Wikipedia - User contributions [en]

Hurricane Patricia

2015-10-25T12:56:49Z

Neusser: /* Meteorological history */

<small></small>{{other hurricanes|Hurricane Patricia (disambiguation)|the Pacific hurricane of 2015}}
{{Infobox hurricane
| Name=Hurricane Patricia
| Year=2015
| Basin=EPac
| Image location=Patricia 2015-10-23 1730Z Worldview.jpg
| Image name=Hurricane Patricia at its record peak intensity on October 23 while approaching [[Western Mexico]]
| Formed=October 20, 2015
| Dissipated=October 24, 2015
| 1-min winds=175
| Pressure=879
| Pressurepost=Record low in [[Western Hemisphere]]
| Damages=
| Fatalities=7 total
| Areas=[[Central America]], [[Mexico]], [[Texas]]
| Hurricane season=[[2015 Pacific hurricane season]]
}}
'''Hurricane Patricia''' ({{IPA-es|paˈtɾisia}}) was the most intense [[tropical cyclone]] ever recorded in the [[Western Hemisphere]] in terms of [[barometric pressure]], and the strongest globally in terms of reliably measured [[maximum sustained wind]]s.<ref name="StrongestWHem">{{cite news|author=Dennis Mersereau|work=The Vane|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=At 200 MPH, Hurricane Patricia Is Now the Strongest Tropical Cyclone Ever Recorded|url=http://thevane.gawker.com/at-200-mph-hurricane-patricia-is-now-the-strongest-tro-1738224692}}</ref> Originating from a sprawling disturbance near the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]] in mid-October 2015, Patricia was first classified a [[tropical depression]] on October 20. Initial development was slow, with only modest strengthening within the first day of its classification. The system later became a tropical storm and was named Patricia, the twenty-fourth named storm of the [[2015 Pacific hurricane season|annual hurricane season]]. Exceptional environmental conditions fueled [[rapid intensification|explosive intensification]] on October 22. A well-defined [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] developed within an intense [[central dense overcast]] and Patricia grew from a tropical storm to a [[SSHS#Category 5|Category 5 hurricane]] in just 24 hours. The rate of intensification was greater than that of any other [[Pacific hurricane]] on record in the satellite-era (1960s–present)—only [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in 1997 strengthened at a similar rate.

Late on October 23, Patricia became only the second Pacific hurricane on record to make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, after the [[1959 Mexico hurricane]] which devastated the towns near [[Puerto Vallarta]] and [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo, Mexico]], and the first to strike either coast of Mexico as a Category 5 hurricane since [[Hurricane Dean|Dean]] in 2007.

The precursor to Patricia produced widespread flooding rains in [[Central America]]. Hundreds of thousands of people were directly affected by the storm, mostly in [[Guatemala]]. At least six fatalities have been attributed to the event: four in [[El Salvador]], one in Guatemala, and one in [[Nicaragua]]. Despite the hurricane's extreme intensity upon striking Mexico, damage was relatively limited and only one death was reported.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Patricia 2015 track.png}}
On October 14, 2015, the U.S. [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) began monitoring the possibility of [[tropical cyclogenesis]] over the far [[Pacific hurricane|eastern Pacific]], near the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]], as an [[Low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] was expected to form.<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 14, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510141142.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> This feature later consolidated on October 17, with a large area of [[Atmospheric convection|convection]]—showers and thunderstorms—spanning several hundred miles from [[Central America]] westward over open waters.<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 17, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510171138.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Under favorable environmental conditions, the low steadily organized and associated convection became more concentrated around its center.<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510181740.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system soon interacted with a [[Tehuantepecer|Tehuantepec gap wind event]] on October 18,<ref>{{cite report|author=Robbie J. Berg|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510182333.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> temporarily delaying development of the disturbance into a [[tropical depression]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510191143.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|author=Dave Roberts|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510192337.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Drifting west-southwest in response to a [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] over the [[Gulf of Mexico]], the disturbance consolidated throughout October 20. At 15:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]], the system acquired sufficient convective organization to be classified ''Tropical Depression Twenty-E''.<ref name="D1">{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.001.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Upon its designation, the depression was situated roughly 445 mi (715 km) east-southeast of [[Acapulco, Mexico]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Advisory Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.public.001.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida|type=Advisory}}</ref>

{{Most intense Pacific hurricanes|align=right}}
Exceptionally favorable atmospheric conditions, consisting of light [[wind shear]], [[sea surface temperature]]s of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on|disp=flip}} or higher, and high moisture levels yielded an environment highly conducive to [[rapid intensification]].<ref name="D1"/> A small inner-core soon developed and the depression intensified into a tropical storm by 03:00 UTC on October 21, at which time it was [[Tropical cyclone naming|assigned the name]] ''Patricia''.<ref name="D2">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion Number 2|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.002.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D3">{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 3|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.003.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> For unknown reasons, the system unraveled substantially later that day with [[Rainband|banding features]] dissipating and the low-level circulation becoming poorly defined.<ref name="D4">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 4|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.004.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D5">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.005.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> This phase was short-lived as convection blossomed over the storm late on October 21 and a [[central dense overcast]] formed over the center. An [[Eye (cyclone)|eye-feature]] was noted early on October 22.<ref name="D7">{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 7|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.007.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system reached [[SSHS#Category 1|hurricane strength]] by 09:00 UTC, featuring prominent [[Outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] and well-defined banding features; rapid intensification ensued soon thereafter.<ref name="D8">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 8|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.008.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Data from [[Hurricane Hunters]] investigating the cyclone indicated Patricia to have reached [[SSHS#Category 4|Category 4 status]] on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] by 18:00 UTC.<ref name="D10">{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Special Discussion Number 10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.010.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref>

