Typhoon Nora (1973)

On September 30, a weak surface low developed within the monsoon trough about 195 km (120 mi) south of Yap. Drifting northwestward, the system gradually organized into a tropical depression by October 2. Later that day, aircraft reconnaissance revealed the system to have intensified into a tropical storm, at which time it was assigned the name Nora. Late on October 4, Nora began to undergo a period of rapid intensification. By the evening of October 5, Nora had attained winds in excess of , ranking it as a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. Despite the storm's extreme intensity, it quickly began to weaken as it approached the Philippines on October 6. Within ten hours, the pressure rose to 894 mb (hPa; 26.40 inHg) and later dropped below Category 5 status. ==Preparations and impact==

Philippines Luzon Prior to the typhoon's arrival in the Philippines, all domestic flights in and out of Manila were cancelled; however, international travel was unaffected. The United States Air Force also moved its planes from Clark Air Base to other bases in Asia. Additionally, all schools in Manila were closed. Brushing the coast of Luzon in the Philippines as a Category 3-equivalent typhoon, Nora caused considerable damage in the region. Gale-force winds were measured across much of western Luzon, with a peak reading of at Manila port. These winds caused scattered power and communication losses throughout the Peninsula. Across the Philippines, 24 people were killed and over 1 million were left homeless. Taiwan and China Passing within 95 km (60 mi) of Taiwan, the storm brought gale-force winds and torrential rain to the island. A peak gust of was measured in Tungchi, Penghu Islands. The most significant impacts came from the rains, which amounted to in Sinkong over a 20‑hour span. Widespread flooding and many landslides destroyed at least 1,000 homes, and washed out bridges, roads, and railroads. Although Nora struck China as a typhoon, there were no reports of damage received. ==Aftermath==

Nora was the first of three typhoons to impact the Philippines in the span of a week, with Patsy and Ruth both striking the country on October 12 and 15 respectively. This hampered recovery efforts as a result, particularly with Ruth, as the latter would kill an additional 27 in Luzon. ==See also==