Path of Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria formed in the Atlantic Ocean on September 16, 2017, and tracked westward through the Caribbean Sea, passing over several islands in the region. Here are the key points of the storm’s path:
- Formation: Maria developed from a tropical wave near the Lesser Antilles.
- Dominica: On September 18, the hurricane made landfall in Dominica, causing almost complete devastation to the island.
- Puerto Rico: On September 20, the hurricane made landfall in Puerto Rico.
- Other islands: Maria also caused significant damage to other islands in the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic.
- Dissipation: Hurricane gradually weakened as it moved northward and eventually dissipated over the western Atlantic Ocean on September 30.
Category of Hurricane Maria
Hurricane Maria was classified as a Category 5 hurricane, which is the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. At its peak, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h), making it one of the strongest hurricanes on record to hit the Caribbean. When Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, it was classified as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h).
Damage Caused
Hurricane Maria caused catastrophic damage in several countries in the Caribbean when it hit in September 2017, with Puerto Rico being the hardest hit. Here are some of the impacts of the storm:
- Puerto Rico: The island was left without power for months, with many residents living without electricity and running water for a long time. The storm caused an estimated $90 billion in damage, with widespread destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The death toll has been estimated to be around 2,975.
- Dominica: Hurricane Maria caused almost complete devastation to the island of Dominica, destroying most homes and buildings and causing widespread flooding.
- Other islands: Hurricane Maria also caused significant damage to other islands in the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic.
- Long-term impacts: The recovery and rebuilding process has been ongoing since the storm, with many challenges still facing the affected communities. Puerto Rico’s infrastructure has been slow to recover, and the island’s healthcare system has been severely strained. The storm also exposed longstanding vulnerabilities and inequalities in the region, highlighting the need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and response.
Overall, Hurricane Maria was one of the most powerful and destructive hurricanes to hit the Caribbean in recent years, causing widespread devastation and highlighting the need for greater investment in disaster preparedness and response.