[[File:Hurricane Patricia October 23, 2015, GOES-15 visible animation.gif|thumb|left|Satellite animation of Patricia making landfall on October 23]]
[[File:Temperature Anomalies Pacific October 2015.jpg|thumb|Temperature Anomalies Pacific October 2015]]
By the early hours of October 23, a solid ring of {{convert|-90|C|F|abbr=on|disp=flip}} cloud tops surrounded the hurricane's {{convert|12|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide eye and signaled its intensification into a [[SSHS#Category 5|Category 5]].<ref name="D11">{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.011.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D12"/> Based on satellite analyses, Patricia is estimated to have acquired [[maximum sustained wind]]s of 160 mph (260 km/h)—a [[SSHS#Category 5|Category 5]] on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale—and an estimated [[barometric pressure]] of 924 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[Pascal (unit)|hPa]]; 27.29 [[Inches of Mercury|inHg]]). In a 24-hour span, Patricia's winds increased by 100 mph (155 km/h). The rate of intensification was greater than that of any other [[Pacific hurricane]] on record in the satellite-era (1960s–present)—only [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in 1997 strengthened at a similar rate.<ref name="D12">{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 12|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.012.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Around 05:30 UTC, a reconnaissance aircraft measured flight-level winds of {{convert|206|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, yielding an estimated surface value of 185 mph (295 km/h), and a surface pressure of 892 mbar (hPa; 26.34 inHg).<ref name="D13">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Special Discussion Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.013.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Patricia continued to deepen as the aircraft investigated the storm. The final observations from the Hurricane Hunters before they left the hurricane indicated the system to have attained winds of 200 mph (325 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 880 mbar (hPa; 25.99 inHg).<ref name="D14">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.014.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch, Eric S. Blake, Hugh D. Cobb III, and David P. Roberts|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 9, 2014|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Wilma|series=Tropical Cyclone Report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL252005_Wilma.pdf|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Flight-level winds measured by the aircraft reached {{convert|221|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="StrongestWHem"/>

Little change in strength took place through the remainder of October 23, with another reconnaissance mission around 18:00 UTC recording a slightly lower central pressure of 879 mbar (hPa; 25.96 inHg); this constitutes the maximum intensity of the hurricane. An outer eyewall was noted in [[weather radar|radar imagery]], indicating a likely [[eyewall replacement cycle]]. Following the investigation by recon, Patricia's eye became cloud-filled and weakening ensued.<ref name="D16">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.016.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> At 23:15 UTC on October 23, the cyclone made [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in the municipalities of [[La Huerta, Jalisco|La Huerta]] and [[Cihuatlán]], Jalisco—about 55 mi (85 km) west-northwest of [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]]—with winds of 165 mph (265 km/h) and an estimated pressure of 920 mbar (hPa; 27.17 inHg).<ref name="update">{{cite news|author=Eric S. Blake and Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.update.10232327.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name=CONAGUA /> This made Patricia the first hurricane to strike Mexico's Pacific coast as a Category 5 since [[1959 Mexico hurricane|an unnamed storm]] in 1959;<ref name="EPacHURDAT">{{cite web|work=Hurricane Research Division|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Northeast Pacific Hurricane Best Tracks (HURDAT2)|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/tracks-hurdat2-epac-1949-2014-oct15.html}}</ref> however, the status of the 1959 hurricane is disputed and it may have been weaker than originally assessed.<ref name="1959hurricane">{{cite web|author=Josh Morgerman|publisher=iCyclone|date=October 27, 2014|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Great Mexico Hurricane of 1959: Reanalyzing a Monster|url=http://www.icyclone.com/now/2014/oct/27-october-2014.html}}</ref> Rapid weakening ensued throughout October 24 as the hurricane traversed the [[Sierra Madre del Sur|Sierra Madre mountains]]; its eye disappeared from satellite imagery within hours of moving ashore.<ref name="D17">{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake and Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.017.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Patricia accelerated inland in between of a [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]] over [[Northwestern Mexico]] and the ridge over the Gulf of Mexico. Convection dramatically decreased in organization and the low- and mid- to upper-level circulation centers of the cyclone soon decoupled.<ref name="D18">{{cite report|author=John P. Cangialosi and Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.018.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D19">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Patricia Discussion Number 19|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.019.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system degraded into a tropical depression by 15:00 UTC as little organized convection remained.<ref name="D19"/>

===Records===
[[File:Hurricane -Patricia approaches -Mexico. It's massive. Be careful! -YearInSpace.jpg|thumb|Hurricane Patricia as seen from the [[International Space Station]] on [[October 23]], [[2015]]]]
With maximum sustained winds of 200 mph (325 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 879 mbar (hPa; 25.96 inHg), Hurricane Patricia is the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name="StrongestWHem"/><ref name="TWC5things"/> It exceeded the previous sustained wind record of 190 mph (305 km/h) set by [[Hurricane Allen]] in 1980 and eclipsed the pressure record of 882 mbar (hPa; 26.05 inHg) set by [[Hurricane Wilma]] in 2005, both in the [[Atlantic hurricane|Atlantic basin]].<ref name="AtlanticHURDAT">{{cite web|work=Hurricane Research Division|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=June 4, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=North Atlantic Hurricane Best Tracks (HURDAT2)|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/hurdat2-1851-2014-060415.txt}}</ref> In the Eastern Pacific basin, north of the equator and east of the [[International Dateline]], the previous basin record-holder was [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in 1997 with winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) and a pressure of 902 mbar (hPa; 26.64 inHg).<ref name="EPacHURDAT"/>

On a global scale, Patricia's sustained winds ranked as the highest ever reliably observed or estimated globally in a tropical cyclone, surpassing [[Typhoon Haiyan]] of 2013; however, the winds in Haiyan were only estimated via satellite observations (via the [[Dvorak technique]]), so the record is uncertain.<ref name="StrongestWHem"/> According to the [[World Meteorological Organization]], [[Typhoon Nancy (1961)|Typhoon Nancy]] of 1961 produced the highest sustained winds on record at 215 mph (345 km/h); however, it is widely accepted that [[Pacific typhoon|Western Pacific]] reconnaissance during the 1940s to 1960s overestimated cyclone intensity and Nancy's record is considered questionable.<ref name="TWC5things"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher W. Landsea|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|date=April 21, 2010|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title= Subject: E1) Which is the most intense tropical cyclone on record?|series=Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E1.html}}</ref> The most powerful wind gust produced by a tropical cyclone, as well as the highest non-tornadic winds ever recorded, is still retained by [[Cyclone Olivia]] in 1996: {{convert|253|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was observed on [[Barrow Island (Western Australia)|Barrow Island, Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[World Meteorological Organization]]|year=2010|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=World: Maximum Surface Wind Gust (3-Second)|url=http://wmo.asu.edu/world-maximum-surface-wind-gust}}</ref>

