OVERVIEW HURRICAN JIMENA

Overview Hurricane Jimena:

Pacific Storm Powerhouse

Hurricane Jimena was one of the most intense and impactful storms of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season, leaving a mark on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Sonora, and neighboring regions. Known for its rapid intensification and Category 4 strength, Jimena is remembered as a textbook example of a Pacific hurricane with both power and unpredictability.

📅 Formation and Meteorological Highlights

Origin: Formed from a tropical wave in the eastern Pacific on August 28, 2009.
Peak Intensity: Reached Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, with winds around 250 km/h (155 mph).
Central Pressure: Dropped to 935 mb, reflecting its extreme strength.
Path: Tracked northwest, initially offshore, then looped toward Baja California.

🌊 Landfall and Regional Impacts

Jimena weakened slightly before landfall, arriving as a Category 2 hurricane on September 3, 2009, but still caused significant damage:

Baja California Sur: Power outages, flooding, and wind damage to homes and infrastructure.
Sonora & Northern Mexico: Torrential rainfall led to flash floods, landslides, and property losses.
United States (Southwest): Remnants brought thunderstorms and heavy rains to Arizona and surrounding areas.

Human toll: Several fatalities and thousands displaced; economic losses were substantial, estimated in the tens of millions of USD.

💨 Meteorological Significance

Rapid Intensification: Jimena highlighted how quickly Pacific hurricanes can strengthen under favorable conditions.
Sustained High Winds: Category 4 strength demonstrated the destructive potential of Pacific storms.
Disaster Preparedness: Even a weakened storm can cause major impacts, underscoring the need for early warning systems and resilient infrastructure.

📌 Key Takeaways

Monitoring is essential: Rapid intensification can surprise even experienced meteorologists.
Preparedness saves lives: Evacuation plans and community awareness are critical.
Infrastructure matters: Stronger buildings and utilities reduce damage during high-category storms.

Conclusion:
Hurricane Jimena (2009) remains a vivid example of Pacific hurricane intensity. From Category 4 winds at sea to flooding and damage on land, the storm illustrates that a hurricane’s threat extends beyond its category. Preparedness, early warnings, and resilient infrastructure are key to minimizing its impact on human lives and property.

OTHER SOURCES

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

Pacific Fury and Its Legacy

Hurricane Jimena was one of the most powerful hurricanes of the 2009 Pacific season, remembered for its rapid intensification, destructive winds, and widespread rainfall across Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and northwestern regions.

📅 Formation and Meteorology

Origin: A tropical wave in the eastern Pacific on August 28, 2009.
Peak Intensity: Reached Category 4 on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale, with winds up to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Trajectory: The storm moved northwest, staying offshore initially, before looping toward Baja California.
Pressure: Central pressure dropped to 935 mb, indicative of its extreme strength.

🌊 Impacts on Land

Although Jimena weakened to a Category 2 hurricane at landfall on September 3, 2009, the storm caused significant damage:

Baja California Sur: Severe wind damage, flooding, and widespread power outages.
Sonora & Inland Areas: Heavy rainfall led to flash floods, landslides, and property damage.
Southwestern U.S.: Remnants triggered thunderstorms and localized flooding in Arizona and neighboring states.

Human toll: Several fatalities and thousands displaced; economic losses were estimated in the tens of millions of USD.

💨 Significance

Rapid Intensification: Highlighted the Pacific’s capacity to produce dangerously strong storms quickly.
Landfall Strength: Demonstrated that even weakened hurricanes can leave major impacts.
Preparedness Lessons: Stressed the importance of early warnings, evacuation plans, and infrastructure resilience.

📌 Key Takeaways

Monitoring is critical — rapid intensification can surprise communities.
Infrastructure planning saves lives — reinforced buildings and utilities reduce hurricane damage.
Community preparedness is vital — awareness, drills, and timely evacuation reduce human and economic losses.

Conclusion:
Hurricane Jimena stands as a powerful reminder of the Pacific’s hurricane potential. While categorized as a Category 4 at its peak, its impacts show that the storm’s danger is not just in its category but in rainfall, flooding, and local vulnerability. Preparedness and resilient infrastructure remain the keys to minimizing the destructive power of such storms.

