The 1959 Pacific typhoon season was regarded as one of the most devastating years for Pacific typhoons on record, with China, Japan and South Korea sustaining catastrophic losses.[1] It was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The season had no official bounds, but tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific Ocean normally develop between May and October.
The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean, north of the equator and west of the International Date Line. Storms that form east of the Date Line and north of the equator are called hurricanes; see 1959 Pacific hurricane season. All typhoons were assigned a name and number. Tropical storms and tropical depressions formed in the entire west Pacific basin were assigned a name and number by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, but the latter was not added if no reconnaissance missions were assigned. Systems handled by the responsibility of the United States Weather Bureau (USWB) and Fleet Weather Center (FWC) featured no number.
The 1959 Pacific typhoon season featured 24 tropical cyclones, though operationally 59 total areas of investigation were classified by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC);[2] three systems were handled by the responsibility of FWC at Pearl Harbor and the USWB at Honolulu. Three systems were questionable due to lack of reconnaissance aircraft use. In total, the season featured 65 tropical cyclones and areas of investigation operationally, including central Pacific Hurricane Patsy, which was operationally believed to have crossed the International Date Line into the western Pacific. The first annual tropical cyclone report for the western North Pacific Ocean was issued by the agency.[2]
Season summary
Of the 33 tropical cyclones and 65 total areas of investigation, 18 storms attained typhoon status, which was below the yearly average of 19.[2] At least nine other tropical systems never exceeded tropical storm intensity operationally. Most of the systems were noted to have developed within the typical spawning grounds for typhoons originating from easterly waves within the Intertropical Convergence Zone; the exceptions were Ellen and Georgia which developed from cold-core troughs extending southward into the tropical latitudes. Of the 18 typhoons that formed, five were first detected within 300 miles (480km) of the island of Guam. Three of the typhoons developed at a slow rate, while three others rapidly intensified to typhoon status within hours. Only four typhoons were small in diameter, while at least three typhoons developed to large sizes and became the dominant tropical features during the season. Two of the typhoons — Joan and Vera — featured sea-level pressures below 900millibars and were the most intense tropical cyclones during the season, each featuring winds of 190mph (305km/h) or greater.[3] Of the total number of typhoons, 215 reconnaissance missions were flown into the storms, including 3,799 observations and 391 total fixes. The average track error for each advisory for storms during the season was 63.9 miles (102.8km) for 12-hour forecasts and 301.6 miles (485.4km) for 48-hour forecasts.[2]
The first tropical storm of the season was detected on February 27 about 300 miles (480km) south of Yap with winds of 60 miles per hour (97km/h). Moving erratically westward, Ruby maintained intensity until it passed 90 miles (140km) south of Palau on February 28, when it began to weaken and move to the west-northwest. Ruby weakened to below tropical storm intensity on March 1 and then turned to the southwest. It dissipated later on the same day 300 miles (480km) east of Mindanao.[4]
Three days after Ruby dissipated, the second tropical cyclone of the season was detected 200 miles (320km) southeast of Majuro in the Marshall Islands with winds of 65 miles per hour (105km/h) After drifting northwest, Sally moved to the southwest on March 5 and then began to move westward, with its winds fluctuating to 50 miles per hour (80km/h). Sally soon restrengthened on March 6, reaching a secondary peak of 60 miles per hour (97km/h), and maintained its intensity for 18hours as it moved steadily westward. After weakening on March 8, Sally briefly jogged to the west-northwest on March 9, and it began to re-intensify as it turned back to the west, quickly reaching its third peak of 60 miles per hour (97km/h) on March 10. Sally slowly weakened as it turned to the northwest and slowed in forward speed, with its winds decreasing to 45 miles per hour (72km/h) on March 11. After briefly restrengthening to 60 miles per hour (97km/h) on March 12, Sally turned to the west and quickly weakened to a tropical depression. The depression briefly turned to the west-southwest and dissipated on March 13 300 miles (480km) east of Mindanao.[5]
