Hurricane Barbara (2013)

Hurricane Barbara was a strong Category 4 hurricane that developed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean during the 2013 hurricane season. It was the second named storm, the first hurricane, and the first major hurricane of the season.

Meteorological History

Barbara originated from a tropical wave that moved off the coast of Africa in late May 2013. The wave gradually organized as it moved westward across the Atlantic Ocean and eventually crossed into the Eastern Pacific basin. Convection increased, and a low-pressure area formed, leading to the formation of Tropical Depression Two-E on May 28, 2013. Within hours, the depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Barbara.

Barbara underwent rapid intensification on May 29th and 30th, fueled by very warm sea surface temperatures and low wind shear. It quickly became a hurricane and then a major hurricane, reaching its peak intensity as a Category 4 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 932 mbar.

After peaking, Barbara began to weaken as it moved over cooler waters and encountered increased wind shear. The hurricane rapidly weakened, eventually degenerating into a tropical storm on June 1st. It continued to weaken as it moved westward and dissipated completely on June 3, 2013, well southwest of Baja California.

Impact and Aftermath

Although Barbara remained far offshore and did not make landfall as a hurricane, its remnants brought rainfall and localized flooding to portions of Baja California Sur. There were no reports of significant damage or casualties directly related to Hurricane Barbara. Minor impacts included some beach erosion and rip currents along the coast.