OTHER RECIPES

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)

A Category 4 Pacific Powerhouse

Hurricane Jimena, part of the 2009 Pacific hurricane season, is remembered as a Category 4 storm on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale (SSHS). Its rapid intensification, powerful winds, and coastal impact make it a significant event in Mexico’s hurricane history.

📅 Formation and Meteorological Profile

Origin: Jimena formed from a tropical wave in the eastern Pacific on August 28, 2009.
Rapid Intensification: Warm Pacific waters fueled its growth, allowing it to reach Category 4 intensity with sustained winds near 250 km/h (155 mph). (NOAA)
Peak Strength: At its height, Jimena had central pressures as low as 935 mb, making it a formidable cyclone in the region.
Trajectory: The hurricane tracked northwest, staying offshore initially but looping toward the Baja California Peninsula.

🌊 Impacts at Landfall

Even though Jimena weakened before hitting land, it remained a Category 2 hurricane at landfall:

Baja California Sur: Extreme wind gusts and torrential rains caused flooding and infrastructure damage.
Sonora & Northwestern Mexico: Heavy rainfall led to flash floods, landslides, and significant property damage.
Remnants in the U.S.: Moisture from Jimena contributed to localized thunderstorms in Arizona and surrounding states.

Human impact: Multiple fatalities and thousands displaced. Economic losses were substantial due to damage to homes, roads, and utilities.

💨 Why Category 4 Jimena Matters

Hurricane Jimena’s intensity underscores the power of Pacific hurricanes and the importance of monitoring them closely:

Rapid Intensification: Jimena strengthened quickly over warm waters, showing how conditions can favor explosive hurricane growth.
Sustained Category 4 Strength: Prolonged high winds over open water amplified its destructive potential.
Coastal Preparedness: The storm’s landfall reminded authorities and communities that even weakened storms can cause severe damage.

📌 Lessons from Jimena

Early Alerts: Continuous monitoring allowed residents time to evacuate vulnerable areas.
Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening buildings and utilities reduces damage from high-category hurricanes.
Community Awareness: Education and preparedness plans save lives when storms approach.

Conclusion:
Hurricane Jimena, a Category 4 hurricane on the SSHS, remains a classic example of Pacific storm intensity and its potential for destruction. Its rapid intensification and impact on Baja California and surrounding regions highlight the need for vigilance, infrastructure planning, and community preparedness during hurricane season.

OTHER RECIPES

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.

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HURRICENA JIMENA 1991 VIDEO:

Hurricane Jimena Recap

Hurricane Jimena Recap

The Pacific Fury That Struck Baja California

Hurricane Jimena was one of the most powerful Pacific hurricanes of the 2009 season, leaving a lasting impact on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and northwest regions. From rapid intensification to widespread rainfall, Jimena is remembered for its strength, unpredictability, and lessons in disaster preparedness.

📅 Formation and Strength

Formation: Jimena originated from a tropical wave in the eastern Pacific on August 28, 2009.
Peak Intensity: The storm rapidly intensified, reaching Category 4 strength with winds up to 250 km/h (155 mph), nearly achieving Category 5 status.
Trajectory: It tracked northwest, brushing past coastal areas before looping toward Baja California.

🌊 Landfall and Impact

When Jimena made landfall on September 3, 2009, it had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, but the damage was significant:

Baja California Sur: Heavy winds, flooding, and power outages disrupted communities.
Sonora and Inland Areas: Torrential rainfall caused flash floods and damaged infrastructure.
Human Toll: Multiple fatalities occurred, and thousands were displaced or left homeless.

Economic impact was estimated in the tens of millions of dollars, with homes, roads, and utilities affected.

💨 Meteorological Significance

Hurricane Jimena is notable for:

Rapid Intensification: Highlighting the potential for Pacific storms to strengthen quickly over warm waters.
Strong Landfall: Demonstrating that even weakened storms can have severe local impacts.
Legacy: Influencing local disaster planning and community preparedness in Baja California and surrounding areas.

