Typhoon Maria (2018) facts for kids
Typhoon Maria (known as Typhoon Gardo in the Philippines) was a very strong tropical cyclone that formed in the Western Pacific in July 2018. This powerful storm hit parts of East China. Maria was quite unusual because it reached Category 5 super typhoon strength before it reached Taiwan and China.
At its strongest, Typhoon Maria had winds blowing at about 160 miles per hour (257 kilometers per hour). This made it one of the most intense storms of the 2018 typhoon season.
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What is a Typhoon?
A typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the Western Pacific Ocean. It's like a hurricane, but hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean or Eastern Pacific. These storms are huge spinning systems of clouds and thunderstorms that bring strong winds and heavy rain. They get their energy from warm ocean waters.
How Do Typhoons Form?
Typhoons start over warm ocean waters, usually above 80°F (26.5°C). The warm, moist air rises, creating an area of low pressure. More air rushes in to fill this space, and because of the Earth's rotation (called the Coriolis effect), this air starts to spin. As more warm, moist air rises and cools, it forms clouds and thunderstorms. This whole system grows larger and stronger, eventually becoming a typhoon.
Maria's Journey: From Ocean to Land
Typhoon Maria began as a tropical depression on July 3, 2018. It quickly gained strength as it moved across the warm waters of the Pacific. By July 5, it had become a typhoon. Maria continued to get stronger, reaching its peak intensity as a Category 5 super typhoon on July 8.
Where Did Typhoon Maria Go?
Maria moved west-northwest, heading towards Taiwan and mainland China. It passed north of Taiwan, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to the island. Even though it didn't make a direct hit on Taiwan, it still caused some damage and disruptions.
After passing Taiwan, Maria made landfall in Fujian province, China, on July 11. By this time, it had weakened slightly but was still a very strong typhoon.
Impact and Effects of Typhoon Maria
When Typhoon Maria hit China, it brought very strong winds and a lot of rain. This caused several problems for the people living there.
Damage from Winds and Rain
The powerful winds from Maria knocked down many trees, especially in areas like Fuzhou University. The heavy rainfall also led to flooding in some places, making it difficult for people to travel and causing damage to homes and businesses.
Safety Measures and Preparations
Before Maria arrived, authorities in China and Taiwan took steps to keep people safe. They issued warnings, told people to evacuate from dangerous coastal areas, and prepared emergency teams. Airports canceled flights, and train services were stopped to prevent accidents. These preparations helped reduce the number of injuries and deaths.
Why Study Typhoons Like Maria?
Studying typhoons like Maria helps scientists and weather experts understand these powerful storms better. By tracking their paths and strength, they can improve forecasts and give earlier warnings. This allows communities to prepare more effectively, saving lives and reducing damage.
Understanding how typhoons form and behave is also important as the Earth's climate changes. Scientists are studying if warmer oceans might lead to more intense storms in the future.
Images for kids
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Typhoon Maria approaching Eastern China on July 10
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Stormy weather over the Min River in Fuzhou on July 11
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Fallen trees at Fuzhou University
See also
In Spanish: Tifón María (2018) para niños
