Typhoon Soulik (2013)
| Typhoon (JMA scale) | |
|---|---|
| Category 4 (Saffir–Simpson scale) | |
Typhoon Soulik at peak intensity on July 10
|
|
| Formed | July 7, 2013 |
| Dissipated | July 14, 2013 |
| Highest winds |
10-minute sustained: 185 km/h (115 mph) 1-minute sustained: 230 km/h (145 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 925 hPa (mbar); 27.32 inHg |
| Fatalities | 11 total |
| Damage | $557 million (2013 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
| Part of the 2013 Pacific typhoon season | |
Typhoon Soulik, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Huaning, was a powerful tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage in Taiwan and East China in July 2013. The storm originated from an upper-level cold-core low well to the northeast of Guam on July 6. Gaining tropical characteristics, the system soon developed a surface low and became a tropical depression early on July 7. Tracking generally westward, a motion it would retain for its entire existence, the depression underwent a period of rapid intensification starting on July 8 that culminated in Soulik attaining its peak strength early on July 10. At that time, the system had sustained winds estimated at 185 km/h (115 mph) and barometric pressure of 925 mbar (hPa; 27.32 inHg). Thereafter, an eyewall replacement cycle and cooler waters weakened the system. Though it passed over the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current the following day, dry air soon impinged upon the typhoon. Soulik later made landfall late on July 12 in northern Taiwan before degrading to a tropical storm. Briefly emerging over the Taiwan Strait, the storm moved onshore for a second time in Fujian on July 13. The system was last noted as a tropical depression early on July 14.
Striking Taiwan as a strong typhoon, Soulik brought gusts up to 220 km/h (140 mph) and torrential rains. Numerous trees and power lines fell, leaving roughly 800,000 without electricity. Severe flooding prompted thousands to evacuate as well. Four people lost their lives on the island while 123 more were injured. Agricultural losses in Taiwan amounted to at least NT$1.27 billion (US$42.55 million). In East China, more than 162 million people were affected by the storm. Heavy rains and typhoon-force winds caused extensive damage and killed three people in Guangdong and two in Jiangxi. More than 2,000 homes collapsed and losses reached ¥2.51 billion (US$408 million).
...
Wikipedia