The 1997 Pacific typhoon season was a record-breaking season featuring eleven tropical cyclones reaching super typhoon intensity, tying the record with 1965 with the most intense tropical cyclones globally, and was the ninth and last consecutive year of above-average tropical cyclone activity that started in 1989. Its extremely high activity produced highest ACE index ever index recorded in a single tropical cyclone season. In addition, this season had ten Saffir-Simpson Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclones, the most ever recorded, even greater than the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season, which had nearly half of the amount. The 1997–98 El Niño event was a contributing factor to this unusually high activity. Despite this, the season produced an average number of tropical storms, spawning 28 tropical storms.
It has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1997, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November.[1] These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The first named storm, Hannah, developed on January 20 while the last named storm, Paka, dissipated on December 23. Tropical Storm Linda became the worst tropical cyclone to hit Vietnam, killing over 3,000 people.
The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 1997 Pacific typhoon season as calculated by Colorado State University using data from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center was 570.4units, which is the highest ACE for a single season ever recorded.[5] Broadly speaking, ACE is a measure of the power of a tropical or subtropical storm multiplied by the length of time it existed. It is only calculated for full advisories on specific tropical and subtropical systems reaching or exceeding wind speeds of 39 miles per hour (63km/h).
The season was unusual and exceptional in the number of super typhoons that occurred in the basin. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, eleven tropical cyclones attained super typhoon status, ten of which became Category 5 Super Typhoons, marking the highest number of Category 5 storms in a single season on record. Eleven typhoons reached winds of at least 135knots. They were Isa, Nestor, Rosie, Winnie, Bing, Oliwa (from Central Pacific), Ginger, Ivan, Joan, Keith, and Paka (also from the Central Pacific). This was due to the El Niño of 1997–1998, which contributed to the record amounts of not only super typhoons but also tropical storms in the Western and Eastern Pacific. Fortunately, most of the stronger systems remained at sea. This is also due to the El Niño during that time, which tends to shift typhoon tracks east.[6] When Severe Tropical Storm Peter made landfall in southern Japan on June27, it marked the first time that two tropical cyclones made landfall in mainland Japan during the month of June since reliable records began in 1951.[7]
In early January, an area of convection developed along a near-equatorialtrough just west of the International Date Line. It tracked steadily westward, and remained disorganized for about week. On January 18, deep convection increased as a low-level circulation began to form, and at 0000 UTC on January 19 it developed into Tropical Depression 01W while located to the southwest of Guam. Based on satellite imagery estimates, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center upgraded it to Tropical Storm Hannah six hours after first forming. The deep convection quickly organized into well-defined cyclonic bands, and early on January 20 Hannah attained its peak intensity of 60mph near the island of Yap. Increased southeasterly wind shear weakened the storm, leaving its dwindling convection situated along the northern portion of the circulation. Interaction with a large and powerful extratropical cyclone left the storm moving erratically, and on January 22 Hannah weakened to tropical depression status. Its motion turned to a steady southwestward motion, and on January 27 Hannah dissipated a short distance east of the Philippine island of Mindanao.[8]
Isa developed from a disturbance in the monsoon trough near the Caroline Islands on April 12. It moved erratically at first, though after attaining tropical storm status it curved westward due to the subtropical ridge to its north. Isa very gradually intensified, and on April 20 the typhoon reached peak 1-min winds of 270km/h (170mph), as reported by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center; Japan Meteorological Agency reported maximum 10-min winds of 155km/h (96mph). After turning northward, it accelerated to the northeast, and merged with a larger extratropical cyclone on April 24.[9][10]
Early in its duration, Isa caused light rainfall and moderate winds on Pohnpei. Later, a stationary rainband from the typhoon dropped heavy precipitation on Guam during its dry season. Damage in the Guam National Weather Service area of responsibility totaled $1million (1997USD, $1.3million 2006USD), the majority of it from crop damage. No deaths were reported.[11]
A low-level equatorial westerly wind system developed an area of convection on April 18, the same system that previously developed Typhoon Isa. It drifted west-northwestward, and on April 21 separated from the westerly wind system. At 0400 UTC on April 22, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on the system, and two hours later the JTWC issued the first warning on Tropical Storm Jimmy about 1,360km (850mi) southeast of Guam.[12] Coinciding with its first warning, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified it as a tropical depression.[9]
