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Tropical Storm Maria (2024)

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Severe Tropical Storm Maria
Maria shortly after peak intensity, while approaching Japan on August 9
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 5, 2024
DissipatedAugust 14, 2024
Severe tropical storm
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds100 km/h (65 mph)
Lowest pressure980 hPa (mbar); 28.94 inHg
Category 1-equivalent typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds130 km/h (80 mph)
Lowest pressure969 hPa (mbar); 28.61 inHg
Overall effects
InjuriesNone
DamageNone
Areas affectedBonin Islands, Japan
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season

Severe Tropical Storm Maria was the third tropical cyclone to make landfall over the Pacific coast of the Tōhoku region of Japan—behind only 2016's Lionrock and 2021's Nepartak—in early August 2024. Forming as the fifth named storm of the annual typhoon season on August 5, Maria further intensified into a severe tropical storm and later into a minimal typhoon on August 8. It soon reached its peak intensity that day, with 10-minute sustained winds of 100 km/h (65 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 980 hPa (28.94 inHg). However, the storm's structure became asymmetric to the northeast due to the shielding effect of the Japanese Alps on its western periphery. The storm made landfall Ōfunato, a city in Iwate Prefecture, Japan with winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) before traversing northern Honshu and emerging into the Sea of Japan on August 12. It continued to be monitored until it was last noted on August 14.

In advance of Maria, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings about potential landslides, overflowing rivers, and flooding in low-lying areas, as well as strong winds. Record-breaking rainfall was observed in Iwate Prefecture, with Kuji receiving 19 inches (482.6 mm) and Otsuchi 12.6 inches (320.0 mm)—nearly double the usual amount for the month—prompting the evacuation of around 2,000 residents. Several homes were flooded in Iwaizumi, Kamaishi, and Miyako, and a Level 5 emergency warning was declared for the Osanai and Kokuji regions in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture. No damage or injuries were reported from Maria; however, Japan was impacted just days later by a more powerful cyclone named Typhoon Ampil.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The origins of Severe Tropical Storm Maria can be traced back to August 5, when the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a tropical depression had formed.[1] Later that day, the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began tracking it, noting the depression was in an environment with low to moderate wind shear, warm sea surface temperatures, and good equatorward outflow aloft.[2] At 09:00 UTC on August 6, the JTWC issued a tropical cyclone formation alert on the disturbance, which was located 423 mi (682 km) north-northwest of Iwo Jima, along the eastern periphery of the monsoon gyre,[3] prior to it being designated as 06W.[4] The development of a central dense overcast and a ragged eye feature signified its intensification into a tropical storm,[5] leading the JMA to name it Maria on August 7.[6][7] Maria then turned northeastward, moving along the northwestern edge of a subtropical ridge, and intensified into a severe tropical storm on August 8 due to a favorable environment for development.[8]

Maria's structure improved, featuring spiral bands of deep convection and a well-defined symmetrical circulation.[9] Around 18:00 UTC, the JMA estimated peak 10-minute sustained winds of 100 km/h (65 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 980 hPa (28.94 inHg).[10] Concurrently, the JTWC then reported that Maria had rapidly intensified into a minimal typhoon, with 1-minute sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph), due to strong equatorward and poleward outflow.[11] Maria's wind field became more asymmetric, with its associated convection shifting northward, causing Maria to weaken into a tropical storm on August 9,[12] with deep convection becoming displaced to the northeast of an increasingly exposed low-level circulation center.[13] However, satellite imagery later revealed that convection was wrapping around the system's defined low-level circulation,[14] and a partial eyewall developed in the western semicircle of the center.[15] Unfavorable upper-level winds associated with the subtropical jet stream began to take their toll on Maria.[16] The storm had developed a compact core with an enhanced convection structure at its center,[17] while deep convection—an early sign of a developing ragged eye—had started to encircle the system's center.[14] However, shortly afterward, the storm's structure became asymmetric to the northeast due to the shielding effect of the Japanese Alps on its western periphery.[18] At 00:00 UTC on August 12, the storm made landfall Ōfunato,[19] a city in Iwate Prefecture, Japan with winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) before traversing northern Honshu and emerging into the Sea of Japan.[20] This makes Maria the third tropical cyclone to make landfall over the Pacific coast of the Tōhoku region of Japan since the JMA began record-keeping in 1951.[21] The others were Typhoon Lionrock in 2016 and Tropical Storm Nepartak in 2021.[22] Soon after, the JTWC issued its final warning on the system as it became an exposed circulation center,[23] while the JMA continued to monitor it until it was last noted on August 14.[24]

Effects in Japan

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Maria making landfall in Japan on August 12.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned on potential landslides and overflowing rivers and flooding in low-lying areas, and strong winds.[22] A Level 5 emergency warning was issued for the Osanai and Kokuji regions in Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture.[25] The East Japan Railway Company also announced the suspension of trips to Tōhoku, Akita, and Yamagata via the Shinkansen due to rainfall from Maria.[26] In the Bonin Islands, winds of 55 km/h (34 mph) were recorded at Iwo Jima. Maria's arrival resulted in the cancellation of flights to the Aomori, Misawa, Akita, Hanamaki, Sendai, Yamagata and Niigata airports, including 78 local flights by Japan Airlines and many flights by All Nippon Airways, effecting over 7,000 passengers.[27][28] According to East Japan Railway Co., bullet train services between Akita and Morioka stations on the Akita Shinkansen Line were suspended on the afternoon of August 12. Strong winds resulted in trees falling on the roads of Ōfunato in the Iwate Prefecture. Community centers in Kesennuma of the neighbouring Miyagi Prefecture were set up as evacuation centres.[29][25]

