&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Morakot_2003-08-03_0240Z.jpg) Tropical Storm Morakot at peak intensity on August 3 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | July 31, 2003 |
| Dissipated | August 4, 2003 |
| Tropical storm | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Highest winds | 85 km/h (50 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 992 hPa (mbar); 29.29 inHg |
| Category 1-equivalent typhoon | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 976 hPa (mbar); 28.82 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 3 total |
| Damage | $31 million (2003 USD) |
| Areas affected | |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2003 Pacific typhoon season | |
Tropical Storm Morakot, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Juaning,[nb 1][1] brought significant rainfall to Taiwan before alleviating drought conditions in mainland China in August 2003. The tenth named storm in the western Pacific that year, Morakot spawned from an area of disturbed weather in the Philippine Sea on July 31. Tracking northwest, favorable conditions allowed for the intensification of the system to tropical storm strength on August 2. Morakot reached peak intensity later that day with winds of 85 km/h (50 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 992 mbar (hPa; 28.29 inHg).[nb 2] This intensity was held for several hours until less conducive atmospheric conditions slightly weakened the system; this was followed by Morakot making landfall on southern Taiwan on August 3. Subsequently, the storm weakened and moved into the Taiwan Strait before making its final landfall near Quanzhou, China the next day. The storm quickly weakened over the Chinese mainland, and dissipated entirely several hours after landfall.
In Taiwan, where Morakot first made landfall, heavy rainfall resulted in flooding. Commercial flights, schools, and rail service in some areas was cancelled in advance of the storm. Precipitation there peaked at 653 mm (25.71 in) over a period of nearly two days in Taitung County. Crop damage also resulted from the rainfall, and was estimated at over NT$70 million (US$2 million).[nb 3] In China, record rainfall was reported. The worst impacted city was Quanzhou, where losses due to Morakot reached CN¥240 million (US$29 million) and one death was reported. Power outages were also widespread across southeastern China. Due to preexisting drought conditions, 703 cloud seeding operations took place in order to artificially generate added rainfall; such operations resulted in moderate precipitation over the targeted area. Overall, Morakot caused roughly $31 million in damage and three deaths.
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