Jimmy continued northwestward through a break in the subtropical ridge caused by Isa, and it steadily intensified as it tracked through an area of light vertical wind shear. It recurved to the northeast, and shortly after reaching its westernmost point Jimmy attained its peak intensity of 55mph on April 24.[12] Conversely, JMA assessed Jimmy as remaining a minimal tropical storm throughout its duration.[9] After maintaining peak winds for about 18hours, to increased southwesterly winds aloft quickly weakened the storm, and late on April 25 JTWC issued its final advisory on Jimmy after its low-level circulation center became completely exposed from the deep convection. On April 26, Jimmy was absorbed by an approaching frontal trough over the open Pacific Ocean. The storm had little effects on land.[12]
A low-level equatorial trough developed an area of convection on May 4. The low strengthened as it became more organized over the next two days. Late on May 5, the JTWC issued a TCFA and the system was declared Tropical Depression 04W shortly after. The depression slowly intensified and was upgraded to a Tropical Storm early on May 8 and was named Kelly. Kelly was able to intensify slightly before strong vertical wind shear displaced the center, weakening Kelly. Kelly was downgraded to a Tropical Depression on May 10 and the remnant circulation dissipated the next day.[13]
Tropical Depression 5W drifted eastward through the Philippines in late May. The depression continued northeastward, becoming a tropical storm, and transitioning to an extratropical storm on May 30.[14] In the Philippines, Levi killed 53 people[15] and displaced 210,000 others.[16]
On May 23, a large area of convection grouped together to form a low pressure, over the Mariana Islands. It strengthened into a tropical depression on May 26, before intensifying into a category 1 typhoon 2 days later. Marie then reached its peak intensity on May 31, as a category 2 typhoon, before undergoing an Eyewall replacement cycle. The storm developed double eyewalls during the process. On June 2, the system degenerated into an extratropical cyclone.
In late May, an area of convection developed near the Marshall Islands, and rapidly became a low-pressure area. On June 1, the low-pressure area organized into a tropical depression. Nestor intensified into a category 1 typhoon on June 7, as it started to affect the Mariana Islands. Nestor continued to intensify, and on June 10, Nestor reached its peak intensity as a category 5 super typhoon, as the storm began to affect the Northern Mariana Islands. At this time, Nestor began showing annular characteristics. Nestor began to weaken slowly, as typical annular typhoons do, while it developed an eye measuring 65 kilometers across. On June 15, Nestor transitioned into an extratropical cyclone.
In preparation for Opal, Japanese airlines cancelled 107 domestic flights and port officials halted all ferry traffic.[18] Throughout Japan, 6,750 schools were closed due to the typhoon.[19] One person drowned after being knocked off his boat by rough seas while trying to secure it at port. Heavy rains flooded streets throughout the region.[20] The storm triggered 14 landslides, flooded 50 homes and cut power to 800 residences.[19] In all, three people were killed in Japan by Typhoon Opal.[16]
From June 22–26, PAGASA tracked the storm, and named it Daling.[17]
Ahead of the storm, international and domestic flights were cancelled throughout Japan and ferry service was suspended. Heavy rains produced by the storm triggered landslides throughout Japan,[21] resulting in three fatalities.[22] A landslide caused a train derailment that left 28 people injured after covering the tracks. One of the fatalities from the storm was that of a United States soldier stationed in Iwakuni.[23] The JMA estimated that upwards of 14in (360mm) of rain fell due to Typhoon Peter.[24]
On July 18, Tropical Depression 10W formed near Caroline Islands. 10W was upgraded to Tropical Storm Rosie and became a Category5 Super Typhoon on July 22. Rosie moved northward and began to weaken. Rosie made a landfall as a Category1 typhoon at Shikoku, Japan on July 26.[25] In Japan, five people were killed and 1,200 were displaced by the storm.[16]
From July 22–26, PAGASA tracked the storm, and named it Elang.[17]
In the middle of July, a mid-level circulation formed within the tropical upper tropospheric trough. The circulation built toward the surface, and by July 20 the system developed a low-level circulation with scattered associated convection.[26] Based on its organization, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified the system as a weak tropical depression early on July 20 while located about 820km (510mi) northeast of Farallon de Pajaros, the northernmost island in the Northern Mariana Islands.[9] Early development was impeded by the outflow from Typhoon Rosie; after drifting northwestward for 2days the system turned to the northeast, and by July 24 the influence from Rosie greatly diminished. Accordingly, the organization of the depression quickly increased, and on July 24 the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) classified it as Tropical Depression 11W.[26]