Record-breaking rainfall on the Iwate Prefecture saw 18.5 inches (469.9 mm) of rain in 48 hours. This was the most in the region since reliable meteorological records began to be kept by the JMA in 1978.[30] Flooding effected homes in Iwaizumi and Kamaishi.[31] Record-breaking rainfall totals were observed in Iwate Prefecture, reaching 19 inches (482.6 mm) in Kuji and 12.6 inches (320.0 mm) in Ōtsuchi, nearly double the average rainfall amount for August.[28] Officials announced an emergency water release at the city's at Taki Dam to prevent it from completely filling up due to rainfall from Maria. An evacuation order was issued for the city of Kuji. Over 8,300 people were given the highest warning in the town of Iwaizumi, Iwate.[22] Preparation for the storm was adequate, as over 2,000 people took shelter as the storm made landfall.[32] A river flooded along the coast of the Iwate Prefecture, causing damage to roads. Rainfall and flooding also caused damage to nearby buildings. A much larger river also overflowed, damaging the sidewalk nearby.[33] Maria caused power outages in approximately 300 households in Iwate Prefecture.[34] Prime Minister Fumio Kishida assured that the government would rapidly provide information and aid to the communities in the affected regions.[35] The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that there were no damages or injuries associated with Severe Tropical Storm Maria.[36]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Warning and Summary 050600 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. August 5, 2024. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  2. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans, 2100Z 5 August 2024 Reissued (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 5, 2024. Archived from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  3. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (Invest 94W) (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 6, 2024. Archived from the original on August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  4. ^ Tropical Depression 06W (Six) Warning No. 1 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 7, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  5. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 06W (Six) Warning No. 3 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 7, 2024. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  6. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 6 for TS Maria (2405) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. August 7, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  7. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 4 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  8. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 8 for STS Maria (2405) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  9. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 7 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  10. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 10 for STS Maria (2405) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  11. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Typhoon 06W (Maria) Warning No. 8 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024. Alt URL Archived August 9, 2024, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 10 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 9, 2024. Archived from the original on August 9, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024. Alt URL Archived August 9, 2024, at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 12 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 9, 2024. Archived from the original on August 10, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 18 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 11, 2024. Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  15. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 14 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 10, 2024. Archived from the original on August 10, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  16. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 16 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 10, 2024. Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
  17. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 19 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 11, 2024. Archived from the original on August 11, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  18. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 21 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  19. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 22 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  20. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 23 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  21. ^ Press, Jiji (August 12, 2024). "Typhoon Maria Makes Landfall in Northeastern Japan (UPDATE 1)". japannews.yomiuri.co.jp. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  22. ^ a b c Traylor, Daniel (August 11, 2024). "Tropical Storm Maria set for rare Tohoku landfall from Pacific coast". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  23. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 06W (Maria) Warning No. 24 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  24. ^ Warning and Summary 141800 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. August 14, 2024. Archived from the original on August 15, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  25. ^ a b Benoza, Kathleen (August 12, 2024). "Tohoku on alert as Tropical Storm Maria moves over region". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  26. ^ "Severe tropical storm Maria continues to disrupt life in northeastern Japan | Al Bawaba". www.aa.com.tr. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  27. ^ "Severe Tropical Storm Maria makes landfall in Japan". INQUIRER.net. Agence France-Presse. August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Shimbun, The Yomiuri (August 12, 2024). "Typhoon Maria Brings Record-breaking Rain to Japan's Tohoku Region; Akita Shinkansen Line Partially Closed (UPDATE1)". japannews.yomiuri.co.jp. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  29. ^ "Strong wind, rain sweep across Japan as Typhoon Maria makes landfall". NEWS ABN-CBN. August 11, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  30. ^ "Tropical storm Maria hits Japan with record rain". The Straits Times. August 12, 2024. ISSN 0585-3923. Archived from the original on August 17, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  31. ^ Traylor, Daniel (August 13, 2024). "Focus shifts to incoming typhoon as Tropical Storm Maria dissipates". The Japan Times. Archived from the original on August 13, 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  32. ^ "Storm dumps intense rainfall on north Japan, sending some people to shelter". www.business-standard.com. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  33. ^ "Flooded river in northeastern Japan as Typhoon Maria makes landfall". www.msn.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  34. ^ "Tropical storm Maria hits northern Japan, causes record rainfall and flight cancellations". The Times of India. August 12, 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  35. ^ Shimbun, The Yomiuri (August 12, 2024). "Japan PM Fumio Kishida Announces to Take All Possible Anti-Disaster Measures against Typhoon Maria". japannews.yomiuri.co.jp. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
  36. ^ "Tropical Storm "Maria" makes landfall in Japan bringing record-breaking rainfall". The Watchers. August 12, 2024. Archived from the original on August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
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