Pacific Ocean hurricanes like Hilary have a rich but often forgotten history of impacting the vast expanse of the Pacific Rim. The Pacific Ocean, with its warm waters and conducive atmospheric conditions, has been a breeding ground for hurricanes throughout history. These storms are categorized into the Eastern Pacific and Western Pacific regions, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.
Pacific hurricanes have left their mark on our region and many indigenous cultures along the Pacific coasts have passed down oral histories of hurricanes that played a significant role in their societies. The 20th century witnessed advancements in meteorological technology and understanding. Notable storms in our region include the 1939 California tropical storm and the devastating Great Kanto Typhoon of 1934 in Japan. From Hurricane Iniki (1992) in Hawaii to the catastrophic Typhoon Haiyan (2013) in the Philippines, the late 20th century and beyond saw a rise in the intensity and impact of Pacific hurricanes.
