storm, and recovering responsibly afterward, individuals and communities can significantly reduce risk and protect lives. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource to stay ready, informed, and resilient.

OTHER SOURCE

Hurricane Jimena formed in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Acapulco, Mexico on Saturday, August 29, 2009. The U.S. National Hurricane Center upgraded the hurricane category four by Sunday, August 30, 2009, as the storm was edging closer to Mexico and Baja California.1

At 2:00 p.m. PST on August 31, 2009, Hurricane Jimena had reached wind speeds of 155 mph as it moved northwest at 10mph. The storm was nearing category five classification as it was set to impact Mexico on Tuesday, September 1, 2009.2
Fast Facts

Hurricane Jimena was the 10th named hurricane of the 2009 hurricane season
Formed off of the southern Pacific of Mexico on August 29, 2009
Was a category one hurricane on Saturday, August 29, 2009
On August 29, 2009, Hurricane Jimena was increasing in strength 3
Upgraded to a category four storm on August 30, 2009 1
Nearing category five classification on August 31, 2009 2
Set to hit Mexico on September 1, 2009 2

hurricane-jimena-1991

OVERVIEW HURRICAN JIMENA

Overview Hurricane Jimena:

Hurricane Jimena formed on August 28, approximately 1700 miles east-southeast of Hawaii, and intensified rapidly. By August 30, it had reached its maximum strength as a hurricane, with sustained winds slightly exceeding 100 mph.

Hurricane Jimena progressed steadily westward at a speed of around 17 mph, on a trajectory that would bring its center about 50 miles south of the Big Island. On August 31, with Jimena situated about 300 miles east-southeast of the Big Island, the storm began to encounter stronger upper atmospheric winds that started to weaken and disrupt its structure. In the early morning hours of September 1, a rapidly diminishing Jimena began to move southwest, propelled by the low-level trade wind flow from the northeast.

Reconnaissance by Air Force Reserve aircraft was unable to detect any winds exceeding hurricane strength, leading to Jimena's downgrade to a Tropical Storm. Hurricane Jimena made its closest approach to the Big Island around sunrise, positioned about 110 miles south of South Point. By that afternoon, much of the convection had dissipated, and Hurricane Jimena had been reduced to a tropical depression as it continued its southwest movement away from the islands.
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HURRICANE JIMENA

HURRICANE JIMENA

Just prior to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite capturing this image at 11:35 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time, on September 1, 2009, a powerful storm exhibited well-defined bands of clouds encircling a prominent eye in this photo-like representation. The storm's outer bands had already reached the southern tip of Baja California. The National Hurricane Center anticipated that Jimena would progress northward along the peninsula before making landfall on September 2 or September 3.

At the moment this image was captured, Jimena was reported to have winds reaching 215 kilometers per hour (135 miles per hour), accompanied by stronger gusts, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was predicted to deliver heavy rainfall—up to 15 inches in certain areas, along with a perilous storm surge and crashing waves impacting Baja California.

The high-resolution image presented above is at MODIS’ maximum resolution of 250 meters per pixel. The MODIS Rapid Response System offers the image in various additional resolutions. Furthermore, the image has been rotated 17 degrees to the east.

HURRICENA JIMENA 1991

Hurricane Jimena Category 4 hurricane (SSHS)

Duration September 20 – October 2 Intensity 130 mph (215 km/h) (1-min), 945 mbar (hPa) Part of the same tropical wave that formed Tropical Storm Danny in the Atlantic crossed over the Isthmus of Panama and became a disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone during mid to late September. On September 20 the cloud pattern had increased in organization and the system was designated a tropical depression. Continuing to strengthen, the depression became a tropical storm on September 21. The tropical storm then headed towards the northwest. Development was rapid, especially after September 22 as a banding type eye was forming. Further rapid development took place by the following day and the maximum sustained winds increased to near 130 mph (210 km/h) by the afternoon of September 23.

Later, on September 24, Hurricane Jimena reached its peak with maximum winds of 140 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 945 hectopascals (27.9 inHg). Jimena maintained itself as a powerful hurricane for three days, moving west until September 26, when it turned toward the west-northwest. Hurricane Jimena began to weaken on September 27. A northwestward movement commenced on September 29 in response to a large upper level trough which developed in its northwest. It continued to weaken and on September 30 it regained tropical storm intensity before becoming downgraded to a depression. On October 2, Jimena dissipated as a tropical cyclone. Hurricane Jimena caused no reported damage or casualties.

overview-hurrican-jimena.

HURRICENA JIMENA 1991 VIDEO:

Hurricane Jimena Recap

Hurricane Jimena Recap

Jimena tracked west from the eastern Pacific into the central Pacific Aug. 26-Sept. 9, 2015.

Jimena peaked as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph on Aug. 29, 2015.
At one point Aug. 29-Aug. 30, 2015, Jimena was one of three Category 4 equivalent hurricanes in the Pacific, joined by Kilo and Ignacio.
Jimena passed north of Hawaii as a weakening system, but did bring high surf to the islands like several other tropical cyclones that have preceded it this season.
The system was expected to enhance moisture in Hawaii Sept. 10-12, increasing the threat of heavy rainfall and flooding.

HURRICANE JIMENA 2009 (2)

HURRICANE JIMENA 2009 (2)

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico -- Emergency workers built shelters for thousands of endangered families as a strengthening Hurricane Jimena roared toward Mexico's resort-studded Baja California peninsula Monday.

Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm, could rake southern Baja California by Tuesday evening, forecasters said.

At least 10,000 families will be evacuated from potential flood zones, said Francisco Cota, the local director of Civil Protection. He said 60 shelters would be set up.

"I think it's going to be a substantial hurricane by the time it approaches," said Richard Pasch of the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Delegates from around the world had already begun to arrive for a conference sponsored by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development on Tuesday and Wednesday at Cabo Los Cabos at the southern tip of the peninsula.

Nicholas Bray, the head of media for the Paris-based organization, said Monday there are no plans to postpone or cancel the meeting due to the hurricane Jimena.

Brenda Munoz, who lost her home to a 2001 hurricane, was taking no chances and stocking up on food this time.

"I remember when Hurricane Juliette hit with a lot of intensity. It flattened our home, lots of flooding, lots of disaster," Munoz said in Cabo San Lucas. "We're already prepared with food and everything so it won't catch us off guard."

But with the weather still mild on Sunday, Jim Patterson, a tourist from Big Bear Lake, California, could not muster much concern.

"Are you saying it would be a good idea to stock up on tequila?" he joked at a seaside restaurant. "No fear. I've been through tornados and earthquakes and everything else, but never a hurricane."

Farther south, Hurricane Jimena kicked up surf along Mexico's mainland western coast and generated strong winds that bent and uprooted trees in the resort town of Zihuatanejo.

Early Monday, Hurricane Jimena had maximum sustained winds near 145 mph (230 kph) and was moving northwest near 8 mph (13 kph).

It was centered about 370 miles (595 kilometers) south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas.

Authorities in Cabo Corrientes were setting up shelters in case of heavier winds and rain, said Arturo Garcia, an official with Jalisco's Civil Protection agency.

The U.S. hurricane center issued a public advisory for residents in western Mexico and the southern part of the Baja peninsula to keep tabs on Hurricane Jimena.

Farther out in the Pacific, a weakening Tropical Storm Kevin had top winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and was centered 895 miles (1,435 kilometers) west-southwest of the Baja peninsula's southern tip.
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