Its sustained winds, its duration as category 5, accumulated cyclonic energy, the cost of estimated damages and other figures with which the phenomenon reserved a place in history
Hurricane Irma, which has caused at least 30 deaths on its way through the Caribbean and Florida, where it still threatens several locations, has surpassed several records with chilling statistics that mark its devastating power.
. The 300 km / h winds that hit last week was the highest recorded in the open Atlantic. It was not category 6 because, simply, such a scale does not exist, but the proportion of the Saffir-Simpson system would earn it another level.
. Irma fulfilled 37 hours with sustained winds of at least 180 miles per hour (290 km / h), according to the National Hurricane Service report, a record in satellite archives (as of 1966).
The previous record was sustained by typhoon Haiyan, which struck mainly Philippines in 2013 with sustained winds of 290 km / h for 24 hours. It is estimated to have caused 6,300 deaths. Compared to the Atlantic, the devastating 1980 Hurricane Allen had similar force winds for about 18 hours.
In tune, the French Meteorological Service announced Irma as the most enduring category 5 cyclone ever recorded, staying at that level for three days.
. It was also the strongest storm in history to hit the Windward Islands. For its part, Cuba, which often suffers from dangerous hurricanes, had not suffered a Category 5 since 1932. It was on this island that Irma lost strength, making the effect in Florida not as devastating as the less optimistic forecasts indicated.
. The phenomenon generated the second largest accumulated Cyclonic Energy in recorded history, a measure that combines strength and duration. "Irma generated as much energy as an entire Atlantic hurricane season," said Phil Klotzbach, a researcher at the University of Colorado.
In Barbuda, local authorities reported that 95% of homes were affected by the storm.
In United States
As for the American plane, it is estimated that Irma will enter the top 5 of the most expensive hurricanes in history, behind Katrina (2005), Sandy (2012) and the recent Harvey, along with Andrew (1992) and Wilma (2005).
In addition, Irma's two contacts with Florida (in the Keys, first, and Marco Island, after), entered the ranks of the most powerful arrivals, with seventh and twentieth place respectively.
In combination with Harvey, Irma set another record: The United States had never had two Category 4 hurricanes on the mainland.
The orderly evacuation in the state, which mobilized six million people, is considered one of the most massive in American history, reported AP. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, said the country had the largest evacuation ever made (5,000 people).
In addition, more than four million customers in Florida were without power.