The first typhoon of the season, Tilda originated from a closed circulation on the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) south of Truk on April 12. Surface weather analysis determined that the center slowly moved westward, with surface reports indicating intensification. On April 14 a reconnaissance aircraft mission estimated winds of tropical storm force, assigning the storm its name. Whilst slowly steering northwestward on April 15, Tilda intensified into a typhoon after its northeast quadrant had sustained typhoon strength winds. Tilda then moved generally to the northwest with minor fluctuations on April 16 and on the following day, before turning northward on April 18, when it rapidly intensified.[2]
Tilda attained its peak intensity of 145mph (233km/h) 400 miles (640km) west of Guam on April 19, and it slowly weakened as it turned north-northeast and decreased in forward speed.[6] The typhoon became quasi-stationary for 30 hours on April 20, weakening to a minimal typhoon in the process by the next day. After drifting under weak steering currents, Tilda accelerated to the north-northeast on April 22 and weakened to a tropical storm. Tilda dissipated on April 23 as it merged with the upper-level westerlies 130 miles (210km) southwest of Iwo Jima, and overall stayed in the open ocean, causing no casualties.[2]
Being the first tropical depression monitored by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC),[7] Violet formed offshore Vietnam on June 27. The depression moved eastward at a speed of 6 knots (11km/h; 6.9mph), before recurving westward the following day. The system remained weak, and by June 29, Violet dissipated inland.[8]
A tropical depression formed on July 4 in the South China Sea480 miles (770km) west of Luzon. After briefly drifting northeast, the depression moved erratically northward on July 5, and it made landfall on mainland China east of Hong Kong on July 6. The system steered northeastward the following day while inland, before entering the East China Sea as an extratropical cyclone on July 8. Wilda made another landfall south of the Korean peninsula on the next day. The system then entered the Korea Strait and curved slightly northward. Wilda made two more landfalls at the Russian Far East, before dissipating on July 10.[9]
Operationally the system was classified as a different tropical storm under the name Wilda, but post-analysis determined that tropical cyclone never attained winds of 39mph (63km/h) or greater. No reconnaissance aircraft investigated the system, which was one of only three disturbances not monitored during the season.[2]
Tropical Depression Anita
Tropical depression(JMA)
Tropical depression(SSHWS)
Duration
July 5– July 6
Peak intensity
55km/h (35mph)(1-min);
Tropical Depression Anita was first observed on the vicinity of the Federated States of Micronesia on July 5. The system moved west before recurving east on July 6, and dissipated on that same day.[10]
An area of disturbed weather between Yap and Koror organized into a tropical depression on July 12.[2] Moving to the northwest, it quickly strengthened, reaching tropical storm status, after an eye was found by a recon aircraft.[10] On July 13, Billie intensified into a typhoon, before gradually strengthening further. After peaking at 105mph (169km/h) that day, Billie crossed over northeastern Taiwan, quickly weakened, and made landfall on eastern China on July 15.[11] A weak trough brought the storm northeastward, where after weakening to a tropical storm, it traversed the Yellow Sea and crossed the Korean Peninsula,[2] losing tropical characteristics on July 18.[10]
Typhoon Billie caused extreme flooding in northeastern Taiwan, causing $500,000 in property damage, leaving 10,000 homeless in the capital city of Taipei, and killing 1.[12] In Japan, the outer edges of the typhoon caused torrential rains, killing 44 and destroying more than 65,000 houses.[13] Storms accompanying Billie and its remnants brought heavy rains and strong winds to South Korea, knocking out police telephone lines in Busan. The sudden onslaught of these storms caused a stampede of roughly 70,000people out of a stadium,[14][15] resulting in the indirect deaths of 68people. Around 125people were injured and 40were hospitalized after the mass evacuation.[14][16]
On August 1, a well-developed low pressure area and easterly wave accompanying the area was detected northwest of Guam. Following the discovery of an eye in the system, the area was designated as Tropical Depression Ellen by the JTWC at 06:00 UTC of August 2.[2] Ellen intensified into a tropical storm four hours later, before consolidating further into a typhoon 24 hours after. On August 4, as Ellen moved northwestward, the storm reached its peak intensity while located 320km (200mi) south-southeast of Okinawa, attaining winds of 185km/h (115mph).[17] Taking an erratic path, Ellen proceeded to decelerate off the coast of Kyushu. A strong ridge to the north prevented Ellen from further movement for approximately 46 hours. During that time, a recon aircraft measured the very large eye at 160km (100mi). The ridge then weakened, allowing the typhoon to accelerate in an east-northeast direction.[2] By August 8, Ellen had weakened into a tropical storm. Ellen moved along the south coast of Japan, passing directly above its capital city Tokyo. The storm entered the open sea east of Honshu on August 9, before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone.[17]