A building anticyclone to its northwest forced the depression southeastward. It became steadily less organized, and on July 26 JTWC issued a final warning on the system, believing it to be dissipating. Shortly thereafter, however, the system began re-organizing, and on July 27 the system developed into Tropical Storm Scott. The storm tracked northwestward, then westward, and finally turned to the northeast. Scott gradually strengthened to attain peak winds of 105km/h (65mph) on July 29.[26] JMA had upgraded the depression to tropical storm status on July 28, and assessed its peak intensity at 75km/h (47mph).[9] Scott maintained its peak intensity for about 12hours before slowly weakening as it accelerated northeastward. On August 2, the storm merged with an approaching frontal trough,[26] and the following day JMA considered Scott dissipated while located near the Alaskan island of Gareloi.[9] Tropical Storm Scott never affected land.[26] The storm was the only tropical cyclone during the season to not form from the monsoon trough.[27]
On August 5, an area of low pressure formed near the Marshall Islands, which organized into Tropical Depression 14W on the next day. It headed northwestward, slowly strengthening to a tropical storm on the 9th. Intensification became more rapid as conditions became more favorable, and Winnie reached typhoon strength on the 10th. Twodays later, Winnie became the 4th Super Typhoon of the season with peak winds of 160mph. Soon after, the eye became ragged and large, with an outer eyewall reaching 200miles in diameter. On the 18th, a minimal Typhoon Winnie passed north of Taiwan and hit eastern China, where it winded down until degenerating into a remnant low on the 20th. The remnant continued northeastward, bringing heavy rain and damage across China until the 23rd.[28] In all, Winnie killed at least 372 people, displaced over 1million, and caused $3.2billion in damages.[16][22]
Tropical Depression 16W developed out of a weak tropical disturbance on August 13. The disturbance was relatively close to another disturbance which would eventually become Severe Tropical storm Yule. By August 17, the disturbance had developed sufficient convection to be declared a tropical depression. However, upon being classified a depression, it was already beginning to be influenced by the nearby Yule. 16W eventually was overcome by Yule and a merger of the two systems took place on August 19, leading to the dissipation of the depression.[29]
Originating from a tropical disturbance over the South China Sea on August19, Zita tracked westward as it quickly strengthened within a region of light wind shear, attaining winds of 140km/h (87mph) as it made landfall along the Leizhou Peninsula early on August22. Maintaining this intensity, the storm made a second landfall in northern Vietnam later that day before rapidly weakening over land. The remnants of Zita were last noted over extreme northwestern Vietnam on August24.[30][31] Early in its existence, the storm was monitored by PAGASA and was designated with the local name Luming.[17] Throughout Zita's path, seven people were killed and $438million was wrought in damage, nearly all of which took place in China.[32]
Typhoon Amber was the eighteenth tropical cyclone of the season. The tropical depression initially tracked slowly west-northwest between the subtropical ridge and Typhoon Zita and developed at a faster than normal pace. By August 26, Tropical Storm Cass formed to the west-southwest, which accelerated Amber's forward motion to the northwest due to a Fujiwhara interaction. It underwent eyewall replacement cycles from August 25 through August 27, and tracked across Taiwan/Taipei with maximum sustained winds of 95knots, then through the Formosa Strait into China as a minimal typhoon.[33] On August 30, Amber completely absorbed Cass, in inland China, before degenerating into a remnant low, and dissipating as well, later on that day. Damages from Typhoon Amber amounted to $52million.[22]
As a tropical storm, Bing tracked through the Mariana Islands and produced torrential rains. Following previous heavy rains earlier in the month, a maximum of 6.17in (157mm) at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam and 5.19in (132mm) on Tiyan. A landslide in Santa Rita caused significant structural damage. By September1, Bing bypassed the Bonin Islands. Sustained winds reached 55km/h (34mph) and gusts peaked at 75km/h (47mph).[34] The extratropical remnants of Bing brought heavy rain to the Aleutian Islands between September6 and 7.[35] Winds also gusted in excess of 95km/h (59mph) in some areas.[36]
On August 25, a low-pressure area developed in the South China Sea, west of the Philippines, associated with the dissipating convection of Tropical Storm Zita. The low-pressure area then started to strengthen, and slowly became a Tropical Depression on August 28. The system failed to strengthen for a while, due to a much stronger system just east of Cass, Typhoon Amber. However, Typhoon Amber soon started to move north, just a little farther from Cass, but was just enough for Cass to strengthen into a Tropical Storm. As the nearby Typhoon Amber started to make landfall over Taiwan, a strong southern inflow from Typhoon Amber pulled Cass northwards, in an effect known as the Fujiwhara effect. As Typhoon Amber made landfall, and moved inland over eastern China, Cass was pulled very close to Typhoon Amber, while Cass was maintaining Tropical Storm strength. This severely weakened the storm, as it made landfall on August 30. Cass was then absorbed by Typhoon Amber, shortly afterwards, in inland China.