The magnitude of Patricia's rapid intensification is among the fastest ever observed. In a 24-hour span, October 22–23, its central pressure fell by 100 mbar (hPa; 2.95 inHg).<ref name="TWC5things">{{cite web|publisher=[[The Weather Channel]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=5 Things to Know About Hurricane Patricia|url=http://www.weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/things-to-know-hurricane-patricia|location=Atlanta, Georgia}}</ref> This fell just short of the world-record intensification set by [[Typhoon Forrest (1983)|Typhoon Forrest]] in 1983, which featured an identical pressure drop in under 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[World Meteorological Organization]]|date=n.d.|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Tropical Cyclone: Fastest Intensification of Tropical Cyclone|url=http://wmo.asu.edu/tropical-cyclone-fastest-intensification-tropical-cyclone}}</ref> With winds of 165 mph (265 km/h), Patricia is the strongest landfalling Pacific hurricane on record.<ref name="update"/><ref name="EPacHURDAT"/> The previous record was 160 mph (260 km/h) set by the [[1959 Mexico hurricane]]. A tentative reanalysis determined the 1959 storm to have been a Category 4 upon moving ashore, thereby making Patricia the only reliable Category 5 landfall on record in the basin.<ref name="1959hurricane"/><ref name="EPacHURDAT"/>

==Preparations==
[[File:Pre-Patricia 2015-10-17 1930Z.jpg|thumb|right|The sprawling precursor to Hurricane Patricia over Central America on October 17]]
Across [[Michoacan]], [[Colima]], [[Jalisco]], and [[Nayarit]], 1,782 shelters were opened on October 22 with a collective capacity of 258,000 people.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Carlos Guerrero|publisher=[[Noticieros Televisa]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Huracán 'Patricia' provocará en tres estados la lluvia de todo un año|url=http://noticieros.televisa.com/mexico/1510/huracan-patricia-provocara-tres-estados-lluvia-todo-ano/|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> Officials in [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]] began distributing sandbags during the afternoon of October 22.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|agency=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[El Nuevo Herald]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Huracán Patricia de categoría 4 se acerca a costas de México|url=http://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/tiempo/huracanes/article40821279.html|location=Mexico}}</ref> Schools across Jalisco suspended activities for October 23.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|publisher=[[Noticieros Televisa]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Activan operativo de emergencia en Jalisco por 'Patricia'; suspenden clases|url=http://noticieros.televisa.com/mexico-estados/1510/activan-operativo-emergencia-jalisco-huracan-patricia/|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> [[Puerto Vallarta]] also prepared for the high winds and storm surge.<ref>[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPEP5+shtml/230238.shtml NOAA/ National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, Hurricane PATRICIA Public Advisory, Oct 23, 9:00am PST]</ref><ref>[http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TROPICAL_WEATHER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-10-23-08-12-12 AP, Mexico braces for strongest hurricane in Western hemisphere, By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN, with Associated Press, Oct 23, 11:53 AM EDT]</ref> One person died during an evacuation in Jalisco.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|newspaper=El Siglo de Durango|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Reportan muerte de mujer coahuilense por 'Patricia'|url=http://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/623024.reportan-muerte-de-mujer-coahuilense-por-patricia.html}}</ref>

==Impact==

===Central America===
Heavy rains associated with the precursor to Patricia caused widespread flooding and mudslides across [[Central America]].<ref name="Guat1"/> One person was killed in the [[Alta Verapaz Department]] and approximately 2,100 people required evacuation across Guatemala.<ref name="Guat1">{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Paolina Albani|work=Siglo21|publisher=Corporación de Noticias|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Evacuan a 2,100 por el temporal estacionario|url=http://www.s21.com.gt/nacionales/2015/10/22/evacuan-2100-temporal-estacionario}}</ref><ref name="Guat2">{{cite news|language=Spanish|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|newspaper=La Tribuna|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Un muerto y damnificados por inundaciones en Guatemala|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2015/10/18/un-muerto-y-damnificados-por-inundaciones-en-guatemala/|location=Guatemala City, Guatemala}}</ref> A total of 442 homes and {{convert|28,200|ha|abbr=on}} of crops were damaged while roughly 223,000 people were affected by flooding.<ref name="Guat3"/><ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Patricia Gómez|work=Siglo21|publisher=Corporación de Noticias|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Temporal afectó 28.2 mil hectáreas en Santa Rosa|url=http://www.s21.com.gt/pulso/2015/10/22/temporal-afecto-282-mil-hectareas-santa-rosa}}</ref> Government officials deployed emergency teams and 40 million [[Guatemalan quetzal|quetzal]] (US$5.4 million) was available for relief operations.<ref name="Guat3">{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=J. Lopez and F. Rodriquez|newspaper=elPriódico|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Lluvias han afectado a 223 mil guatemaltecos|url=http://elperiodico.com.gt/2015/10/21/pais/lluvias-han-afectado-a-223-mil-guatemaltecos/}}</ref> In nearby [[El Salvador]] between {{convert|160|and|185|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain fell, causing similar floods.<ref name="ElSalv1"/> Dozens of homes were affected and four people were killed.<ref name="ElSalv1"/><ref name="ElSalv2">{{cite news|language=Spanish|website=elsalvador.com|publisher=El Diario de Hoy|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Cuatro muertos, daños y suspensión de clases a causa de las lluvias|url=http://www.elsalvador.com/articulo/comunidades/cuatro-muertos-danos-suspension-clases-causa-las-lluvias-90557}}</ref> The [[Goascorán River]] overflowed its banks twice in two days, inundating surrounding communities.<ref name="ElSalv1">{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Carlos Segovia, Insy Mendoza, and Susana Joma|website=elsalvador.com|publisher=El Diario de Hoy|date=October 17, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Un muerto, inundaciones y desbordamiento de ríos por lluvias en el oriente|url=http://www.elsalvador.com/articulo/nacional/muerto-inundaciones-desbordamiento-rios-por-lluvias-oriente-90456|location=Concepción de Oriente, El Salvador}}</ref> Owing to widespread flooding, authorities suspended school activities across the country on October 19.<ref name="ElSalv2"/> In [[Nicaragua]], a landslide buried four miners in [[Bonanza, North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region|Bonanza]]; one died while the others were rescued.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|newspaper=El Heraldo|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Merman lluvias en la región, pero autoridades mantendrán las alertas|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/mundo/892664-217/merman-lluvias-en-la-regi%C3%B3n-pero-autoridades-mantendr%C3%A1n-las-alertas|location=San Salvador, El Salvador}}</ref> The [[Ulúa River]] in [[Honduras]] over-topped its banks for the first time in 17 years on October 18, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 people.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|newspaper=La Tribuna|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Más de 200 familias evacuadas por inundaciones|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2015/10/19/mas-de-200-familias-evacuadas-por-inundaciones/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|publisher=La Prensa|date=October 17, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Se desborda el río Ulúa en el occidente y norte de Honduras|url=http://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/891412-410/se-desborda-el-r%C3%ADo-ul%C3%BAa-en-el-occidente-y-norte-de-honduras|location=Santa Bárbara, Honduras}}</ref> Furthermore, flooding damaged 10 homes in [[Jacó, Costa Rica]].<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Hufo Solano|publisher=La Nación|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Barriadas de Jacó sufrieron grandes pérdidas por inundaciones|url=http://www.nacion.com/sucesos/Vecinos-Jaco-realizaban-recuento-inundaciones_0_1519048191.html}}</ref>