📌 Key Lessons

Early warning systems save lives and allow for timely evacuations.
Infrastructure reinforcement and flood management are critical in hurricane-prone regions.
Public awareness and preparedness remain essential, even when a storm weakens before landfall.

Conclusion:
Hurricane Jimena serves as a reminder that the category of a hurricane does not always reflect its full potential for disruption. Rapid formation, intense winds, and heavy rains all contributed to the storm’s lasting impact on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Preparedness, timely warnings, and community resilience were vital in mitigating greater losses.

OTHER RESOURCES

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)

Hurricane Jimena was one of the most significant Pacific tropical cyclones of the 2009 season — notable both for its rapid intensification over warm waters and for the impacts it left on the Baja California Peninsula and northwest Mexico. Wikipedia

📅 Formation & Meteorological History

Origin: Jimena began as a tropical wave in the eastern Pacific on 28 August 2009. Wikipedia
Rapid Intensification: It quickly strengthened into a hurricane and within days became a Category 4 storm — at times approaching Category 5 intensity with sustained winds near 250 km/h and powerful gusts. Emol+1
Trajectory: The storm tracked northwestward, steered by prevailing atmospheric patterns, keeping most of its powerful core offshore before looping around toward the Baja California region. Wikipedia

📍 Peak: Category 4 hurricane
🌀 Travel Date: 28 Aug – 4 Sep 2009
🌡️ Peak Winds: ~135 knots / ~250 km/h
🧭 Landfall: Category 2 on Baja California Peninsula Wikipedia

🌊 Land Interaction & Coastal Impacts

When Jimena made landfall on 3 September 2009, it had weakened from its peak but remained a potent Category 2 hurricane, tying records for strong Pacific landfalls in the region. Wikipedia

Affected Areas

Baja California Sur — hardest hit, with structural damage, power outages, and severe flooding. China Daily
Sonora — experienced record rainfall, with some areas exceeding 20 inches (≈500 mm) and significant flooding. Wikipedia
Northwestern Mexico — heavy rain, wind damage, and coastal impacts extended inland. cenapred.gob.mx
Southwestern United States — remnants contributed to thunderstorms in Arizona and surrounding states. Wikipedia

Storm Effects

Homelessness & Infrastructure: Thousands were left without homes; electrical and water systems were disrupted. China Daily
Flooding & Rainfall: Intense precipitation caused flood damage and runoff issues across inland regions. meganoticias.mx
Human Toll: Estimates vary slightly by source, but the storm resulted in multiple fatalities and economic losses across affected regions. Wikipedia

💸 Damage & Human Impact

While Pacific hurricanes don’t always make global headlines like their Atlantic counterparts, Jimena’s effects were severe for local communities:

Economic Losses: Estimated in the tens to hundreds of millions of USD in direct damages — houses, utilities, and infrastructure. Wikipedia
Displacement: Thousands of people were displaced or left homeless following the storm and subsequent flooding. China Daily
Emergency Response: Relief efforts included government reconstruction funds and aid from humanitarian groups in the weeks after landfall. Wikipedia

🌍 Meteorological & Historical Significance

👉 Why Jimena Matters:

Rapid Intensification: Jimena’s quick jump to a Category 4 storm confirmed the importance of monitoring warm Pacific waters — and how quickly storms can strengthen. Emol
Landfall Strength: It stands among the most powerful Pacific hurricanes to strike Baja California, showing that even weakened systems can have major local impacts. Wikipedia
Legacy: Communities affected by Jimena often cite changes in preparedness and local disaster planning in subsequent years. meganoticias.mx

📌 Lessons for Preparedness

✔ Monitoring evolving forecasts early in hurricane season is crucial — Jimena formed fast and intensified rapidly. Emol
✔ Evacuation planning and infrastructure reinforcement can reduce loss of life, even when a storm weakens before landfall. Wikipedia
✔ Public awareness and early warnings save lives — especially in coastal and flood-prone regions.

Hurricane Jimena (2009) remains a striking example of Pacific cyclone behavior — ferocious at peak strength, but unexpectedly impactful even after weakening. It underscores that the true measure of a hurricane’s impact isn’t just its category — but how communities prepare, respond, and recover.

OTHER SOURCES

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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