The 2003 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly below average yearlong period of tropical cyclogenesis exhibiting the development of 45 tropical depressions, of which 21 became named storms; of those, 14 became typhoons. Though every month with the exception of February and March featured tropical activity, most storms developed from May through October. During the season, tropical cyclones affected the Philippines, Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula, Indochina, and various islands in the western Pacific.
The season ran year-round, with the first storm, Yanyan, developing west of the Marshall Islands on January15. In April, Typhoon Kujira became one of the longest-lasting Pacific typhoons in history and attained climatological records for its unusually early impacts. Typhoon Imbudo in July caused several deaths and extensive damage across the Philippines and China. In September, Typhoon Maemi became one of the costliest typhoons in recorded history after striking South Korea; Maemi was also the most intense tropical cyclone of the season with a minimum barometric pressure of 910mbar (hPa; 26.87inHg). In late November, Typhoon Lupit devastated areas of Yap State in the Federated States of Micronesia. The season closed with the dissipation of a tropical depression east of the Philippines on December27.
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 2003 Pacific hurricane season. Tropical Storms formed in the entire west Pacific basin are assigned a name by the Tokyo Typhoon Center. Tropical depressions in this basin monitored by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center(JTWC) 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.[1]
On March5, 2003, meteorologists from the University College London at the Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) Consortium issued an extended range forecast for the typhoon season, noting the likelihood of near average tropical cyclone activity as a result of projected neutral sea surface temperatures. The forecast indicated the potential for 26.2tropical storms, compared to the 10– and 30-year average of 27.8 and 26.3storms, respectively.[3] The following month, the group raised their forecast for tropical storms to 26.7, indicating a slightly above average season.[4] Over next two months, however, fluctuations in sea surface temperatures, particularly those in the Central Pacific, caused the group to revise their predictions downward and indicated the probability for a slightly below average typhoon season in their June forecast.[6] A rise in sea surface temperatures in the following months prompted the forecasting group to once again raise their forecasts to indicate a near-average season in their final August forecast update, which predicted 27tropical storms.[8] The group was very accurate in their forecasts, with their April and August forecasts being the most accurate.[2]
Similarly, meteorologists working with the City University of Hong Kong issued a seasonal projection on April24, 2003, indicating the likelihood of a normal or below normal season with 29total tropical cyclones, 26tropical storms, and 16typhoons. As with the TSR, the group primarily based their forecast numbers on the prevailing status of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.[9] The City University of Hong Kong revised their forecasts on June 24, 2003, indicating a slight increase of total tropical cyclones to 30.[10] The group was also accurate in their forecasts for the entirety of the Northwest Pacific, though their specialized forecasts for the South China Sea were substantially off.[11]
The Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) index for the 2003 Pacific typhoon season as calculated by Colorado State University using data from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center was 337.4units.[14]
Throughout the season, sea surface temperatures within the western equatorial Pacific were above normal, including those in the South China Sea. Areas of convection persisted year-round in the lower latitudes, particularly around the Philippines. Atmospheric divergence was also prevalent in the same regions, resulting in enhanced tropical cyclogenesis east of the Philippines in 2003; the mean region of development of tropical systems during the year was more southwest than the 1971–2000 30-year average. In 2003, the JMA monitored 21tropical cyclones of at least tropical storm intensity; of those, 14reached typhoon intensity. Though the number of tropical storms was below average, the ratio between tropical storms and typhoons was 66%greater than normal.[12] The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitored three additional cyclones of at least tropical storm intensity that were not monitored by the JMA.[1][15][16]
