Tropical Storm Lidia (1981)
| Tropical storm (SSHWS/NWS) | |
Tropical Storm Lidia near landfall
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| Formed | October 6, 1981 |
|---|---|
| Dissipated | October 8, 1981 |
| Highest winds |
1-minute sustained: 50 mph (85 km/h) |
| Fatalities | At least 73 |
| Damage | $80 million (1981 USD) |
| Areas affected | Northwestern Mexico |
| Part of the 1981 Pacific hurricane season | |
Tropical Storm Lidia was a deadly, destructive tropical cyclone that occurred during the 1981 Pacific hurricane season. It resulted in more casualties and caused greater damage than Hurricane Norma, which took place later that season. On October 6, a tropical depression formed and strengthened into a tropical storm six hours later. Lidia brushed the Gulf of California coast of Baja California Sur and made landfall just south of Los Mochis in Sinaloa on October 8. Tropical Storm Lidia rapidly weakened and dissipated the same day. Lidia killed at least 73 people and caused at least $80 million (1981 USD) which is equivalent to $193 million (2010 USD) in damage. It inflicted heavy rain and flooding throughout parts of northwestern Mexico, especially Sinaloa.
A tropical depression formed on October 6 while located 210 mi (340 km) south of Cabo San Lucas. Ahead of a southwesterly flow over Mexico and a front, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Lidia at 0000 UTC October 7. Lidia moved generally north, and reached its maximum windspeed of 50 mph (85 km/h). Despite encountering warm sea surface temperatures, which are generally favorable for intensification, Lidia slowly weakened as it moved towards southern Baja California. The tropical cyclone passed over the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula on 1700 UTC October 7; at the time of the landfall Lidia was located about 67 mi (108 km) northwest of Cabo San Lucas. Two hours later, Lidia entered the Gulf of California, and turned to the northeast. Lidia made landfall on the shores of Sinaloa about 23 mi (37 km) south of Los Mochis on October 8, with winds of 45 mph (75 km/h). At 0600 UTC, the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Center ended advisories as the tropical cyclone dissipated inland about 17 mi (27 km) northeast of that same place. The remnants of Lidia continued their northeast track, moving over Mexico, and ultimately emerging into the Southern United States, spurring a new frontal wave.
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