===Mexico===
Across [[Southwestern Mexico]], widespread flooding affected large areas of [[Chiapas]] and [[Guerrero]], prompting dozens of evacuations.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Fredy Martín Pérez|newspaper=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Se inundan 12 colonias por 'Patricia' en Chiapas|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/articulo/estados/2015/10/21/se-inundan-12-colonias-por-patricia-en-chiapas|location=Tapachula, Mexico}}</ref> The hurricane produced large swells along the shores of Guerrero, causing damage to coastal structures.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|publisher=Frontera|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title="Patricia" deja primeros daños en el País|url=http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/22102015/1019544-Patricia-deja-primeros-danos-en-el-Pais.html|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> The storm made landfall at 18:15 CDT (23:15 UTC) on October 23 with wind speeds of 165 mph (266 km/h)<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/extraordinarily-dangerous-category-5-hurricane-patricia-makes-landfall-mexico-n450696 | title='Extraordinarily Dangerous' Category 5 Hurricane Patricia Makes Landfall in Mexico | work=[[NBC News]] | date=23 October 2015 | accessdate=23 October 2015}}</ref> in the vicinity of the Bays of Tenacatita, Cuestecomate and Navidad<ref name=CONAGUA>{{cite web|title=Patricia tocó tierra en costa de Jalisco|url=http://www.conagua.gob.mx/SalaPrensa.aspx?n1=21639&n2=Alertamientos|publisher=CONAGUA|accessdate=24 October 2015}}</ref> located in the municipalities of [[La Huerta, Jalisco|La Huerta]] and [[Cihuatlán]], Jalisco.<ref name=CONAGUA />

A [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]/[[National Weather Service|NWS]] automated weather station at the [[Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve]], at an elevation of {{convert|295|ft|m|abbr=on}}, recorded sustained winds of {{convert|185|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a maximum gust of {{convert|211|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The data is currently unverified and considered unofficial pending further investigation.<ref name="D17"/>

=== Texas ===
Before Patricia was expected to arrive, [[Texas]] had already been deluged by an unrelated system with up to 20 inches in some locales, by pounding rains. The dangerous, rushing flooding had washed away cars and trains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/texas-heavy-rain-heightened-flood-threat-34697706 |title=Southeast Texas Braces for Heavy Rains Overnight |author=JAMIE STENGLE |date=Oct 24, 2015 |website=[[ABC News]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=25 October 2015 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/24/us/texas-oklahoma-arkansas-lousiana-flooding/ |title=Torrential rain -- up to 20 inches in spots -- pummels much of Texas |author=Greg Botelho |date=October 24, 2015 |website=[[CNN]] |publisher=CNN |access-date=25 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCMEP5+shtml/241431.shtml |title=Post-Tropical Cyclone PATRICIA Forecast Advisory |author=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=24 October 2015 |website=NHC.NOAA.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |access-date=25 October 2015}}</ref> The large amount of rainfall caused disruption to the [[2015 United States Grand Prix]] at Austin. Saturday qualifying was postponed till 9am Sunday due to a dangerously waterlogged track.

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
Other [[List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes|Category 5 Pacific hurricanes]] that made landfall in Mexico:
*[[1959 Mexico hurricane]]
*[[Hurricane Rick (2009)]]
*[[Hurricane Kenna|Hurricane Kenna (2002)]]

Other strong tropical cyclones:
{{colbegin}}
*[[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in [[1997 Pacific hurricane season|1997]] – Previous record intensity in eastern Pacific basin
*[[Typhoon Megi (2010)|Typhoon Megi]] in [[2010 Pacific typhoon season|2010]] – Research reconnaissance observed similarly intense sustained winds
*[[Typhoon Haiyan]] in [[2013 Pacific typhoon season|2013]] – Most intense landfalling tropical cyclone
*[[Typhoon Nancy (1961)|Typhoon Nancy]] in [[1961 Pacific typhoon season|1961]] – Highest winds observed in a tropical cyclone, considered unreliable
*[[Typhoon Tip]] in [[1979 Pacific typhoon season|1979]] – Most intense tropical cyclone recorded in terms of pressure
*[[Hurricane Wilma]] in [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]] – Previous record low central pressure in the Western Hemisphere
*[[Hurricane Allen]] in [[1980 Atlantic hurricane season|1980]] – Previous record high sustained winds in the Western Hemisphere
{{colend}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Hurricane Patricia (2015)}}
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/PATRICIA.shtml The National Hurricane Center's advisory archive] for Hurricane Patricia
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/PATRICIA_graphics.shtml The National Hurricane Center's advisory graphics archive] for Hurricane Patricia
*[http://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2015-000144-mex ReliefWeb] for Hurricane Patricia

{{Leading tropical cyclones}}
{{Category 5 Pacific hurricanes}}
{{2015 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Patricia (2015)}}
[[Category:2015 Pacific hurricane season]]
[[Category:2015 in Mexico]]
[[Category:Category 5 Pacific hurricanes]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Costa Rica]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in El Salvador]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Guatemala]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Honduras]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Nicaragua]]
[[Category:Pacific hurricanes in Mexico]]