On September 2, the monsoon formed into Tropical Depression Two-C in the Central Pacific.[37] It headed slowly westward, becoming a tropical storm on September 3. Later that day, Oliwa crossed the International Date Line,[37] and continued to slowly strengthen to become a typhoon on September 8. Oliwa rapidly strengthened on September 9 to reach a peak of 160mph winds; the sixth Super Typhoon of the year. Oliwa slowly weakened as it moved westward, and hit Japan on September 15 and September 16. In Japan, severe flooding from the typhoon killed 12 people and displaced 30,000 others. 10 people were reported missing but are possibly dead.[16] On September 17, the JTWC issued the final advisory on Oliwa while it was in the eastern portion of the Sea of Japan.[9] The storm then crossed northern Japan, and it accelerated over the open Pacific Ocean, where it dissipated on September 19, near the International Date Line to the south of the Aleutian Islands.[9]
The disturbance which developed into Typhoon David was first noted on September9, in a monsoon trough northeast of Kwajalein. Post-analysis later demonstrated that the system reached tropical depression intensity on September10. On the morning of September15, it attained its maximum intensity of 110mph (175km/h). The typhoon passed near Minami-Tori-shima with sustained winds of 75mph (120km/h) on September16, and then, after weakening to tropical storm strength, passed near Chichijima two days later. During this time the cyclone turned toward the northeast, making its closest approach to Honshu on September19. JTWC issued its final warning on September20, as the system transitioned to an extratropical low while en route to the Gulf of Alaska.[38]
Ella originated in the Central Pacific, becoming Tropical Depression 23W on September 20 according to the JTWC, then a tropical storm later that day. It recurved to the northeast, dissipating on September 24.
During mid-September, a monsoonaltrough developed in the South China Sea. Deep convection developed near the periphery of the low level circulation before rapidly consolidating near the center on September20. At this time, the JTWC classified the system as Tropical Depression 22W while situated near the coast of Vietnam. Due to the proximity to land, the system struggled to develop until it turned sharply to the east on September22.
In Vietnam, Fritz killed 28 people and caused $5.1million in damages.[16]
Typhoon Ginger originated from a low-latitude tropical disturbance near the International Date Line on September21. The following day, deep convection consolidated around a low-level circulation center and banding features formed around the system. At 0530UTC, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert for the system. Later that day, the system was designated as Tropical Depression 24W. Tracking in a more northerly direction, the depression intensified into a tropical storm the next day, at which time it was given the name Ginger. Continued strengthening occurred at a climatological rate until it was upgraded to a typhoon on September25. Upon becoming a typhoon, Ginger underwent a period of explosive development.[39]
During this period, the storm intensified into a Category 5 super typhoon, with winds reaching 265km/h (165mph) by 0000UTC on September27. At this time, Ginger featured a small, well-defined eye surrounded by a smooth central dense overcast and large convective feeder bands. The general cloudless environment surrounding the system allowed outflow to cover a large area. Shortly after peaking, the storm began to recurve towards the northeast and weaken. Gradually accelerating, the storm began to undergo an extratropical transition. The JTWC issued their final advisory on the typhoon at 0600UTC on September30. Several hours later, the extratropical system weakened below typhoon intensity.[39] The remnants of Ginger persisted for two more days as it rapidly tracked towards the Western United States. By October2, the storm impacted the region and dissipated shortly thereafter.[40]
The remnants of Typhoon Ginger brought strong winds and heavy rain to the Western United States.[40] Winds along the Oregon coastline gusted up to 69mph (111km/h).[41] The highest rainfall total was recorded in Felida, Washington at 1.3in (33mm). Power was also briefly cut to 450 people by the high winds.[40]
Tropical Storm Hank originated out of an area of low pressure over the South China Sea in late September. Minimal convection was associated with the system and only light winds were recorded. Over the following days, the system gradually organized and by October3, the JTWC issued a TCFA for the system. However, in post-storm analysis, it was found that Hank was already a tropical storm by this time. By the time the TCFA was issued, Hank reached its peak intensity with winds of 75km/h (47mph) before succumbing to strong wind shear. Late on October3, Hank weakened to a tropical depression and was initially thought to have made landfall; however, satellite analysis showed that the center did not cross land until October5, shortly before dissipating. There were no reports of damage in relation to the storm.[42]