Ellen dropped up to 35 inches (890mm) of rainfall on Japan, killing 11 and causing severe rice crop damage.[2] Ellen's greatest effect, however, was on Taiwan, where torrential rains associated with the typhoon caused disastrous flooding that killed nearly 700, left tens of thousands homeless, and destroyed much of the transportation infrastructure in the central and southwestern part of the island. Some locations received almost 50inches of rain in three days, exceeding local annual average totals. The heaviest rain event was on August 7, when as much as 25 inches (640mm) of rain fell in the mountains and western plains, causing rivers and streams to burst through levees and flood thousands of hectares of farmland, washing away rural villages, and causing widespread urban flooding as well in Taichung and other cities. The economic impact was particularly extensive and long-lasting due to the widespread flooding of farmland. In Taiwan the event is remembered as the "Great August 7 Flood".[18]
Tropical Depression Fran
Tropical depression(JMA)
Tropical depression(SSHWS)
Duration
August 11– August 12
Peak intensity
55km/h (35mph)(1-min);
First observed on August 11, Tropical Depression Fran was located 97km (60mi) north of Guam. The depression moved northwest before dissipating on August 12, under the influence of Typhoon Georgia's predominant circulation.[2]
On August 12, Fran was split into two circulation centers by an upper-air polar trough.[2] The new circulation consolidated into a tropical storm on August 13, receiving the name Georgia. Georgia quickly strengthened into a typhoon, and reached its peak intensity of 205km/h (125mph) in 06:00 UTC of that same day.[19] The typhoon then proceeded to rapidly accelerate at a speed of 25km/h (15mph) for the next 24 hours. After crossing through the Japanese mainland, Georgia weakened into an extratropical cyclone on August 14.[10]
Just 4days after Ellen hit Japan, Typhoon Georgia hit the southeastern portion of the country. Georgia brought more heavy rains to the country, causing 246 fatalities and leaving over 50,000 homeless.[20][21][22][2] Georgia caused torrential damage to Japan's railroad network, and combined with Typhoon Ellen, produced a damage total of $50million (1959USD).[2]
A tropical disturbance in the Philippine Sea was first indicated on August 13, taking a slight dip south on August 15, before generally going in a west direction. The system made its first landfall over Luzon at 12:00 UTC of August 17, before intensifying into a tropical depression that day. The depression continued its journey westward before reaching inland at Hainan on August 19, prior to weakening back into a tropical disturbance. The system entered the Beibu Gulf and made its final landfall over northern Vietnam, and dissipated on August 20.[23]
On August 18, a tropical disturbance on the ITCZ was found on a surface chart, possessing a weak circulation. However, later on August 20, a recon aircraft was sent to the center of the system, and recorded typhoon strength winds. Typhoon Iris passed north of Luzon, where it steered west-northwestward, subdued from going more north by a strong high. The high gradually weakened, beginning Iris's recurvature toward the northwest.[2] The typhoon's winds then peaked at 170km/h (105mph) on August 22, before they weakened to tropical storm strength.[24] The storm moved over the coast of China near Kao-Chi, where it rapidly became extratropical and dissipated on August 23.[2]
Typhoon Iris caused rough seas off the coast of Luzon, sinking at least two ships and killing 89people. In China, the storm brought torrential rains, killing 720people with 996missing in the Fujian province in southeast China;[2] however, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the death toll may be as high as 2,334.[25]
A surface circulation was found northeast of Guam on August 23. The system was classified as a tropical storm at 02:35 UTC of August 25, and quickly strengthened into a typhoon within 23 hours.[2] Moving in a northwest direction, Joan proceeded to rapidly intensify to winds of 315km/h (195mph) and deepened to sea-level pressure of 885hPa (26.13inHg) on August 29, becoming the 11th most intense tropical cyclone and the most powerful storm of the season.[26] Such winds are dubious, due to the infancy of reconnaissance aircraft at the time and the lack of satellite images. Nevertheless, Joan was a powerful typhoon, and struck eastern Taiwan with estimated winds of 185mph (298km/h). The mountainous terrain in Taiwan induced a weakening effect on Joan as the storm's center moved above the island, before passing through the Chinese mainland on August 30, before rapidly dissipating inland. During its lifespan, Joan was at one point a huge storm, extending to 1,600km (1,000mi) in diameter, with 90km/h (55mph) winds spanning up to a radius of 480km (300mi).[2]
