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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAt 200 MPH, Hurricane Patricia Is Now the Strongest Tropical Cyclone Ever Recorded
Shortly after midnight on October 23, 2015, a group of courageous men and women flew into the center of Hurricane Patricia and landed in the history books. With measured winds of 200 MPH, Hurricane Patricia became the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded anywhere on Earth. Let that sink in for a moment.
The previous record-holder for the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded anywhere on Earthby wind speedwas Super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines with satellite-estimated, one-minute sustained winds of 195 MPH. Hurricane Linda held the old wind record for the eastern Pacific Ocean, packing 185 MPH winds back in 1997. Over in the Atlantic, 1980s Hurricane Allen still holds the wind speed record, packing one-minute sustained winds of 190 MPH at one point during its life cycle.
Then theres Hurricane Patricia, spinning off the coast of Mexico with 200 MPH winds and a minimum central pressure of 880 millibars as of the 5:00 AM EDT advisory from the National Hurricane Center. This is about as strong as a tropical cyclone can get, and theres still a chance that Patricia will get a little bit stronger before it starts to weaken.
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The storm is so intense that the air temperature up in the hurricanes eye, thousands of feet above the surface, was 89°F. 89°F!
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http://thevane.gawker.com/at-200-mph-hurricane-patricia-is-now-the-strongest-tro-1738224692
sakabatou
(42,141 posts)LiberalArkie
(15,703 posts)LiberalArkie
(15,703 posts)Category Sustained Winds Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds
1 74-95 mph Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
2 96-110 mph Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
3 (major) 111-129 mph Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
4 (major) 130-156 mph
Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
5(major) 157 mph or higher Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
LiberalArkie
(15,703 posts)The threat wont stop even after Patricia degenerates. Moisture from the storm will pour into eastern Texas, threatening a large part of the state -- from San Antonio to Houston and as far north as Dallas -- with 8 to 10 inches of rain.
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
(14,733 posts)Broke it right in half.
I imagine Patricia is going to continue doing damage for quite a ways inland. Look for home insurance rates to jump yet again.