Tropical Depression 26W developed out of an area of disturbed weather located near the Mariana Islands on September 29. While passing near Guam, the disturbance was designated a tropical depression. Shortly after, the depression became disorganized as wind shear displaced the convection associated with the storm. Over the next 24hours, the depression stalled in response to weak steering currents before a subtropical ridge developed to the north and caused the system to move quickly to the west. The low became separated from almost all of its convection on October 6 before being absorbed into a frontal system the next day.[43]
Forming out of an area of disturbed weather on October13, Ivan gradually intensified into a typhoon as it tracked steadily to the west-northwest. On October15, the storm underwent rapid intensification and reached an intensity corresponding to Category 5 status on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane scale. Late on October17, Ivan reached its peak strength with winds of 295km/h (183mph) and a barometric pressure of 905hPa (mbar). Shortly thereafter, the typhoon began to weaken as it approached the Philippines. Ivan eventually made landfall in northern Luzon with winds of 220km/h (140mph) on October20 before weakening to a tropical storm the next day. The storm then curved northeastward and became extratropical on October25, dissipating the following day.[31][44] During its existence, Ivan was monitored by PAGASA and designated with the local name Narsing.[17]
Although Ivan was a powerful storm at landfall, its effects were relatively minor compared to the storm's intensity; however, 14 people were killed during the storm and two others were listed as missing. Agricultural industries sustained the most severe damage, as thousands of animals drowned in the storm. Throughout the Philippines, damage amounted to $9.6million (1997USD; $13.1million 2009USD). A total of 1,779 homes were destroyed, 13,771 others were damaged and 4,600 hectares of farmland were flooded by the storm.[45]
Typhoon Joan caused significant damage throughout the Marshall Islands. The most severe damage occurred on Anatahan where 37 homes were destroyed. Three people were injured during preparations for the storm when a wind gust blew a sheet of plywood into residents. Damages from the storm amounted to $200,000, mainly on Anatahan.[46]
The tenth of eleven tropical cyclones to attain super typhoon intensity in the western North Pacific during 1997, Keith formed at low latitudes in the Marshall Islands. It was one of ten TCs which formed east of 160°E and south of 20°N— within the "El Niño". Keith was a recurving TC which passed between the Islands of Rota and Tinian (only 50nmi or 93km apart) on the west-bound leg of its recurving track. NEXRAD imagery from Guam indicated the eye wall cloud of Keith never touched land as it threaded the narrow channel between these two islands. As such, the Mariana Islands were spared the full force of Keith. Keith's compact wind and cloud structure were revealed by Guam's NEXRAD Equatorial westerly winds bounded by twin near-equatorial troughs preceded the formation of Keith and a Southern Hemisphere twin.[47]
Typhoon Linda, after moving through the Philippines and the South China Sea, hit the Malay Peninsula on November 3. It restrengthened in the Bay of Bengal, but vertical shear caused Linda to dissipate on the 9th.
On 2 November, Linda hit the southern tip of Vietnam, the Cà Mau province, causing unprecedented havoc with 3,070 people being killed in Vietnam, most of which drowned at sea.[48] Nearly 80,000 houses are reported as destroyed and almost 140,000 as badly damaged. Infrastructure (roads, schools and hospitals) also suffered heavily and huge swathes of rice paddy were swamped. The hardest hit provinces were Kiên Giang, Cà Mau, Bạc Liêu, Sóc Trăng, Trà Vinh, Bến Tre and Vũng Tàu. It was the worst typhoon to strike the area in 100years. Damages from the storm amounted to VND7trillion (US$409million).[49][50]
Elsewhere in Thailand and the Philippines, Linda caused further deaths from flooding and heavy damage.[51]
The final super typhoon of the year developed in the Central Pacific on November 28. It moved westward, strengthening into a tropical storm before crossing the International Date Line on December 7. Conditions were marginally favorable for development, and Paka remained a tropical storm until December 10, when it was able to become a typhoon. Five days later, Paka reached Super Typhoon strength, the eleventh of the year. The next day it crossed over Guam, and on December 18, Paka reached a peak of 185mph winds. After causing major damage across the smaller Western Pacific island groups, Paka rapidly weakened and dissipated on December 22.[53]
Typhoon Paka first impacted the Marshall Islands, where it dropped heavy rainfall and left $80million in damage (1997USD, $109million 2009USD). Later, it passed just north of Guam, where strong winds destroyed about 1,500buildings and damaged 10,000more; 5,000people were left homeless, and the island experienced a complete power outage following the typhoon. Damage on the island totaled $500million (1997USD, $680million 2009USD), which warranted the retirement of its name. Paka also caused light damage in the Northern Mariana Islands, and overall the typhoon caused no reported fatalities.[54]
Storm names
During the season 29 named tropical cyclones developed in the Western Pacific and were named by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, when it was determined that they had become tropical storms. These names were contributed to a revised list which started in 1996.