Strong winds and heavy flooding caused 11 casualties and $3million in crop damage in Taiwan.[2] Property damage was extensive as well, with 3,308 houses destroyed from the typhoon. In China, 3people were killed and 57 were injured from Joan.[27] About 50,000homes were evacuated in Fuzhou as the typhoon nears landfall.[28] There were 60casualties, including 3deaths.[2] Rainfall from Joan caused several rivers on the Korean peninsula to overflow their banks, killing 17people and injuring 21. Another 7,000people were rendered homeless.[29]
A tropical depression formed east of the Philippines on August 25, drifting northward before generally moving west. The system peaked as a tropical storm with winds of 75km/h (45mph) on the that same day. Kate gradually weakened throughout its lifespan after its peak as it recurved northeastward, degrading to a tropical depression on August 26, before dissipating by August 27.[30]
As Typhoon Joan impacted Taiwan, an elongated low-pressure area from the vicinity of Truk formed along the ITCZ on August 27. A recon aircraft was sent on August 30, and concluded the existence of a closed surface circulation,[2] assigning the system as Tropical Depression Louise.[31] Though multiple circulations were present in the same general area, Louise's circulation, being the strongest, drifted to west-northwest of Guam, retaining its name.[2] Moving westerly throughout the next day, Louise intensified into a tropical storm. The storm began to recurve to the north-northwest on September 1, and rapidly intensified into a typhoon on that same day. Louise maintained this recurvature throughout the next day, and by September 3, it had attained peak intensity with winds of 220km/h (135mph).[31] Around that time, its eye was measured at 80km (50mi).[2]
Typhoon Louise struck Taiwan, where it left 6 people dead, 167 injured, and 6,100 homeless throughout the island. The Hualien County suffered the brunt of it, enduring great force from the storm. The eye then expanded to 160km (100mi) upon reaching the Taiwan Strait, though the storm had weakened to 120km/h (75mph). The semi-permanent North Pacific High influence the typhoon into a steady north-northwestward course.[2] Further weakening was induced, downgrading Louise to a tropical storm on September 4, before passing above the coast of China. Louise further downgraded to a tropical depression, but was upgraded to tropical storm strength after reaching the Yellow Sea.[31] As Louise moved farther north, it weakened back to a tropical depression on September 7, before transitioning into an extratropical low, and become embedded with the polar front.[2]
A weak system, Tropical Depression Marge was first observed on September 1, before its winds was assessed by the next day. The depression moved in a north-northeast direction before recurving westward on September 3, striking Zhanjiang on that day also, before dissipating by 12:00 UTC.[32]
Nora formed along the ITCZ on September 5.[2] The system traversed west-northwestward and passed above the northern side of Luzon on September 7. Two days later, Nora intensified into a tropical storm and peaked with winds of 95km/h (60mph). Whilst in the South China Sea on September 10, Tropical Storm Nora took a turn in a northeast direction, before reaching the Chinese coast the following day. Nora weakened into a tropical depression, and entered the East China Sea on September 12. The storm continued northeast until it dissipated on the same day near the Oki Islands.[33]
Tropical Depression Opal
Tropical depression(JMA)
Tropical storm(SSHWS)
Duration
September 5– September 6
Peak intensity
65km/h (40mph)(1-min);
Tropical Depression Opal was short-lived, forming between northeast of Pohnpei and southwest of Ujelang Atoll on September 5, moving west-northwestward before dissipating the next day.[34]
On September 6, reports from aircraft indicated the existence of a tropical storm near the International Date Line. Earlier stages were missed because of a lack of data in the isolated area. A trough moved Patsy northeast. A second trough then developed, dominated over the first, and recurved Patsy northeast. It then slowly headed northwards and gradually weakened. It dissipated on September 10. Patsy's erratic path near the dateline was unusual and no known tropical cyclone had taken such a path over the previous ten years,[35] although that of Typhoon June 1958 was somewhat similar.[36]
The Japan Meteorological Agency's "best track" does not give windspeeds, only indicating that Patsy was a typhoon.[37] The Joint Typhoon Warning Center's report disagrees on location but also has Patsy's maximum windspeed east of the dateline;[35] the JMA's data does not indicate windspeeds.[37] Patsy is an uncommon west-to-east crosser of the dateline. Including only systems recognized by the Central Pacific Hurricane Center, that has only happened six times since.[38]
Tropical Depression Ruth
Tropical depression(JMA)
Tropical depression(SSHWS)
Duration
September 8– September 10
Peak intensity
55km/h (35mph)(1-min);
Forming on September 8 along the ITCZ, Ruth moved southwest midway between Guam and the Philippines. By 12:00 UTC of September 10, Ruth had dissipated.[2]
