Developing on June 13, 1974, the system rapidly organized into a tropical storm the next day off the southern coast of Mexico.

Across Southwestern Mexico, Hurricane Dolores produced heavy rains that triggered widespread flooding and mudslides.

Tracking westward, rapid development ensued the following day and the system was classified a tropical depression around 12 UTC.

[1] Late on June 15, Dolores' forward motion slowed as it turned almost due north towards the Mexican coastline.

[1][2] Regarded as the worst hurricane since 1938, Dolores brought torrential rains and high winds to much of Southwestern Mexico.

[3] In the storm's wake, the Mexican Army was deployed in Oaxaca to distribute relief supplies, such as food, medicines, and blankets to an estimated 173,000 people affected by the hurricane.