1954 Pacific hurricane season
The 1954 Pacific hurricane season featured below-average activity, with eleven tropical storms identified. The season officially started on May 15 and lasted until November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the Pacific basin. The majority of the year's storm remained offshore and caused little to no adverse impact on land. However, a tropical storm in October brought flooding rain to Mexico and Guatemala that left five people dead and thousands homeless. An unknown disease in the storm's wake killed a further 35 people.
| 1954 Pacific hurricane season | |
|---|---|
Season summary map | |
| Seasonal boundaries | |
| First system formed | June 18, 1954 |
| Last system dissipated | November 1, 1954 |
| Strongest storm | |
| By maximum sustained winds | Three, Four, Nine, and Eleven |
| • Maximum winds | 85 mph (140 km/h) (1-minute sustained) |
| Seasonal statistics | |
| Total depressions | 11 |
| Total storms | 11 |
| Hurricanes | 4 |
| Major hurricanes (Cat. 3+) | 0 |
| Total fatalities | 5 direct, 35 indirect |
| Total damage | Unknown |
| Related articles | |
The relative lack of activity is a byproduct of limited monitoring tools at the time. In 1954, Pacific hurricanes were only able to be identified by ship reports (either post-trip logs or in situ transmissions) and coastal observations. No more than eight coastal cities reported regular observations. Additionally, only two cities, Empalme, Sonora, and Mazatlán, Sinaloa, launched radiosondes—a key factor in detecting tropical cyclones at the time—further limiting detection capabilities.