The 1971 Pacific hurricane season was the first Pacific hurricane season with reliable records. It began on May 15, 1971 in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1971 in the Central Pacific ; both ended on November 30, 1971. These dates, adopted by convention, historically describe the period in each year when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in these regions of the Pacific. It was the first year that continuous Weather satellite coverage existed over the entire Central Pacific. As such, this season is often viewed as the start year for modern reliable tropical cyclone data in the Pacific Ocean. 18 storms, 12 hurricanes, 6 major hurricanes (Category 3+). Strongest: Denise (140 mph). Accumulated cyclone energy ≈ 145. Wiki link