Hurricane Patricia

2015-10-25T12:56:27Z

Neusser: /* Meteorological history */

<small></small>{{other hurricanes|Hurricane Patricia (disambiguation)|the Pacific hurricane of 2015}}
{{Infobox hurricane
| Name=Hurricane Patricia
| Year=2015
| Basin=EPac
| Image location=Patricia 2015-10-23 1730Z Worldview.jpg
| Image name=Hurricane Patricia at its record peak intensity on October 23 while approaching [[Western Mexico]]
| Formed=October 20, 2015
| Dissipated=October 24, 2015
| 1-min winds=175
| Pressure=879
| Pressurepost=Record low in [[Western Hemisphere]]
| Damages=
| Fatalities=7 total
| Areas=[[Central America]], [[Mexico]], [[Texas]]
| Hurricane season=[[2015 Pacific hurricane season]]
}}
'''Hurricane Patricia''' ({{IPA-es|paˈtɾisia}}) was the most intense [[tropical cyclone]] ever recorded in the [[Western Hemisphere]] in terms of [[barometric pressure]], and the strongest globally in terms of reliably measured [[maximum sustained wind]]s.<ref name="StrongestWHem">{{cite news|author=Dennis Mersereau|work=The Vane|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=At 200 MPH, Hurricane Patricia Is Now the Strongest Tropical Cyclone Ever Recorded|url=http://thevane.gawker.com/at-200-mph-hurricane-patricia-is-now-the-strongest-tro-1738224692}}</ref> Originating from a sprawling disturbance near the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]] in mid-October 2015, Patricia was first classified a [[tropical depression]] on October 20. Initial development was slow, with only modest strengthening within the first day of its classification. The system later became a tropical storm and was named Patricia, the twenty-fourth named storm of the [[2015 Pacific hurricane season|annual hurricane season]]. Exceptional environmental conditions fueled [[rapid intensification|explosive intensification]] on October 22. A well-defined [[Eye (cyclone)|eye]] developed within an intense [[central dense overcast]] and Patricia grew from a tropical storm to a [[SSHS#Category 5|Category 5 hurricane]] in just 24 hours. The rate of intensification was greater than that of any other [[Pacific hurricane]] on record in the satellite-era (1960s–present)—only [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in 1997 strengthened at a similar rate.

Late on October 23, Patricia became only the second Pacific hurricane on record to make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, after the [[1959 Mexico hurricane]] which devastated the towns near [[Puerto Vallarta]] and [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo, Mexico]], and the first to strike either coast of Mexico as a Category 5 hurricane since [[Hurricane Dean|Dean]] in 2007.

The precursor to Patricia produced widespread flooding rains in [[Central America]]. Hundreds of thousands of people were directly affected by the storm, mostly in [[Guatemala]]. At least six fatalities have been attributed to the event: four in [[El Salvador]], one in Guatemala, and one in [[Nicaragua]]. Despite the hurricane's extreme intensity upon striking Mexico, damage was relatively limited and only one death was reported.

==Meteorological history==
{{storm path|Patricia 2015 track.png}}
On October 14, 2015, the U.S. [[National Hurricane Center]] (NHC) began monitoring the possibility of [[tropical cyclogenesis]] over the far [[Pacific hurricane|eastern Pacific]], near the [[Gulf of Tehuantepec]], as an [[Low-pressure area|area of low pressure]] was expected to form.<ref>{{cite report|author=Daniel P. Brown|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 14, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510141142.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> This feature later consolidated on October 17, with a large area of [[Atmospheric convection|convection]]—showers and thunderstorms—spanning several hundred miles from [[Central America]] westward over open waters.<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 17, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510171138.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Under favorable environmental conditions, the low steadily organized and associated convection became more concentrated around its center.<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510181740.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system soon interacted with a [[Tehuantepecer|Tehuantepec gap wind event]] on October 18,<ref>{{cite report|author=Robbie J. Berg|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510182333.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> temporarily delaying development of the disturbance into a [[tropical depression]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510191143.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|author=Dave Roberts|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Weather Outlook|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/text/TWOEP/2015/TWOEP.201510192337.txt|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Drifting west-southwest in response to a [[Ridge (meteorology)|ridge]] over the [[Gulf of Mexico]], the disturbance consolidated throughout October 20. At 15:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]], the system acquired sufficient convective organization to be classified ''Tropical Depression Twenty-E''.<ref name="D1">{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.001.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Upon its designation, the depression was situated roughly 445 mi (715 km) east-southeast of [[Acapulco, Mexico]].<ref>{{cite report|author=Todd L. Kimberlain|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Advisory Number 1|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.public.001.shtml?|location=Miami, Florida|type=Advisory}}</ref>
[[File:Temperature Anomalies Pacific October 2015.jpg|thumb|Temperature Anomalies Pacific October 2015]]
{{Most intense Pacific hurricanes|align=right}}
Exceptionally favorable atmospheric conditions, consisting of light [[wind shear]], [[sea surface temperature]]s of {{convert|30|C|F|abbr=on|disp=flip}} or higher, and high moisture levels yielded an environment highly conducive to [[rapid intensification]].<ref name="D1"/> A small inner-core soon developed and the depression intensified into a tropical storm by 03:00 UTC on October 21, at which time it was [[Tropical cyclone naming|assigned the name]] ''Patricia''.<ref name="D2">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Twenty-E Discussion Number 2|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.002.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D3">{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 3|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.003.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> For unknown reasons, the system unraveled substantially later that day with [[Rainband|banding features]] dissipating and the low-level circulation becoming poorly defined.<ref name="D4">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 4|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.004.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D5">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 5|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.005.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> This phase was short-lived as convection blossomed over the storm late on October 21 and a [[central dense overcast]] formed over the center. An [[Eye (cyclone)|eye-feature]] was noted early on October 22.<ref name="D7">{{cite report|author=Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Tropical Storm Patricia Discussion Number 7|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.007.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system reached [[SSHS#Category 1|hurricane strength]] by 09:00 UTC, featuring prominent [[Outflow (meteorology)|outflow]] and well-defined banding features; rapid intensification ensued soon thereafter.<ref name="D8">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 8|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.008.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Data from [[Hurricane Hunters]] investigating the cyclone indicated Patricia to have reached [[SSHS#Category 4|Category 4 status]] on the [[Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale]] by 18:00 UTC.<ref name="D10">{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Special Discussion Number 10|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.010.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref>

[[File:Hurricane Patricia October 23, 2015, GOES-15 visible animation.gif|thumb|left|Satellite animation of Patricia making landfall on October 23]]
By the early hours of October 23, a solid ring of {{convert|-90|C|F|abbr=on|disp=flip}} cloud tops surrounded the hurricane's {{convert|12|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide eye and signaled its intensification into a [[SSHS#Category 5|Category 5]].<ref name="D11">{{cite report|author=Michael J. Brennan|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 11|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.011.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D12"/> Based on satellite analyses, Patricia is estimated to have acquired [[maximum sustained wind]]s of 160 mph (260 km/h)—a [[SSHS#Category 5|Category 5]] on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale—and an estimated [[barometric pressure]] of 924 [[Bar (unit)|mbar]] ([[Pascal (unit)|hPa]]; 27.29 [[Inches of Mercury|inHg]]). In a 24-hour span, Patricia's winds increased by 100 mph (155 km/h). The rate of intensification was greater than that of any other [[Pacific hurricane]] on record in the satellite-era (1960s–present)—only [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in 1997 strengthened at a similar rate.<ref name="D12">{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 12|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.012.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Around 05:30 UTC, a reconnaissance aircraft measured flight-level winds of {{convert|206|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, yielding an estimated surface value of 185 mph (295 km/h), and a surface pressure of 892 mbar (hPa; 26.34 inHg).<ref name="D13">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Special Discussion Number 13|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.013.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Patricia continued to deepen as the aircraft investigated the storm. The final observations from the Hurricane Hunters before they left the hurricane indicated the system to have attained winds of 200 mph (325 km/h) and a barometric pressure of 880 mbar (hPa; 25.99 inHg).<ref name="D14">{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 14|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.014.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|author=Richard J. Pasch, Eric S. Blake, Hugh D. Cobb III, and David P. Roberts|publisher=National Hurricane Center|date=September 9, 2014|accessdate=October 23, 2015|title=Hurricane Wilma|series=Tropical Cyclone Report|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/data/tcr/AL252005_Wilma.pdf|format=PDF|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Flight-level winds measured by the aircraft reached {{convert|221|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="StrongestWHem"/>