The season began with the formation of Tropical Storm Yanyan on January15. After its dissipation five days later, no tropical cyclones of at least tropical storm intensity developed over the next two months. This period of inactivity ended with the formation of Typhoon Kujira in mid-April;[12] Kujira was one of the longest lived Pacific storms on record and was the first typhoon with 1-minute sustained winds of at least 240km/h (150mph) in April since Typhoon Isa in 1997.[17] Tropical activity was enhanced from May to June, and during this period the JMA monitored four tropical storms,[12] while the PAGASA monitored a fifth storm off the eastern Philippines.[1] Three of the four tropical storms monitored by the JMA approached or hit Japan,[12] including Typhoon Soudelor, which brought heavy rainfall and wind across the Ryukyu Islands and the Korean Peninsula.[18]
Tropical activity once again declined towards the second half of June and first half of July.[12] The second half of July, however, featured the development of typhoons Imbudo and Koni, which both tracked westward across the Philippines before striking areas near Saipan and other regions of southeastern China.[19] Imbudo caused the deaths of 78people and US$383million in damage.[19][20][nb 1] August was a highly active month for tropical cyclogenesis, with a total of six tropical storms monitored by the JMA, JTWC, and PAGASA. This included typhoons Krovanh and Dujuan, which also struck southeastern China. Typhoon Etau earlier in the month made landfall in Japan, resulting in 17deaths.[16][22]
Activity was somewhat below average in September, with only one tropical cyclone making landfall, Maemi.[12][23] However, Maemi was the strongest tropical cyclone of the season and was the costliest with roughly US$4.8billion in damage, mostly in South Korea.[24] Tropical cyclogenesis and activity continued to decline after August, with October featuring only three tropical storms. However, two, Ketsana and Parma, reached typhoon intensity; both stayed away from land.[25][26] November featured less storms but was climatologically average, with two typhoons developing.[27] The second typhoon, Lupit, devastated portions of Yap State, resulting in approximately $1.7million in damage.[28] In December, the JTWC and PAGASA monitored a sole tropical system east of the Philippines, though the JMA did not monitor or classify any tropical cyclones during the month.[29]
On January11, the JTWC began monitoring the disturbance that would eventually develop into Yanyan near the International Date Line. As the system tracked westward, it gradually moved into a more favorable environment for tropical cyclogenesis. On January14, surface observations indicated that the low-pressure area had developed a closed, low-level circulation center indicative of a tropical cyclone, satellite imagery remained inconclusive.[30] Nonetheless, the JMA classified the pressure area as a tropical depression west of the Marshall Islands at 0600UTC on January15.[12] The JTWC would follow suit by classifying the storm as such at 1800UTC later that day. At the time, the depression was tracking west-northwest under the influence of a subtropical ridge to the north.[13] Over the next day the system waned in convective activity before resuming its previous track and accelerating. At 0000UTC on January17, the JTWC upgraded the system to tropical storm intensity, though the storm remained nameless as the JMA continued to classify it as a tropical depression.[12][30]
Throughout January17 the tropical storm would again oscillate in strength, resulting in a brief downgrade by the JTWC to tropical depression intensity. However, an increase in deep convection resulted in its reclassification as a tropical storm at 1800UTC that day,[30] followed by the JMA upgrading the system to tropical storm intensity at 1200UTC on January18.[12] As such, the storm received the name Yanyan.[30] At roughly the same time, the tropical cyclone began to stall east of the Mariana Islands and curve sharply northeastward.[12] Whilst the JTWC indicated that Yanyan peaked in strength late on January18 with 1-minute sustained winds of 60km/h (37mph),[30] the JMA considered the system to have maintained the same intensity throughout its stint as a tropical storm.[12] Steered by the same nearby subtropical ridge, Yanyan would continue to track towards the northeast into a less favorable tropical cyclone environment.[30] The JMA downgraded Yanyan to tropical depression at 1200UTC on January20 before the storm transitioned into an extratropical cyclone as its low-level circulation center decoupled from the primary mass of convection due to strong wind shear.[12][13][30] At 0000UTC, both the JTWC and JMA discontinued the monitoring of Yanyan.[12][13]
