Mexico Hurricanes Recap 2023

2023 has been a year unlike any other for Mexican residents—and not in a way anyone hoped for. This year's Pacific hurricane season has been notably busy, reminding every homeowner why they must have the right Mexico home insurance to keep their investment safe.

The 2023 Pacific hurricane season

The Pacific hurricane season showed unusual activity this year. There were 17 named storms in the eastern Pacific, with 10 turning into hurricanes and 8 reaching major hurricane status. That's double the seasonal average!

The central Pacific remained quieter, but the eastern side was rushing with cyclone activity. The season hit around 164 units on the accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) scale, which is much higher than the usual figures.

A big reason for this unusual activity was El Niño. It made a comeback this year and brought warmer sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean. These conditions rapidly intensified many storms throughout the season.

How bad was the impact?

Hurricane Adrian started the season on June 27, luckily without causing any reported damage or loss of life. Hurricane Calvin in July was the season's first major hurricane, but it mainly affected Hawaii with rainfall and minor flooding.

Hurricane Hilary was the first major storm to impact Mexico. It hit Baja California in August and moved on to the Southwestern US. The storm left Baja California Sur with flooded roads, mudslides, and downed trees, with statewide damages totaling USD 14.7 million. Hurricane Hilary also tragically claimed two lives in Mexico.

Hurricane Jova (a Category 5) caused substantial damage along the coasts of Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, and Sinaloa. It brought high waves, rip currents, and flooding that stranded vehicles.

Hurricane Lidia was not far behind in intensity. It quickly escalated to a Category 4 hurricane and hit the states of Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco hard. Jalisco alone suffered damages of around USD 77.6 million due to intense rain and flash flooding.

Hurricane Norma resulted in major flooding across northwestern Mexico and led to damages of USD 11.1 million in Baja California Sur. Sinaloa was also badly affected, with three lives lost and damages reaching USD 12.2 million.

Hurricane Otis set records as the strongest hurricane to land on Mexico's Pacific coastline. It ravaged Acapulco as a Category 5, resulting in at least 50 deaths and leaving 30 missing. The damages exceeded USD 10 billion (some estimates even go as high as $16 billion), making Otis the single most costly tropical cyclone in Mexican history.

Get your Mexico home insurance quote today!

Knowing how destructive these hurricanes can be, it's obvious why you should get your home insured. A Mexico home insurance policy with hydrometeorological coverage provides critical protection against the impacts of hurricanes, windstorms, floods, and tidal waves.

If you are living in (or moving to) Mexico and considering home insurance, reach out to West Coast Global Insurance Services. With over 20 years of experience, they can help you find the best online Mexican insurance solutions from top-rated Mexican insurance carriers.

Click this link for a free Mexico home and condo insurance quote, or visit www.westcoastri.com to learn more!