Hurricane Maria facts for kids

Hurricane Maria

Hurricane Maria was a very powerful storm that happened in September 2017. It lasted until early October 2017. It was one of the strongest storms that year.

Maria was the 13th named storm and the 8th hurricane of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. It was also the 5th major hurricane and the 2nd Category 5 hurricane of that busy season.

Many people remember Maria as the worst natural disaster in the history of Dominica and Puerto Rico. It hit Dominica as a Category 5 hurricane. It also struck Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico as a very strong Category 4 hurricane.

At its strongest, Hurricane Maria had winds of 175 miles per hour (280 kilometers per hour). The storm also passed close to the Eastern United States. Warnings for tropical storms and hurricanes were put out from the Dominican Republic to the Windward Islands.

What Was Hurricane Maria?

Hurricane Maria was a huge and dangerous storm that formed in the Atlantic Ocean. It was part of a very active hurricane season in 2017. Hurricanes are giant spinning storms that form over warm ocean waters. They bring strong winds, heavy rain, and big waves.

Where Did Maria Hit?

Maria caused a lot of damage, especially in Puerto Rico. It hit Puerto Rico directly as a very strong Category 4 hurricane. The storm also caused a lot of harm in Dominica and Guadeloupe.

Many people were sadly killed by the hurricane. As of August 2018, about 3,057 people died because of Maria. Most of these deaths, 2,975, were in Puerto Rico. There were also deaths in Dominica, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Haiti, Guadeloupe, and the United States Virgin Islands.

How Strong Was Maria?

Hurricanes are measured on a scale from Category 1 to Category 5. A Category 5 hurricane is the strongest kind. Maria reached Category 5 strength, meaning its winds were incredibly fast and destructive. When it hit Dominica, it was a Category 5 storm. When it reached Puerto Rico, it was a very high-end Category 4 storm, almost a Category 5.

What Was the Damage?

The total damage from Hurricane Maria was estimated to be around $90 billion. This huge cost shows how much destruction the storm caused. Homes were destroyed, roads were blocked, and power was lost for a long time, especially in Puerto Rico. The heavy rains also caused many landslides.

Why Was Maria's Name Retired?

Because Hurricane Maria caused so many deaths and so much damage, especially in Puerto Rico, its name was officially "retired." This means the name "Maria" will never be used again for an Atlantic hurricane. The World Meteorological Organization decided this in April 2018. The name "Margot" was chosen to replace "Maria" for future hurricane seasons, starting in 2023.

Images for kids

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  Maria making landfall as a Category 5 hurricane on Dominica on September 19

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  An aerial view of part of Roseau, revealing widespread damage to roofs. Flash floods clogged roads with debris—vegetative and structural—and mud.

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  A road in the Roseau area is littered with structural debris, damaged vegetation and downed power poles and lines.

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  Numerous trees fell across Guadeloupe, clogging roadways with debris.

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  One of the many vessels salvaged following Hurricane Maria on St. Thomas

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  High amounts of rain fell on the island of Puerto Rico in less than 48 hours. The map shows estimated totals and exact totals where available.

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  Thousands of homes suffered varying degrees of damage while large swaths of vegetation were shredded by the hurricane's violent winds.

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  Map of landslides in Puerto Rico - Hurricane Maria 2017

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  The US NWS NEXRAD radar in Puerto Rico destroyed by Maria

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  Infrared satellite loop of Maria passing east of the Dominican Republic on September 21, after leaving Puerto Rico.

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  A SH-60 Seahawk flies over Dominica en route to deliver humanitarian aid. The mountainous terrain of the island poses serious challenges to relief operations in more remote areas.

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  Broken windows in Aguas Buenas

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  Debris-clogged roads added to logistical challenges faced by rescue and relief crews.

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  Members of the South Carolina National Guard assisting with clean up efforts in Caguas

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  More than a week after Hurricane Maria struck, residents of Ponce, Puerto Rico wait in long lines at an ATM to withdraw cash.

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  Mountain melted down by winds and heavy rain in Villalba.

See also

In Spanish: Huracán María para niños