Kujira developed from a broad area of disturbed weather as a tropical depression on April9 well removed from any landmasses.[13] Shortly after development, Kujira quickly intensified in its early stages, and was upgraded to a tropical storm just two days after cyclogenesis. Strengthening slowed afterwards, though the storm attained typhoon intensity on April14. Intensification continued and late on April15, Kujira reached its peak intensity with winds of 165km/h (103mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 930mbar (hPa; 27.46inHg).[12] Following peak intensity, Kujira would begin to track northwest and oscillate in strength, cresting an additional two times in intensity. On April21, the typhoon was downgraded to tropical storm intensity and began to track erratically for several days east of Taiwan. However, on April24, Kujira would resume a northward track and begin to weaken, and on April24 was downgraded to tropical depression strength as it made landfall on Kyushu.[13] Following landfall, Kujira transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on April25, which persisted until crossing the International Dateline towards the end of April2003.[17]
Shortly after developing, Kujira caused two fatalities in Pohnpei in addition to minor agricultural and infrastructural damage;[17] similar effects were felt in Guam.[31] Several days later, the typhoon prompted cyclone warnings and other precautionary measures in the Philippines after forecasts indicated the potential for strong winds and rain.[32][33] However, ultimately any effects in the archipelago associated with Kujira remained minimal.[34] The typhoon also prompted warning products in Taiwan,[35] making it the first April typhoon since 1978 to cause such a feat.[17] Unlike in the Philippines, however, Kujira would bring significant rainfall to Taiwan.[36] Effects from the typhoon were most significant in Japan,[37] particularly in the Ryukyu Islands. Strong winds, rain, and waves caused US$230,000 (¥27.8million) in agricultural damage on Ishigaki Island. One person was killed due to injuries resulting from the waves.[38] In Kyushu, heavy rainfall, peaking at 196mm (7.7in) in Ōita Prefecture, was reported.[37] Overall, despite its distance away from land and weak intensity at the time of its sole landfall, Kujira resulted in three fatalities.[17][38]
An area of convection formed on May16 to the southwest of Palau, located within an area of weak wind shear. The next day, the JMA and the JTWC both classified the system as a tropical depression. The convection was disorganized in association with multiple circulation centers, although it gradually organized. Moving westward initially, the depression turned more to the north into an area of increasing wind shear. On May19, the JTWC upgraded the system to Tropical Storm 03W,[1] and on the same day, PAGASA classified it as Tropical Depression Batibot.[39] Soon after, the convection decreased from the center, and by May20, all warning agencies had discontinued advisories.[1]
Midday on May18, the JTWC began to monitor an area of persistent disturbed weather associated with a broad low-pressure area southwest of Chuuk.[1][13] Within highly conductive conditions, the disturbance quickly organized and became classified as a tropical depression at 0000UTC the following day.[12] In its initial stages, the depression tracked slowly northeastwards. However, a shortwave trough forced a weakness in a nearby ridge, allowing for the storm to take a more streamlined, northward path.[13] At 1200UTC on May20, the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Chan-hom. Following the system's naming, Chan-hom temporarily meandered towards the northwest before resuming its northeasterly track.[12] The next day, the storm began to develop an eye;[1] this was reflected with an upgrade by the JMA to typhoon status at 0600UTC on May23. Gradual intensification followed, and at 1800UTC that day Chan-hom reached its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 155km/h (96mph) and a minimum pressure of 940 millibars (940hPa; 28inHg).[12]