A tropical disturbance north of Ponape formed along the ITCZ on September 10. Based on data gathered by a reconnaissance aircraft, it intensified into a tropical depression on September 11. Sarah passed north of Guam, giving the island light wind gusts and some showers. After the circulation had been well-defined, it was upgraded to a tropical storm at 12:00 UTC. About 12 hours later, it further strengthened into a typhoon.[2] On September 14, rapid intensification ensued, and Sarah attained maximum sustained winds of 305km/h (190mph).[39] Following a parabolic path, Sarah passed above the island of Miyako-jima, where winds of 196km/h (122mph) were recorded. Sarah struck the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula and accelerated and weakened afterward. By September 16, Sarah had become extratropical.[2]
On Miyako-jima, Sarah's high winds and rain caused 7 deaths and destroyed 6,000 houses, causing $2million in crop damage. In all of Korea, extreme flooding and storm surge killed 669people and left 782,126 homeless one day before Chuseok, which is one of the Korea's biggest holidays. Extreme crop damage and property damage amounted to $100million (1959USD) ($638million 2005USD). Flooding in Japan killed 24, with thousands of houses either destroyed or damaged.[2]
Tropical Depression Thelma
Tropical depression(JMA)
Tropical depression(SSHWS)
Duration
September 18– September 19
Peak intensity
55km/h (35mph)(1-min);
On September 18, the China Meteorological Administration assessed that a tropical disturbance formed northeast of Ulithi Atoll. It moved in a west-northwest direction before becoming classified as a tropical depression at 18:00 UTC. Thelma however weakened back into a disturbance 24 hours later on September 19. On the following day, Thelma recurved more northward, before steering west then southwest on September 21. The disturbance later dissipated on September 22 at 06:00 UTC.[40]
Vera developed on September20 between Guam and Chuuk State, and initially tracked westward before taking a more northerly course, reaching tropical storm strength the following day. By this point Vera had assumed a more westerly direction of movement and had begun to rapidly intensify, and reached its peak intensity on September23 with maximum sustained winds equivalent to that of a modern-day Category5 hurricane.[41] With little change in strength, Vera curved and accelerated northward, resulting in a landfall on September26 near Shionomisaki on Honshu. Atmospheric wind patterns caused the typhoon to briefly emerge into the Sea of Japan before recurving eastward and moving ashore Honshu for a second time. Movement over land greatly weakened Vera, and after reentering the North Pacific Ocean later that day, Vera transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on September27; these remnants continued to persist for an additional two days.[2]
Though Vera was accurately forecast and its track into Japan was well anticipated, limited coverage of telecommunications, combined with lack of urgency from Japanese media and the storm's intensity, greatly inhibited potential evacuation and disaster mitigation processes. Rainfall from the storm's outer rainbands began to cause flooding in river basins well in advance of the storm's landfall. Upon moving ashore Honshu, the typhoon brought a strong storm surge that destroyed numerous flood defense systems, inundating coastal regions and sinking ships. Damage totals from Vera reached US$600million (equivalent to US$6.27 billion in 2023). The number of fatalities caused by Vera remain discrepant, though current estimates indicate that the typhoon caused more than 5,000deaths, making it one of the deadliest typhoons in Japanese history. It also injured almost 39,000 people and made around 1.5 million people homeless.[42]
Typhoon Amy developed near Yap on October3. After strengthening and subsequent weakening, Amy struck Japan. Shortly thereafter, the system became extratropical on October9.
Tropical Storm Babs developed in the South China Sea on October5. The storm struck the western side of Luzon, before entering the Pacific Ocean. By October10, Babs dissipated south of the Ryukyu Islands.
An area of low pressure organized into a tropical depression on October 9 to the east of the Philippines. It moved northwestward, quickly intensifying to typhoon status on the 10th. Charlotte continued to intensify, and reached a peak of 165mph (266km/h) on the 13th before recurving to the northeast. Cooler, drier air weakened the typhoon, and after passing near Okinawa on the 16th it paralleled the southern coast of Japan offshore. The weakening storm turned to the east, and dissipated on the 19th. Charlotte brought a total of 24 inches (610mm) of rain on Okinawa, causing landslides that damaged much of the island. Crop damage was severe, with 75% of the rice crop destroyed. The five feet of flooding in some areas damaged 618 homes and destroyed 275. In all, Charlotte caused 46 casualties and left 1,068 homeless.
Just weeks after Super Typhoon Vera, another northward moving 170mph (270km/h) Super Typhoon was moving northward toward Japan. Dinah's turn to the northeast spared the country, and it became extratropical on October 21 to the east of the archipelago.
A disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone organized into a tropical storm to the east of the Philippines on November 13. Freda moved west-northwestward, attaining typhoon status the next day. As it paralleled the northeast coast of Luzon, it rapidly intensified to a 135mph (217km/h) typhoon, and made landfall on the 16th with slightly weaker winds of 120, the weakening due to land interaction. Freda rapidly weakened as it crossed the island, and turned to the north. After passing close to Taiwan on the 18th, it accelerated to the north and became extratropical on the 20th. Freda brought torrential rains to the city of Manila, driving two vessels aground. Crop damage was heavy on the southern part of the island, while 7,600 were left homeless from the flooding. Freda caused 58 fatalities as it passed through the Philippines.
On December 18, 175mph (282km/h) Super Typhoon Gilda made landfall on the eastern Philippines. It quickly crossed the archipelago, and weakened over the South China Sea. Gilda made landfall on southeastern Vietnam on the 21st as a tropical storm, and dissipated the next day. Gilda caused 23 casualties in the Philippines from extensive rainfall, and left nearly 60,000 homeless.
On December 30, just weeks after Gilda, 150mph (240km/h) Typhoon Harriet hit the eastern Philippines. It weakened as it crossed the islands, and dissipated over the South China Sea on January 2. Harriet brought strong winds and rainfall to Luzon, causing considerable property and crop damage. In all, the typhoon killed 5 and left more than 12,000 homeless.
Storm names
During the season, 31 systems developed in the Western Pacific, according to the JTWC, and were named by the agency. The names were drawn sequentially from a set of four alphabetical naming lists and were all feminine.[43][44][45] Three Central Pacific storms developed and were named Dot, Patsy, and Wanda. The policy at the time was to use the Western Pacific nomenclature for the basin.
The 1966 Pacific typhoon season was an active season, with many tropical cyclones having severe impacts in China, Japan, and the Philippines. Overall, there were 49 tropical depressions declared officially or unofficially, of which 30 officially became named storms; of those, 20 reached typhoon status, while 3 further became super typhoons by having winds of at least 240 km/h (150 mph). Throughout the year, storms were responsible for at least 997 fatalities and $377.6 million in damage; however, a complete record of their effects is unavailable.
The 1964 Pacific typhoon season was the most active tropical cyclone season recorded globally, with a total of 39 tropical storms forming. It had no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1964, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1963 Pacific typhoon season has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1963, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1995–96 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a moderately active season that included Cyclone Bonita, which was the first known tropical cyclone to cross from the southern Indian Ocean into the southern Atlantic Ocean. Tropical activity lasted for about six months from the middle of November 1995 to early May 1996. The first storm, Intense Tropical Cyclone Agnielle, formed in the adjacent Australian basin on November 16 and later reached peak winds in the south-west Indian Ocean. The next named storm after Agnielle was Bonita, which formed in early January and killed 42 people. The basin was most active in February, with two tropical cyclones, or the equivalent of a minimal hurricane, as well as a severe tropical storm. The first of these three was Doloresse, which killed 67 people due to a shipwreck in the Comoros. The next storm was Cyclone Edwige, which caused heavy crop damage on Mauritius before looping along the east coast of Madagascar. In March, both Cyclone Flossy and Tropical Storm Guylianne passed near the Mascarene Islands, producing heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
The 2002–03 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was one of the longest lasting and the third-most active season in the South-West Indian Ocean. Storms during the season impacted the Mascarene Islands, Seychelles, Madagascar, and countries in south-eastern Africa. The season began early when an unnamed tropical storm struck Seychelles in September, becoming the most damaging storm there in 50 years. The next system, Atang, was the first named storm of the season, but was only a tropical depression; it was named due to the threat to an outer island of Mauritius. Atang later struck Tanzania in a climatologically unusual area in November, resulting in unconfirmed deaths of fishermen. The first named storm to reach tropical storm intensity was Boura, which brushed the Mascarene Islands with gusty winds and rainfall. In December, Cyclone Crystal threatened to strike Mauritius but instead veered eastward, and later, Tropical Storm Delfina lasted from late December through early January 2003. Delfina damaged or destroyed thousands of houses in Mozambique and Malawi, killing 54 people.