Little change in strength took place through the remainder of October 23, with another reconnaissance mission around 18:00 UTC recording a slightly lower central pressure of 879 mbar (hPa; 25.96 inHg); this constitutes the maximum intensity of the hurricane. An outer eyewall was noted in [[weather radar|radar imagery]], indicating a likely [[eyewall replacement cycle]]. Following the investigation by recon, Patricia's eye became cloud-filled and weakening ensued.<ref name="D16">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 16|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.016.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> At 23:15 UTC on October 23, the cyclone made [[Landfall (meteorology)|landfall]] in the municipalities of [[La Huerta, Jalisco|La Huerta]] and [[Cihuatlán]], Jalisco—about 55 mi (85 km) west-northwest of [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]]—with winds of 165 mph (265 km/h) and an estimated pressure of 920 mbar (hPa; 27.17 inHg).<ref name="update">{{cite news|author=Eric S. Blake and Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Tropical Cyclone Update|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.update.10232327.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name=CONAGUA /> This made Patricia the first hurricane to strike Mexico's Pacific coast as a Category 5 since [[1959 Mexico hurricane|an unnamed storm]] in 1959;<ref name="EPacHURDAT">{{cite web|work=Hurricane Research Division|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Northeast Pacific Hurricane Best Tracks (HURDAT2)|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/tracks-hurdat2-epac-1949-2014-oct15.html}}</ref> however, the status of the 1959 hurricane is disputed and it may have been weaker than originally assessed.<ref name="1959hurricane">{{cite web|author=Josh Morgerman|publisher=iCyclone|date=October 27, 2014|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Great Mexico Hurricane of 1959: Reanalyzing a Monster|url=http://www.icyclone.com/now/2014/oct/27-october-2014.html}}</ref> Rapid weakening ensued throughout October 24 as the hurricane traversed the [[Sierra Madre del Sur|Sierra Madre mountains]]; its eye disappeared from satellite imagery within hours of moving ashore.<ref name="D17">{{cite report|author=Eric S. Blake and Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 17|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.017.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> Patricia accelerated inland in between of a [[Trough (meteorology)|trough]] over [[Northwestern Mexico]] and the ridge over the Gulf of Mexico. Convection dramatically decreased in organization and the low- and mid- to upper-level circulation centers of the cyclone soon decoupled.<ref name="D18">{{cite report|author=John P. Cangialosi and Stacy R. Stewart|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Hurricane Patricia Discussion Number 18|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.018.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref><ref name="D19">{{cite report|author=Jack L. Beven|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Tropical Depression Patricia Discussion Number 19|url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/ep20/ep202015.discus.019.shtml|location=Miami, Florida}}</ref> The system degraded into a tropical depression by 15:00 UTC as little organized convection remained.<ref name="D19"/>

===Records===
[[File:Hurricane -Patricia approaches -Mexico. It's massive. Be careful! -YearInSpace.jpg|thumb|Hurricane Patricia as seen from the [[International Space Station]] on [[October 23]], [[2015]]]]
With maximum sustained winds of 200 mph (325 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 879 mbar (hPa; 25.96 inHg), Hurricane Patricia is the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the [[Western Hemisphere]].<ref name="StrongestWHem"/><ref name="TWC5things"/> It exceeded the previous sustained wind record of 190 mph (305 km/h) set by [[Hurricane Allen]] in 1980 and eclipsed the pressure record of 882 mbar (hPa; 26.05 inHg) set by [[Hurricane Wilma]] in 2005, both in the [[Atlantic hurricane|Atlantic basin]].<ref name="AtlanticHURDAT">{{cite web|work=Hurricane Research Division|publisher=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=June 4, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=North Atlantic Hurricane Best Tracks (HURDAT2)|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/hurdat/hurdat2-1851-2014-060415.txt}}</ref> In the Eastern Pacific basin, north of the equator and east of the [[International Dateline]], the previous basin record-holder was [[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in 1997 with winds of 185 mph (295 km/h) and a pressure of 902 mbar (hPa; 26.64 inHg).<ref name="EPacHURDAT"/>

On a global scale, Patricia's sustained winds ranked as the highest ever reliably observed or estimated globally in a tropical cyclone, surpassing [[Typhoon Haiyan]] of 2013; however, the winds in Haiyan were only estimated via satellite observations (via the [[Dvorak technique]]), so the record is uncertain.<ref name="StrongestWHem"/> According to the [[World Meteorological Organization]], [[Typhoon Nancy (1961)|Typhoon Nancy]] of 1961 produced the highest sustained winds on record at 215 mph (345 km/h); however, it is widely accepted that [[Pacific typhoon|Western Pacific]] reconnaissance during the 1940s to 1960s overestimated cyclone intensity and Nancy's record is considered questionable.<ref name="TWC5things"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Christopher W. Landsea|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|date=April 21, 2010|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title= Subject: E1) Which is the most intense tropical cyclone on record?|series=Frequently Asked Questions|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/E1.html}}</ref> The most powerful wind gust produced by a tropical cyclone, as well as the highest non-tornadic winds ever recorded, is still retained by [[Cyclone Olivia]] in 1996: {{convert|253|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} was observed on [[Barrow Island (Western Australia)|Barrow Island, Western Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[World Meteorological Organization]]|year=2010|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=World: Maximum Surface Wind Gust (3-Second)|url=http://wmo.asu.edu/world-maximum-surface-wind-gust}}</ref>