Following peak intensity, Chan-hom began to intake dry air beginning on May25. At roughly the same time, the typhoon began to weaken and accelerate towards the northeast.[12] Conditions continued to worsen as the storm moved further north,[1] and as the cyclone passed east of Minamitorishima, it was downgraded to tropical storm classification.[12] By this time, Chan-hom had lost much of its convection due to wind shear.[1] Early on May27, Chan-hom had fully transitioned into an extratropical cyclone, and these remnants continued to track towards the northeast. These extratropical remnants dissipated south of the Aleutian Islands the following day.[12] Early in the typhoon's existence, Chan-hom posed a potential threat to Guam, but remained well east of the island. However, after passing to the northeast, winds from the typhoon fanned volcanic ash from the recently erupting Anatahan volcano towards the island, prompting precautionary measures in Guam.[1] Ashfalls were reported on the island, forcing the cancellation of several flights.[40] As a tropical storm, Chan-hom caused some damage to homes and crops on Chuuk, mostly due to heavy rains brought forth by the storm.[12] Offshore, a 1,040ton fishing vessel, the Nien Feioch, sank during the storm. The ship was valued at $16million.[40]
Tropical Storm Linfa developed as a tropical depression just off the western coast of Luzon on May25.[13] The disturbance quickly intensified to reach tropical storm intensity a few hours after cyclogenesis. However, intensification leveled off as Linfa executed a small clockwise loop before a subsequent landfall on Luzon on May27.[12] Due to land interaction the storm temporarily weakened and decoupled before reforming in the Philippine Sea.[1] Afterwards Linfa began reintensifying and reached its peak intensity on May29 with maximum sustained winds of 100km/h (62mph) and a barometric pressure of 980mbar (hPa; 28.94inHg).[13] Following its peak the tropical storm began to deteriorate and transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on May30; these extratropical remnants continued to track northward through Japan before dissipating in the Sea of Okhotsk on June4.[12]
The erratic and slow movement of Linfa off the western Philippines was the catalyst for extreme rainfall and flooding, killing 41persons in the archipelago. Precipitation peaked at 723mm (28.5in) near Dagupan.[1] Rising floodwaters resulted in the temporary shutdown of government offices and numerous mudslides.[41][42] In addition, strong winds caused widespread power outages.[41] Overall damage from Linfa in the Philippines amounted to ₱192.3million (US$3.65million).[1] The floods also displaced 8,367people in 1,686families and destroyed 178homes.[43][44] Linfa and its extratropical remnants later brought torrential rainfall and widespread flooding to Japan, particularly in southwestern regions. Rainfall there peaked at 727mm (28.6in).[45] Flood damage was worst in Kōchi and Tokushima Prefectures, where several buildings were destroyed by floodwater.[46][47] Other locations in Japan experienced considerable agricultural damage as well as numerous landslides.[48] Overall, Linfa caused roughly $28.2million in damage, much of which occurred in Japan, though the entirety of deaths associated with the cyclone took place in the Philippines.[1]
In late May, an area of disturbed weather began to persist in the South China Sea.[1] The JTWC began to monitor the storm cluster on May29.[13] The following day, the JMA reclassified the system as a tropical depression;[12] initially the system remained highly disorganized due to the lack of deep convection.[1] Persistent moderate wind shear and dry air prevented the cyclone from strengthening significantly in the storm's early stages.[13] These conditions abated as the depression tracked northeast, and at 0000UTC on June1, the JMA upgraded the system to Tropical Storm Nangka.[1][12] Throughout the course of the day, Nangka continued to strengthen as it accelerated northeast, and peaked in strength with a barometric pressure of 985mbar (985hPa; 29.1inHg) and maximum sustained winds of 95km/h (59mph), making it a severe tropical storm.[12]
However, upon moving through the Bashi Channel, conditions began to deteriorate due to increased wind shear, weakening the system and resulting in its downgrade to tropical depression status by the JMA at 1200UTC on June3.[12] Nangka continued to become increasingly disorganized as it moved further north,[1] and late that day, the depression transitioned to an extratropical cyclone. The resulting remnants continued to track well east of Japan before dissipating on June7.[12] Due to its track away from landmasses, damage remained minimal; however, as Nangka passed to the south and east of Japan, the storm brought light rainfall to the country, peaking at 81mm (3.2in) in Minamidaitō, Okinawa.[49]