The 1998–99 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a quiet season that had the fourth-lowest number of days with tropical storm or tropical cyclone activity. Most of the storms formed either in the Mozambique Channel or in the far eastern portion of the basin, with five storms crossing from the adjacent Australian basin east of 90° E. As a result, few storms impacted Madagascar, and none made landfall on the African continent. Throughout most of the season, there was below-normal sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. In February, typically the peak in activity, Réunion island recorded its highest average monthly pressure since 1953. Due to generally unfavorable conditions, there were only six tropical storms tracked by the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion. There were only two tropical cyclones – a storm with winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph).
The 1996–97 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was the longest on record, with both an unusually early start and unusually late ending. Most activity was from November through February. According to the Météo-France office (MFR) at Réunion, there were 21 tropical disturbances, 14 of which intensified into tropical depressions. There were 12 named storms, beginning with Antoinette and proceeding sequentially until Lisette. In addition, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center also warned on storms in the region, which identified five other tropical storms. Five of the storms attained tropical cyclone status, or with 10–minute maximum sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph); of these, three strengthened further into intense tropical cyclones, with Daniella and Helinda tied for strongest storm of the season.
The 1990–91 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was fairly quiet, although activity began early and the final named storm formed at a record late date. There were seven named storms classified by the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion, as well as three depressions; an additional depression was classified by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), an unofficial warning agency. The JTWC tracked storms in both September and October, although neither affected land. In late November, another short-lived depression formed in the northeastern portion of the basin. Activity remained minimal until January, when Tropical Storm Alison formed in the eastern portion of the basin. Later in the month, Cyclone Bella became the strongest storm of the season, reaching 10‑minute maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h (96 mph). It passed near the island of Rodrigues, becoming the worst cyclone there in 20 years and killing half of the population of one endangered species. Bella also likely caused a cargo ship to go missing with 36 people on board. Three storms developed in short succession in the second half of February. Cyclone Cynthia developed rapidly in the Mozambique Channel on February 16 and struck western Madagascar, killing 36 people and ruining local rice harvests. A residual trough after Cynthia dissipated spawned Tropical Storm Debra, which looped in the Mozambique Channel. Toward the end of the month, Tropical Storm Elma exited the basin into the adjacent Australian region, only to re-enter the south-west Indian Ocean and dissipate. Long-lived Cyclone Fatima originated in the Australian basin in late March and changed directions before becoming extratropical. On April 2, a tropical depression struck eastern Madagascar, killing 18 people. The final storm, Gritelle, was named on June 10, the latest on record.
The 1991–92 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an average cyclone season in which most storms remained over open waters. At the time, the season's official bounds lasted from November 15, 1991, to April 30, 1992, although this season began early when three tropical depressions formed before the official start. The second, designated Tropical Depression A2 by the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion, passed north of Madagascar on October 16 before weakening.
The 1992–93 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season lasted longer than normal, with the first storm Aviona forming on September 27 and the final storm Konita not dissipating until May 7. It was an above-average season, with four tropical cyclones – the equivalent of a minimal hurricane – along with six tropical storms, one subtropical depression, and several depressions including one that was named. The basin is defined as the area west of 90°E and south of the Equator in the Indian Ocean, which includes the waters around Madagascar westward to the east coast of Africa. Tropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion (MFR), as well as by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
The 1984–85 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an average cyclone season. Tropical cyclones in this basin are monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion. The first storm formed in mid-November, though it was not officially named. A few days later, the first official storm of the year (Anety) formed. In December, one storm formed. During January 1985, two tropical cyclones formed towards the end of the month. Three more systems developed in a short period of time in early to mid-February. After nearly two more months of inactivity, an unusually powerful late season storm developed (Helisaonina) in mid-April, which was the strongest storm of the year. While a number of storms during the season reached severe tropical storm status, only one of those intensified further. Even though two tropical cyclones this year made landfall, no known damage was recorded.
The 1981–82 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was destructive and deadly in Madagascar, where four cyclones killed 100 people and caused $250 million (USD) in damage. The season was fairly active, lasting from October to May. There were nine named storms that attained gale-force winds, or at least 65 km/h (40 mph). Five of the storms attained tropical cyclone status, which have 10-minute sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph).
The 1982–83 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was the least active cyclone season in the basin since 1961–1962. There were six systems that were named, although three of them – Arilisy, Clera, and Fely – failed to intensify beyond tropical depression status. No storms reached tropical cyclone status, according to the official warning agency for the basin, Météo-France, although the two strongest storms – Bemany and Elinah – peaked just below that intensity. The first named storm, Arilisy, formed on October 27, and dissipated without having affected land. However, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), which is an unofficial warning center for the basin, briefly tracked a tropical depression in July. The next storm was Bemany, which passed east of Mauritius near peak intensity in early December. Tropical Depression Clera existed briefly in the middle of September, and Tropical Storm Dadafy moved across the eastern portion of the basin in late December.