The magnitude of Patricia's rapid intensification is among the fastest ever observed. In a 24-hour span, October 22–23, its central pressure fell by 100 mbar (hPa; 2.95 inHg).<ref name="TWC5things">{{cite web|publisher=[[The Weather Channel]]|date=October 23, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=5 Things to Know About Hurricane Patricia|url=http://www.weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/things-to-know-hurricane-patricia|location=Atlanta, Georgia}}</ref> This fell just short of the world-record intensification set by [[Typhoon Forrest (1983)|Typhoon Forrest]] in 1983, which featured an identical pressure drop in under 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[World Meteorological Organization]]|date=n.d.|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Tropical Cyclone: Fastest Intensification of Tropical Cyclone|url=http://wmo.asu.edu/tropical-cyclone-fastest-intensification-tropical-cyclone}}</ref> With winds of 165 mph (265 km/h), Patricia is the strongest landfalling Pacific hurricane on record.<ref name="update"/><ref name="EPacHURDAT"/> The previous record was 160 mph (260 km/h) set by the [[1959 Mexico hurricane]]. A tentative reanalysis determined the 1959 storm to have been a Category 4 upon moving ashore, thereby making Patricia the only reliable Category 5 landfall on record in the basin.<ref name="1959hurricane"/><ref name="EPacHURDAT"/>

==Preparations==
[[File:Pre-Patricia 2015-10-17 1930Z.jpg|thumb|right|The sprawling precursor to Hurricane Patricia over Central America on October 17]]
Across [[Michoacan]], [[Colima]], [[Jalisco]], and [[Nayarit]], 1,782 shelters were opened on October 22 with a collective capacity of 258,000 people.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Carlos Guerrero|publisher=[[Noticieros Televisa]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Huracán 'Patricia' provocará en tres estados la lluvia de todo un año|url=http://noticieros.televisa.com/mexico/1510/huracan-patricia-provocara-tres-estados-lluvia-todo-ano/|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> Officials in [[Manzanillo, Colima|Manzanillo]] began distributing sandbags during the afternoon of October 22.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|agency=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=[[El Nuevo Herald]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Huracán Patricia de categoría 4 se acerca a costas de México|url=http://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/tiempo/huracanes/article40821279.html|location=Mexico}}</ref> Schools across Jalisco suspended activities for October 23.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|publisher=[[Noticieros Televisa]]|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Activan operativo de emergencia en Jalisco por 'Patricia'; suspenden clases|url=http://noticieros.televisa.com/mexico-estados/1510/activan-operativo-emergencia-jalisco-huracan-patricia/|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> [[Puerto Vallarta]] also prepared for the high winds and storm surge.<ref>[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPEP5+shtml/230238.shtml NOAA/ National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, Hurricane PATRICIA Public Advisory, Oct 23, 9:00am PST]</ref><ref>[http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TROPICAL_WEATHER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-10-23-08-12-12 AP, Mexico braces for strongest hurricane in Western hemisphere, By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN, with Associated Press, Oct 23, 11:53 AM EDT]</ref> One person died during an evacuation in Jalisco.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|newspaper=El Siglo de Durango|date=October 24, 2015|accessdate=October 24, 2015|title=Reportan muerte de mujer coahuilense por 'Patricia'|url=http://www.elsiglodedurango.com.mx/noticia/623024.reportan-muerte-de-mujer-coahuilense-por-patricia.html}}</ref>

==Impact==

===Central America===
Heavy rains associated with the precursor to Patricia caused widespread flooding and mudslides across [[Central America]].<ref name="Guat1"/> One person was killed in the [[Alta Verapaz Department]] and approximately 2,100 people required evacuation across Guatemala.<ref name="Guat1">{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Paolina Albani|work=Siglo21|publisher=Corporación de Noticias|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Evacuan a 2,100 por el temporal estacionario|url=http://www.s21.com.gt/nacionales/2015/10/22/evacuan-2100-temporal-estacionario}}</ref><ref name="Guat2">{{cite news|language=Spanish|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|newspaper=La Tribuna|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Un muerto y damnificados por inundaciones en Guatemala|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2015/10/18/un-muerto-y-damnificados-por-inundaciones-en-guatemala/|location=Guatemala City, Guatemala}}</ref> A total of 442 homes and {{convert|28,200|ha|abbr=on}} of crops were damaged while roughly 223,000 people were affected by flooding.<ref name="Guat3"/><ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Patricia Gómez|work=Siglo21|publisher=Corporación de Noticias|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Temporal afectó 28.2 mil hectáreas en Santa Rosa|url=http://www.s21.com.gt/pulso/2015/10/22/temporal-afecto-282-mil-hectareas-santa-rosa}}</ref> Government officials deployed emergency teams and 40 million [[Guatemalan quetzal|quetzal]] (US$5.4 million) was available for relief operations.<ref name="Guat3">{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=J. Lopez and F. Rodriquez|newspaper=elPriódico|date=October 20, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Lluvias han afectado a 223 mil guatemaltecos|url=http://elperiodico.com.gt/2015/10/21/pais/lluvias-han-afectado-a-223-mil-guatemaltecos/}}</ref> In nearby [[El Salvador]] between {{convert|160|and|185|mm|in|abbr=on}} of rain fell, causing similar floods.<ref name="ElSalv1"/> Dozens of homes were affected and four people were killed.<ref name="ElSalv1"/><ref name="ElSalv2">{{cite news|language=Spanish|website=elsalvador.com|publisher=El Diario de Hoy|date=October 18, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Cuatro muertos, daños y suspensión de clases a causa de las lluvias|url=http://www.elsalvador.com/articulo/comunidades/cuatro-muertos-danos-suspension-clases-causa-las-lluvias-90557}}</ref> The [[Goascorán River]] overflowed its banks twice in two days, inundating surrounding communities.<ref name="ElSalv1">{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Carlos Segovia, Insy Mendoza, and Susana Joma|website=elsalvador.com|publisher=El Diario de Hoy|date=October 17, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Un muerto, inundaciones y desbordamiento de ríos por lluvias en el oriente|url=http://www.elsalvador.com/articulo/nacional/muerto-inundaciones-desbordamiento-rios-por-lluvias-oriente-90456|location=Concepción de Oriente, El Salvador}}</ref> Owing to widespread flooding, authorities suspended school activities across the country on October 19.<ref name="ElSalv2"/> In [[Nicaragua]], a landslide buried four miners in [[Bonanza, North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region|Bonanza]]; one died while the others were rescued.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]|newspaper=El Heraldo|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Merman lluvias en la región, pero autoridades mantendrán las alertas|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/mundo/892664-217/merman-lluvias-en-la-regi%C3%B3n-pero-autoridades-mantendr%C3%A1n-las-alertas|location=San Salvador, El Salvador}}</ref> The [[Ulúa River]] in [[Honduras]] over-topped its banks for the first time in 17 years on October 18, prompting the evacuation of more than 200 people.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|newspaper=La Tribuna|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Más de 200 familias evacuadas por inundaciones|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2015/10/19/mas-de-200-familias-evacuadas-por-inundaciones/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|publisher=La Prensa|date=October 17, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Se desborda el río Ulúa en el occidente y norte de Honduras|url=http://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/891412-410/se-desborda-el-r%C3%ADo-ul%C3%BAa-en-el-occidente-y-norte-de-honduras|location=Santa Bárbara, Honduras}}</ref> Furthermore, flooding damaged 10 homes in [[Jacó, Costa Rica]].<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Hufo Solano|publisher=La Nación|date=October 19, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Barriadas de Jacó sufrieron grandes pérdidas por inundaciones|url=http://www.nacion.com/sucesos/Vecinos-Jaco-realizaban-recuento-inundaciones_0_1519048191.html}}</ref>