Hannah
Isa
Jimmy
Kelly
Levi
Marie
Nestor
Opal
Peter
Rosie
Scott
Tina
Victor
Winnie
Yule
Zita
Amber
Bing
Cass
David
Ella
Fritz
Ginger
Hank
Ivan
Joan
Keith
Linda
Mort
Philippines
Atring
Bining
Kuring
Daling
Elang
Goring
Huling
Ibiang
Luming
Miling
Narsing
Openg
Pining
Rubing
Saling(unused)
Tasing(unused)
Unsing(unused)
Walding(unused)
Yeyeng(unused)
Auxiliary list
Anding(unused)
Binang(unused)
Kadiang(unused)
Dinang(unused)
Epang(unused)
Gundang(unused)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) uses its own naming scheme for tropical cyclones in their area of responsibility. PAGASA assigns names to tropical depressions that form within their area of responsibility and any tropical cyclone that might move into their area of responsibility. Should the list of names for a given year prove to be insufficient, names are taken from an auxiliary list, the first 10 of which are published each year before the season starts. This is the same list used for the 1993 season. PAGASA uses its own naming scheme that starts in the Filipino alphabet, with names of Filipino female names ending with "ng" (A, B, K, D, etc.). This naming list was not used again as PAGASA started a new naming scheme in the 2001 season. Names that were not assigned/used are marked in gray.
Season effects
This table summarizes all the systems that developed within or moved into the North Pacific Ocean, to the west of the International Date Line during 1997. The tables also provide an overview of a systems intensity, duration, land areas affected and any deaths or damages associated with the system.
1 2 A super typhoon is an unofficial category used by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) for a typhoon with winds of at least 240km/h (150mph).[3]
↑ The Joint Typhoon Warning Center is a joint United States Navy– United States Air Force task force that issues tropical cyclone warnings for the western Pacific Ocean and other regions.[2]
Related Research Articles
Typhoon Paka, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Rubing, was an extremely powerful and long-lived storm that devastated Guam and the Marshall Islands in December 1997. One of the strongest Pacific typhoons ever recorded in the month of December, Paka was the last tropical cyclone of the 1997 Pacific hurricane and typhoon seasons and the last of a record eleven super typhoons that formed in 1997. Paka, which is the Hawaiian name for Pat, developed on 28 November from a trough well to the southwest of Hawaii. The storm tracked generally westward for much of its duration, and on 7 December it crossed into the western Pacific Ocean. Much of its track was characterized by fluctuations in intensity, and on 10 December the cyclone attained typhoon status as it crossed the Marshall Islands. On 16 December, Paka struck Guam and Rota with winds of 230 km/h (140 mph), and it strengthened further to reach peak winds on 18 December over open waters as the final super typhoon of the year. Subsequently, it underwent a steady weakening trend, and on 23 December Paka dissipated.
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The 2004 Pacific typhoon season was an extremely active season that featured the second-highest ACE ever recorded in a single season, second only to 1997, which featured 29 named storms, nineteen typhoons, and six super typhoons. It was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation, in which tropical cyclones form in the western Pacific Ocean. The season ran throughout 2004, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm and also the first typhoon, Sudal, developed on April 4, later was reached typhoon status two days later, and became the first super typhoon of the year three days later. The season's last named storm, Noru, dissipated on December 21.
The 2001 Pacific typhoon season was an average season with twenty-six named storms, sixteen typhoons and three super typhoons, with a near normal Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) of 307.3 units. It ran year-round in 2001, with most tropical cyclones in the northwestern Pacific Ocean tending between May and November.
The 1998 Pacific typhoon season was the least active Pacific typhoon season on record, until it was surpassed 12 years later. It would produce 16 tropical storms, 8 strengthening into typhoons. 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 1998 Pacific hurricane season. Tropical Storms formed in the entire west Pacific basin were assigned a name by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Tropical depressions in this basin have the "W" suffix added to their number. Tropical depressions that enter or form in the Philippine area of responsibility are assigned a name by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This can often result in the same storm having two names.