The 1989–90 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an average cyclone season, with nine named storms and five tropical cyclones – a storm attaining maximum sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph). The season officially ran from November 1, 1989, to April 30, 1990. Storms were officially tracked by the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in an unofficial basis. The first storm, Cyclone Alibera, was the second longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record in the basin, with a duration of 22 days. Alibera meandered and changed directions several times before striking southeastern Madagascar on January 1, 1989, where it was considered the worst storm since 1925. The cyclone killed 46 people and left widespread damage. Only the final storm of the year – Severe Tropical Storm Ikonjo – also had significant impact on land, when it left $1.5 million in damage (1990 USD) in the Seychelles.
The 1988–89 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was an active season that featured several storms moving near or over the Mascarene Islands or Madagascar. The eleven tropical storms was two greater than average, of which five became tropical cyclones – a storm with maximum sustained winds over 10 minutes of 120 km/h (75 mph) or greater. Storms were monitored by the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion island in an official capacity, as well as the American Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) on an unofficial base. The season began early with Moderate Tropical Storm Adelinina forming in early November, and continued through the middle of April. Adelinina was one of two storms to form in November, the other being Tropical Cyclone Barisaona which crossed from the adjacent Australian basin.
The 1987–88 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a moderately active cyclone season, with nine named storms. Four of the storms attained tropical cyclone status, which is the equivalent of a minimal hurricane with 10 minute sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph). The seasonal activity was evenly dispersed, officially beginning on December 9 when the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion started tracking Tropical Storm Ariny. The storm crossed 90° E from the adjacent Australian basin, one of two storms in the season to do so along with Cyclone Ezenina. There were also two storms tracked unofficially by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in November.
The 1985–86 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was the first in which the Météo-France office (MFR) on Réunion tracked cyclones as far east as 90° E in Indian Ocean, south of the equator. Previously, the agency's area of responsibility was limited to 80° E. It was an active season with twelve named storms, of which five strengthened into tropical cyclone with 10 minute sustained winds of at least 120 km/h (75 mph). The first named storm was Tropical Storm Alifredy, which originated in the Mozambique Channel in late December and moved across Madagascar. However, the unofficial Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) tracked a short-lived storm in September.
The 1993–94 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was the most active season in the basin since the start of reliable satellite coverage in 1967, until the record was surpassed 25 years later in the 2018–19 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. Activity lasted from mid-November, when Moderate Tropical Storm Alexina formed, until mid-April, when Tropical Cyclone Odille became extratropical. Four tropical cyclones – Daisy, Geralda, Litanne, and Nadia – struck eastern Madagascar, of which Geralda was the costliest and deadliest. With gusts as strong as 350 km/h (215 mph) accompanied by heavy rainfall, Geralda destroyed more than 40,000 homes and left 356,000 people homeless. Geralda killed 231 people and caused more than $10 million in damage. Cyclone Nadia was the second deadliest cyclone, having killed 12 people in northern Madagascar and later severely damaging portions of northeastern Mozambique, killing about 240 people and leaving $20 million in damage in the latter country. In February, Cyclone Hollanda struck Mauritius near peak intensity, causing $135 million in damage and two deaths.
The 1994–95 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was fairly active, with storms forming regularly from October through April. It was much less damaging than its predecessor, and most of the storms in the season remained over water or only brushed land. The first system was Tropical Depression A1, which formed in October and passed north of Madagascar. The first named storm was Albertine, which formed on November 23 in the northeastern portion of the basin and became one of three intense tropical cyclones. The last storm was Marlene, which was also an intense tropical cyclone and dissipated on April 11.
The 1940 Pacific typhoon season marked an interruption in meteorological records in both the Philippines and Hong Kong due to the start of World War II. There were 43 reported tropical cyclones, including 27 that attained typhoon status. The first storm was observed in February, and the first typhoon formed two months later, killing three people along Mindanao. Several storms formed in June and July, including reports of a typhoon in the newspapers that killed 52 in South Korea, and another typhoon reported in newspapers that killed one person on Samar after dropping heavy rainfall. The strongest typhoon of the season originated in July and attained a minimum pressure of 927 mbar (27.4 inHg), as reported by a ship northeast of the Philippines.
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