Surface weather analysis and track of the storm approaching California
| |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 1858 (1858-09) |
| Dissipated | October 2, 1858 (1858-10-02) |
| Category 1 hurricane | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS) | |
| Highest winds | 80 mph (130 km/h) |
| Lowest pressure | 994 mbar (hPa); 29.35 inHg (corrected sea level) |
| Overall effects | |
| Casualties | Unknown |
| Fatalities | Unknown |
| Injuries | Unknown |
| Damage | $100.00 (1858 USD) |
| Areas affected | Southern California, northwestern Mexico |
| [1] | |
Part of the pre-1900 Pacific hurricane seasons | |
The 1858 San Diego hurricane was a very rare hurricane that impacted Southern California. It is the only known tropical cyclone to directly impact California as a hurricane, although other systems have impacted California as tropical storms. The storm caused considerable damage to many homes and other structures in southern California, mainly around San Diego.[2] A later estimate indicated that if a similar storm happened in 2004, it would have caused $500 million (2004 USD) in damage.
In late September 1858, a hurricane formed over the eastern Pacific Ocean, concurrent with a moderate El Niño event spanning 1857–58.[3][4] Unlike most east Pacific storms, this one accelerated toward the north-northeast. On October 2, it neared Southern California while weakening, due to cool sea surface temperatures and strong wind shear. The hurricane just missed making landfall, while turning to the west-northwest. The storm approached Santa Catalina Island in the Channel Islands and dissipated later on that day. There is some uncertainty to this reconstructed path.[1]
InSan Diego, heavy rain fell, and property damage was significant; many homes lost their roofs, and a few even collapsed. In addition, trees were uprooted, and fences destroyed. A recently constructed windmill was also blown away completely. Three schooners, the Plutus, the Lovely Flora, and the X.L., were blown ashore, although only the X.L. suffered major damage.[1]
Rainfall in San Pedro was also heavy, but high winds were not reported. Parts of the embankment in the city were washed away, causing only around US$100 ($3,100.02 in 2019) in damage. The yacht Medora was washed ashore. Many reports claimed that the yacht was irreparable, but it was later claimed that the damage was not serious and could be repaired.[clarification needed] A barge was destroyed, as was a large portion of the San Pedro wharf.[1]
El Monte was buffeted by high winds, damaging corn crops and trees. Los Angeles and Visalia noted large amounts of rain, as much as 7 inches (180 mm), but wind strength as low.[1]
Two researchers with NOAA, Michael Chenoweth and Christopher Landsea reconstructed the path of the hurricane using accounts from newspapers of the strong winds. They estimated that if a similar storm were to have hit in 2004, it would have caused around US$500 million in damage.[5]
The hurricane was the only hurricane in recorded history known to impact California.[6] Due to the cold water California Current tropical cyclones typically weaken, diminishing the storms' strength below the tropical storm level.[7]