The 1994 Pacific typhoon season was an extremely active season in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation in the Western North Pacific, being the second most active season in the basin, only behind 1964. With a total of 36 tropical storms, where 20 of them reached typhoon strength and 6 further strengthening into super typhoons, during the course of the season, much like the Pacific hurricane season. The season had no official bounds and it ran year-round in 1994, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November. Tropical storms that formed west of the date line were assigned a name by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The World Meteorological Organization-designated Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for tropical cyclones for the region is the Japan Meteorological Agency. Tropical depressions that entered or formed in the Philippine area of responsibility were assigned a name by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This can result in some storms having two names.
The 1992 Pacific typhoon season is the fourth consecutive above-average season, producing 31 tropical storms, 16 typhoons and five super typhoons. It had no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1992. Despite this, most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1987 Pacific typhoon season was a below average season, though it featured a relatively high amount of typhoons. It had no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1987, but most tropical cyclones formed between May and November. Tropical storms that formed in the entire basin were assigned a name by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Tropical depressions that enter or form in the Philippine area of responsibility are assigned a name by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This can often result in the same storm having two names.
The 1979 Pacific typhoon season featured the largest and most intense tropical cyclone recorded globally, Typhoon Tip. The season also used both male and female names as tropical cyclone names for the first time. Additionally, the season was slightly below-average in terms of tropical cyclone activity, with only 24 storms, 12 typhoons, and 4 super typhoons developing. The season had no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1979, 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 1970 Pacific typhoon season has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1970, 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.
Typhoon Isa was the first of a record eleven super typhoons to occur during the 1997 Pacific typhoon season. The second tropical cyclone of the season, Isa developed from a disturbance in the monsoon trough near the Caroline Islands on April 12. It moved erratically at first, though after attaining tropical storm status it curved westward due to the subtropical ridge to its north. Isa very gradually intensified, and on April 20 the typhoon reached peak 1-min winds of 270 km/h (170 mph), as reported by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center; Japan Meteorological Agency reported maximum 10-min winds of 155 km/h (95 mph). After turning northward, it accelerated to the northeast, and merged with a larger extratropical cyclone on April 24.
Typhoon Yagi was an intense typhoon, the strongest of the 2006 Pacific typhoon season, which reached the equivalence of Category 5 on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Forming out of a tropical depression on September 16, Yagi quickly strengthened as it executed a slow clockwise loop over the open waters of the western Pacific Ocean. On September 19, Yagi strengthened into a typhoon as a subtropical ridge steered the storm towards the west. Two days later, the storm reached its peak intensity with winds of 195 km/h (121 mph) 10-minute winds with a minimum pressure of 910 hPa (mbar). The typhoon gradually weakened as it recurved towards the northeast and was downgraded to a severe tropical storm on September 24 and became extratropical the next day. The storm was last noted near the Aleutian Islands on September 27. The typhoon caused severe damage on the island of Chichijima but no injuries were reported as a result of the storm.
Typhoon Choi-wan was a powerful typhoon that became the first Category 5-equivalent super typhoon to form during the 2009 Pacific typhoon season. Forming on September 11, 2009, about 1,100 km (700 mi) to the east of Guam, the initial disturbance rapidly organized into a tropical depression. By September 12, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, at which time it was given the name Choi-wan. The following day, rapid intensification took place through September 14. Choi-wan attained its peak intensity on September 15, as it moved through the Northern Mariana Islands with the Japan Meteorological Agency reporting peak 10-minute sustained winds of 195 km/h (121 mph). Additionally, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported the storm to have attained 1-minute sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph). The typhoon remained very powerful until September 17 when the storm's outflow weakened. The typhoon underwent an eyewall replacement cycle, leading to intensity fluctuations. By September 19, Choi-wan rapidly weakened as strong wind shear caused convection to diminish. The following day, the system transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and dissipated several hours later over open waters.
The 2015 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly above average season that produced twenty-seven tropical storms, eighteen typhoons, and nine super typhoons. The season ran throughout 2015, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and November. The season's first named storm, Mekkhala, developed on January 15, while the season's last named storm, Melor, dissipated on December 17. The season saw at least one named tropical system forming in each of every month, the first time since 1965. Similar to the previous season, this season saw a high number of super typhoons. Accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) during 2015 was extremely high, the third highest since 1970, and the 2015 ACE has been attributed in part to anthropogenic warming, and also the 2014-16 El Niño event, that led to similarly high ACE values in the East Pacific.
