Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/233313
Super Typhoon Haiyan Batters Philippines The biggest weather story for 2013 seems to have occurred half a world away. On November 4, 2013, Tropical Storm Haiyan formed in the Pacific Ocean and began intensifying rapidly as it moved westward. The next day it became Typhoon Haiyan, one of the largest, strongest and deadliest cyclones in the Pacific. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported on November 7 that "Super Typhoon Haiyan" was being fueled by low wind sheer and warm ocean temperatures: a mix of environmental conditions that make for a strong cyclone. Haiyan's maximum sustained winds were at 195 mph, well above the Category 5 classification used for Atlantic and East Pacific hurricanes. Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda, made landfall in the Philippines early on November 8. The World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) RSMC Tokyo Typhoon Centre reported that shortly before landfall the central pressure was 26.43 inHg. Low central pressure means more air gets sucked into the cyclone and so its winds become more powerful. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued regular updates to disaster management authorities on the intensity and trajectory of this violent typhoon. According to PAGASA, maximum sustained winds Super Typhoon Haiyan as it moved west toward the coast of the Philippines on November 7. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Haiyan had sustained winds of 170 miles per hour when measurements were taken. NASA image courtesy LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC. just after landfall were up to 133 mph near the center with gusts of 155 mph. PAGASA estimated the rainfall amount was from one-third to almost one inch per hour (heavy to intense) within the storm's nearly 250-mile diameter. It warned of storm surges reaching up to 22 feet in wave height. Haiyan made landfall in Viet Nam along the coast of Quang Ninh Province on November10. WMO reported maximum wind speed near the center at 67 to 90 mph at landfall. Such strong winds were very dangerous to the coastal communities in the province. In the landfall area, the accumulated rainfall was reported from nearly two to almost four inches per hour. At the same time, the high winds induced nine- to 16-foot storm surge along the coast of the landfall area. Despite the strength of the typhoon, immediate reported casualties were limited. Haiyan weakened into a tropical storm as it entered China, with maximum wind force up to 45 mph, and further weakened to a tropical depression. The China Meteorological Administration said the storm brought high winds and heavy rain to areas in its path. IBS PREVIEW 2014 / STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION 23