Since records began in 1949, there has been a total of 83 recorded Category 2 hurricanes within the Eastern Pacific tropical cyclone basin, which is the portion of the Pacific Ocean located north of the equator and east of the International Date Line. Storms that intensified beyond Category 2 status are not included in this list. Category 2 status is the fourth-highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson scale, and classifies systems with winds between 83 knots (96 mph; 154 km/h; 43 m/s) and 95 knots (109 mph; 176 km/h; 49 m/s). Tropical cyclones that attain the aforementioned winds and make landfall are capable of causing substantial damage to human lives and infrastructure. The development of tropical cyclones within the Eastern Pacific is influenced by a plethora of factors. During hurricane season, which runs from May through November, sea surface temperatures are high enough and wind shear is low enough to support tropical cyclogenesis. The majority of Category 2 systems formed between the months of July and October. (Full list...)