&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Mitag_2002-03-05_1400Z.jpg) Mitag at peak intensity on March 5 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | February 26, 2002 |
| Dissipated | March 9, 2002 |
| Very strong typhoon | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Highest winds | 175 km/h (110 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 930 hPa (mbar); 27.46 inHg |
| Category 5-equivalent super typhoon | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 260 km/h (160 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 898 hPa (mbar); 26.52 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 2 indirect |
| Damage | $150 million (2002 USD) |
| Areas affected | Federated States of Micronesia |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season | |
Typhoon Mitag, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Basyang,[1] was the first super typhoon on record in the month of March. The second storm of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season, Mitag developed from a trough near the equator on February 25 near the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It moved westward through the archipelago and intensified into a typhoon before passing near Yap on March 2. High winds and heavy rainfall affected the state, resulting in an islandwide power outage and destroying hundreds of houses. Mitag caused severe crop damage that resulted in food shortages. The rainfall and storm surge flooded much of the coastline as well as Yap's capital, Colonia. Damage totaled $150 million, mostly from crop damage.[nb 1] There was one death related to the storm's aftermath.
After affecting Yap, Mitag turned to the northwest and later to the north due to an approaching trough. It passed to the north of Palau, contributing to one death there. Despite predictions of weakening, the typhoon continued to intensify, reaching peak winds of 175 km/h (109 mph) 10 minute sustained) on March 5.[nb 2] The combination of cooler air and interaction with the westerlies caused Mitag to weaken significantly. Only four days after reaching peak winds, the storm had dissipated well to the east of the Philippines.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
gpwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2005). "Frequently Asked Questions". Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved July 23, 2006.
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