The 2018 Pacific typhoon season was at the time, the costliest Pacific typhoon season on record, until the record was beaten by the following year. The season was well above-average, producing twenty-nine storms, thirteen typhoons, seven super typhoons and six Category 5 tropical cyclones. The season ran throughout 2018, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Bolaven, developed on January 3, while the season's last named storm, Man-yi, dissipated on November 28. The season's first typhoon, Jelawat, reached typhoon status on March 29, and became the first super typhoon of the year on the next day.
Typhoon Gay, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Seniang, was the strongest and longest-lasting storm of the 1992 Pacific typhoon season and most intense globally in 1992. It formed on November 14 near the International Date Line from a monsoon trough, which also spawned two other systems. Typhoon Gay later moved through the Marshall Islands as an intensifying typhoon, and after passing through the country it reached its peak intensity over open waters. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak winds of 295 km/h (183 mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 872 mb (25.8 inHg). However, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), which is the official warning center in the western Pacific, estimated winds of 205 km/h (127 mph), with a pressure of 900 mbar (27 inHg). Gay weakened rapidly after peaking because of interaction with another typhoon, and it struck Guam with winds of 160 km/h (99 mph) on November 23. The typhoon briefly re-intensified before weakening and becoming extratropical south of Japan on November 30.
Typhoon Joan was the longest-lasting super typhoon at the time, maintaining 1-minute maximum sustained winds of at least 240 km/h (150 mph) for 4.5 days. Joan, concurrently with Typhoon Ivan to its west, also became the strongest typhoons at the same time in the northwest Pacific Ocean. The 25th named storm during the hyperactive 1997 Pacific typhoon season, Joan developed from the same trough as Typhoon Ivan on October 11. It moved northwestward and later to the west, undergoing explosive deepening to its peak intensity on October 15. One typhoon warning agency estimated that Joan was among the strongest storms on record in the basin, and that Ivan and Joan marked the first occurrence of simultaneous super typhoons. While near peak intensity, Joan passed between Anatahan and Saipan in the Northern Marianas Islands. Later, the typhoon weakened and turned to the north and east, becoming extratropical on October 24.
Most of the tropical cyclones of the 2013 Pacific typhoon season formed between May and November of that year. The scope of this article is the Pacific Ocean north of the equator, between 100°E and the International Date Line. Tropical storms which form in the Western Pacific basin are assigned a name by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Tropical depressions forming in this basin are given a number with a "W" suffix by the United States' Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assigns names to tropical cyclones that enter or form in the Philippine area of responsibility, but these names are not in common use outside the Philippines.
This timeline documents all of the events of the 2014 Pacific typhoon season. Most of the tropical cyclones forming between May and November. The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean, north of the equator between 100°E and the International Date Line. Tropical storms that form in the entire Western Pacific basin are assigned a name by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Tropical depressions that form in this basin are given a number with a "W" suffix by the United States' Joint Typhoon Warning Center. In addition, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assigns names to tropical cyclones that enter or form in the Philippine area of responsibility. These names, however, are not in common use outside of the Philippines.
The 2023 Pacific typhoon season was the fourth consecutive below-average season and became the third-most inactive typhoon season on record in terms of named storms, with just 17 named storms developing, only ahead of 2010 and 1998. Despite the season occurring during an El Niño event, which typically favors activity in the basin, activity was abnormally low. This was primarily due to a consistent period of negative PDO, which typically discourages tropical storm formation in this basin. The season was less active than the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season in terms of named storms, the fourth such season on record, after 2005, 2010 and 2020. The season's number of storms also did not exceed that of the 2023 Pacific hurricane season. Only ten became typhoons, with four strengthening further into super typhoons. However, it was very destructive, primarily due to Typhoon Doksuri which devastated the northern Philippines, Taiwan, and China in July, becoming the costliest typhoon on record as well as the costliest typhoon to hit mainland China, and Typhoon Haikui in September, which devastated China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The season was less active in Southeast Asia, with no tropical storm making landfall in mainland Vietnam.
↑ Frequently Asked Questions (Report). Joint Typhoon Warning Center. August 13, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
↑ Dillon, C. P.; Andrews, Mark J. (1998). 1997 Annual Tropical Cyclone Report(PDF) (Report). U.S. Naval Pacific Meteorology and Oceanography Center West, Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
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