Typhoon Paka
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Super Typhoon Paka (Super Typhoon Rubing PAGASA) was an extraordinarily powerful tropical cyclone that caused extensive damage in the southern Mariana Islands (including Guam) in December of 1997.
Storm history
The storm formed to the west of Hawaii and moved westward, crossing the International Date Line, and strengthening as it did. It continued moving westward, still strengthening. On December 15, the storm reached its peak in intensity, with sustained winds of about 185 miles per hour.
The storm continued moving west, weakening to 160 mph as it approached the island of Guam. Paka's southern eyewall slammed into Guam on December 16. By landfall, the storm had decreased in intensity yet again, this time to 150 mph (240 km/h).
The storm continued moving west and eventually moved into an unfavorable environment for development. The storm completely dissipated on December 22.
Impact
Loss of life on Guam was minimized due to a wide use of reinforced concrete in residential construction, strict building codes, and public shelters for those without adequate homes. Infrastructure and property damage, however, was catastrophic.A gust caused by Super Typhoon Paka over Guam was recorded at 236 mph (380 km/h); however, this reading had to be discarded, since the anemometer was damaged by the storm. Had it been confirmed, this would be the strongest non-tornadic wind ever recorded at the Earth's surface. (The current record is held by a non-hurricane wind registering 231 mph (372 km/h) at Mount Washington in New Hampshire.) [link]
See also
- redirect[[Template:Portal]]
External links
- [JTWC Super Typhoon Paka Report]
- [NOAA Report] on Paka's winds over Guam
- [NWS Service Assessment]
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