Hurricane Bud (2018 MG)

Hurricane Bud was a catastrophic category 5 hurricane that made landfall on California at peak intensity. It was the first hurricane on record to make a direct landfall on California as a tropical system. It became the deadliest Eastern Pacific cyclone ever recorded, as it caused around 500 fatalities and $10.2 billion in damage.

Formation
On July 24, the NHC highlighted an area for possible development. Up until that point, the season had been very inactive, with only two depressions and Tropical Storm Aletta at that point. The system developed slowly, and was named Bud on July 30. It was expected to land on the Baja as a C2. Instead, Bud pushed north, intensifying despite the conditions.

Landfall
As Bud moved further north, it underwent a period of RI. As it unexpectedly turned towards California, it peaked as a category 5 hurricane, with winds of 165 miles per hour. It landed on California on August 5, bringing 160 mph winds and heavy rainfall, as well as tons of storm surge. It was by far the strongest storm to ever hit California. It devastated any coastal areas with this surge, and the winds toppled many buildings. Bud soon began a weakening trend as it moved inland.

Dissipation
Bud began to dissolve as it moved northeast. It weakened to a TS on August 7, and dissolved that evening. The remnants of Bud would last all the way to the Hudson Bay, where it developed into a weak subtropical storm.

Retirement
The NHC retired the name Bud from the rotating name lists. It was replaced with Benvolio in 2024.