===Mexico===
Across [[Southwestern Mexico]], widespread flooding affected large areas of [[Chiapas]] and [[Guerrero]], prompting dozens of evacuations.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|author=Fredy Martín Pérez|newspaper=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|date=October 21, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title=Se inundan 12 colonias por 'Patricia' en Chiapas|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/articulo/estados/2015/10/21/se-inundan-12-colonias-por-patricia-en-chiapas|location=Tapachula, Mexico}}</ref> The hurricane produced large swells along the shores of Guerrero, causing damage to coastal structures.<ref>{{cite news|language=Spanish|publisher=Frontera|date=October 22, 2015|accessdate=October 22, 2015|title="Patricia" deja primeros daños en el País|url=http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Nacional/22102015/1019544-Patricia-deja-primeros-danos-en-el-Pais.html|location=Mexico City, Mexico}}</ref> The storm made landfall at 18:15 CDT (23:15 UTC) on October 23 with wind speeds of 165 mph (266 km/h)<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/extraordinarily-dangerous-category-5-hurricane-patricia-makes-landfall-mexico-n450696 | title='Extraordinarily Dangerous' Category 5 Hurricane Patricia Makes Landfall in Mexico | work=[[NBC News]] | date=23 October 2015 | accessdate=23 October 2015}}</ref> in the vicinity of the Bays of Tenacatita, Cuestecomate and Navidad<ref name=CONAGUA>{{cite web|title=Patricia tocó tierra en costa de Jalisco|url=http://www.conagua.gob.mx/SalaPrensa.aspx?n1=21639&n2=Alertamientos|publisher=CONAGUA|accessdate=24 October 2015}}</ref> located in the municipalities of [[La Huerta, Jalisco|La Huerta]] and [[Cihuatlán]], Jalisco.<ref name=CONAGUA />

A [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]/[[National Weather Service|NWS]] automated weather station at the [[Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve]], at an elevation of {{convert|295|ft|m|abbr=on}}, recorded sustained winds of {{convert|185|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a maximum gust of {{convert|211|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. The data is currently unverified and considered unofficial pending further investigation.<ref name="D17"/>

=== Texas ===
Before Patricia was expected to arrive, [[Texas]] had already been deluged by an unrelated system with up to 20 inches in some locales, by pounding rains. The dangerous, rushing flooding had washed away cars and trains.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/texas-heavy-rain-heightened-flood-threat-34697706 |title=Southeast Texas Braces for Heavy Rains Overnight |author=JAMIE STENGLE |date=Oct 24, 2015 |website=[[ABC News]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=25 October 2015 |quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/24/us/texas-oklahoma-arkansas-lousiana-flooding/ |title=Torrential rain -- up to 20 inches in spots -- pummels much of Texas |author=Greg Botelho |date=October 24, 2015 |website=[[CNN]] |publisher=CNN |access-date=25 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCMEP5+shtml/241431.shtml |title=Post-Tropical Cyclone PATRICIA Forecast Advisory |author=[[National Hurricane Center]]|date=24 October 2015 |website=NHC.NOAA.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]] |access-date=25 October 2015}}</ref> The large amount of rainfall caused disruption to the [[2015 United States Grand Prix]] at Austin. Saturday qualifying was postponed till 9am Sunday due to a dangerously waterlogged track.

==See also==
{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}
Other [[List of Category 5 Pacific hurricanes|Category 5 Pacific hurricanes]] that made landfall in Mexico:
*[[1959 Mexico hurricane]]
*[[Hurricane Rick (2009)]]
*[[Hurricane Kenna|Hurricane Kenna (2002)]]

Other strong tropical cyclones:
{{colbegin}}
*[[Hurricane Linda (1997)|Hurricane Linda]] in [[1997 Pacific hurricane season|1997]] – Previous record intensity in eastern Pacific basin
*[[Typhoon Megi (2010)|Typhoon Megi]] in [[2010 Pacific typhoon season|2010]] – Research reconnaissance observed similarly intense sustained winds
*[[Typhoon Haiyan]] in [[2013 Pacific typhoon season|2013]] – Most intense landfalling tropical cyclone
*[[Typhoon Nancy (1961)|Typhoon Nancy]] in [[1961 Pacific typhoon season|1961]] – Highest winds observed in a tropical cyclone, considered unreliable
*[[Typhoon Tip]] in [[1979 Pacific typhoon season|1979]] – Most intense tropical cyclone recorded in terms of pressure
*[[Hurricane Wilma]] in [[2005 Atlantic hurricane season|2005]] – Previous record low central pressure in the Western Hemisphere
*[[Hurricane Allen]] in [[1980 Atlantic hurricane season|1980]] – Previous record high sustained winds in the Western Hemisphere
{{colend}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Hurricane Patricia (2015)}}
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/PATRICIA.shtml The National Hurricane Center's advisory archive] for Hurricane Patricia
*[http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2015/PATRICIA_graphics.shtml The National Hurricane Center's advisory graphics archive] for Hurricane Patricia
*[http://reliefweb.int/disaster/tc-2015-000144-mex ReliefWeb] for Hurricane Patricia

{{Leading tropical cyclones}}
{{Category 5 Pacific hurricanes}}
{{2015 Pacific hurricane season buttons}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Patricia (2015)}}
[[Category:2015 Pacific hurricane season]]
[[Category:2015 in Mexico]]
[[Category:Category 5 Pacific hurricanes]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Costa Rica]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in El Salvador]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Guatemala]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Honduras]]
[[Category:Hurricanes in Nicaragua]]
[[Category:Pacific hurricanes in Mexico]]