Hurricane Maria (2017)
Maria devastated Puerto Rico, causing widespread destruction, loss of life, and prolonged power outages. The exact death toll is still debated but is estimated to be in the thousands. Estimates believe the death toll hovers around 3,000.
It was the strongest hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years. According to World Vision, “It became a Category 3 storm on Sept. 18 after doubling in strength in just 24 hours. Then it maintained its rapid growth, becoming a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175 mph Sept. 19 after making its way through the Leeward Islands.” This is one example of how quickly a hurricane can increase in strength and rapidly rise in Category. This is the potential scientists are seeing with Category 6 hurricanes (World Vision).