‘Serious Threat’: China Prepares as Super Typhoon Ragasa Approaches
GUANGDONG, CHINA – Coastal China is bracing for impact as Super Typhoon Ragasa, teh strongest storm of 2023 thus far, barrels towards the Guangdong province with sustained winds reaching up to 177 mph. Authorities are preparing for widespread disruption and potential damage as the typhoon nears a coastline densely populated with major cities and industrial centers.
Ragasa’s peak intensity has sparked discussion among meteorologists, with some suggesting the storm is approaching the theoretical upper limit of hurricane strength on Earth - roughly 200 mph (322 km/h). This limit is determined by a formula balancing energy loss from surface friction against energy gained from warm ocean waters. however, rising sea surface temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, are increasing the potential for even more powerful storms. as March 2023,global average sea surface temperatures have reached record highs,providing storms with additional energy.
The China Meteorological Governance forecasts Ragasa will weaken to the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, with winds around 115 mph (185 km/h), before making landfall between Shenzhen City and Xuwen county in Guangdong. Despite the expected weakening, the approaching typhoon represents a “serious threat” due to the potential for torrential rainfall, storm surges, and destructive winds.
The increasing intensity of storms like Ragasa is linked to climate change, which is making extremely active hurricane seasons more likely than in the 1980s. Warmer ocean waters provide more fuel for these systems, allowing them to intensify rapidly and maintain strength for longer periods.
