Hurricane Maria

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Hurricane Maria was a powerful and deadly Category 5 Atlantic hurricane that devastated the northeastern Caribbean in September 2017. It was the tenth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record and the most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 2017. Maria was the thirteenth named storm, eighth consecutive hurricane, fourth major hurricane, second Category 5 hurricane, and the deadliest storm of the hyperactive 2017 Atlantic hurricane season.

Meteorological History

Hurricane Maria originated from a tropical wave that departed the west coast of Africa on September 12, 2017. The system gradually organized and was designated as a tropical depression on September 16, 2017, while located east of the Lesser Antilles. It quickly intensified into a tropical storm and was named Maria. On September 18, Maria rapidly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane as it approached the island of Dominica, making landfall with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h).

Impact

Dominica

Maria made landfall on Dominica on September 18, 2017, causing catastrophic damage. The island experienced widespread destruction, with nearly every building damaged or destroyed. The hurricane caused significant loss of life and left the island's infrastructure in ruins.

Puerto Rico

On September 20, 2017, Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a high-end Category 4 hurricane with winds of 155 mph (250 km/h). The hurricane caused widespread devastation across the island, leading to a complete collapse of the electrical grid and severe damage to homes, roads, and bridges. The storm resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with long-term impacts on the island's economy and public health.

Other Areas

Maria also caused significant damage in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, and other parts of the northeastern Caribbean. The storm's powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge led to widespread flooding and destruction.

Aftermath and Response

The aftermath of Hurricane Maria saw a massive humanitarian response, with aid coming from various international organizations and countries. The recovery process was slow, particularly in Puerto Rico, where the electrical grid took months to restore fully. The hurricane highlighted the vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Retirement

Due to the extensive damage and loss of life caused by Hurricane Maria, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name Maria from the list of Atlantic hurricane names in April 2018. It will never be used for another Atlantic hurricane.

See Also

• 2017 Atlantic hurricane season
• Hurricane Irma
• Hurricane Harvey
• List of Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes
• List of retired Atlantic hurricane names

Related Pages

• Tropical cyclone
• Hurricane preparedness
• Emergency management
• Climate change and hurricanes

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