&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Maria_2024-08-09_0325Z.jpg) Maria shortly after peak intensity, while approaching Japan on August 9 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | August 5, 2024 |
| Dissipated | August 14, 2024 |
| Severe tropical storm | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 980 hPa (mbar); 28.94 inHg |
| Category 1-equivalent typhoon | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 130 km/h (80 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 969 hPa (mbar); 28.61 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Injuries | None |
| Damage | None |
| Areas affected | Bonin Islands, Japan |
| IBTrACS | |
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.