A tropical disturbance persisted in the monsoon trough northwest of Pohnpei on June7, and moved westward without development due to wind shear.[18] On June11, the shear decreased enough to allow the convection to organize,[13][18] and the next day the JMA classified it as a tropical depression northeast of Palau. On June13, the JMA upgraded it to Tropical Storm Soudelor to the east of the Philippines,[12] and PAGASA gave it the local name "Egay".[50] Soudelor moved to the northwest and later to the north, parallel to the eastern Philippines, and on June17, the JMA upgraded it to typhoon status.[12] The storm rapidly intensified to the east of Taiwan as it developed a well-defined eye,[18] and while doing so passed over the Japanese island of Iriomote-jima at around 2030UTC on June17.[12] At 0600UTC on June18, the JTWC estimated peak 1minute winds of 215km/h (134mph),[13] while the JMA estimated peak 10minute winds of 150km/h (93mph).[12] Increased shear weakened the typhoon to tropical storm strengthen on June19, and later that day the JMA declared the storm as extratropical near the Oki Islands. The extratropical remnants of Soudelor continued to the northeast, crossing northern Japan on June20 and dissipating on June24.[12]
While offshore the Philippines, Soudelor dropped heavy rainfall that caused flooding and left thousands homeless.[13][18] The storm caused ₱131million (PHP, US$2.46million) in damage and 12deaths.[51] On the Japanese island of Iriomote-jima, where wind gusts reached 204km/h (127mph).[18] It also affected Taiwan, where floods covered highways and caused mudslides.[52] In Japan, the storm caused widespread power outages, although damage was minimal, and there were 21injuries.[53] In South Korea, there was $12.1million in damage and two deaths.[54]
On July 9, PAGASA classified a system as Tropical Depression Falcon, off the west coast of the Philippines. The JMA also briefly initiated advisories before dropping them later on July 10.[19]
On July15, the JMA estimated that a tropical depression formed,[12] and the next day the JTWC initiated advisories on Tropical Depression 09W about 665km (413mi) east of Yap. A subtropical ridge near Okinawa steered the nascent depression to the west-northwest for much of its duration. With warm waters and favorable upper-level conditions, the depression quickly organized,[13] first to Tropical Storm Imbudo on July17, and to typhoon status two days later,[12] when PAGASA begin issuing advisories on Typhoon Harurot.[20] Around that time, Imbudo was rapidly intensifying, developing a well-defined eye.[19] At 1200UTC on July20, the JMA estimated peak 10minute sustained winds of 165km/h (103mph),[12] and the same time, the JTWC estimated 1minute sustained winds of 240km/h (150mph), making it a super typhoon.[13] Imbudo maintained peak winds for about 12hours,[12] before undergoing an eyewall replacement cycle.[19] At 0300UTC on July22, Imbudo struck northern Luzon, with 1minute winds estimated at 205km/h (127mph) by the JTWC.[13] It weakened over land, but re-intensified in the South China Sea,[12] striking southern China near Yangjiang, Guangdong on July24.[55] Imbudo rapidly weakened, dissipating on July25.[12]
In the Philippines, officials evacuated over 14,000people.[55] Imbudo was the strongest typhoon to strike since Typhoon Zeb five years prior,[19] The typhoon left widespread areas flooded for several days.[56] Damage was heaviest in the Cagayan Valley, where over 80,000people were displaced by the storm.[57] In Isabela, high winds wrecked most of the banana crop and severely damaged other crops.[58] Throughout the Philippines, Imbudo damaged or destroyed 62,314houses,[57] causing P4.7billion (2003PHP, $86million 2003USD) in damage. There were 64deaths in the country.[20] In southern China in Yangjiang, more than 30,000people evacuated ahead of the storm,[59] and more than half of the trees in the city fell due to strong winds.[60] High winds killed a man in Hong Kong after knocking him off a platform.[55] Throughout Guangdong, Imbudo destroyed 595,000houses and caused eight deaths. Heavy rains spread across southern China, peaking at 343mm (13.5in) at Hepu County in Guangxi province. There, 12people died from the storm. Overall damage in China was about ¥4.45 billion (CNY, $297million USD).[19]
Koni originated from a tropical depression situated within the monsoon trough to the east of the Philippines on July15. Tracking westward, intensification was slow and the system remained a tropical depression as it moved across the central Philippines on July17. Upon moving into the South China Sea, conditions allowed for quicker strengthening, and the cyclone reached tropical storm status on July18 before reaching its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 110km/h (68mph), making it a severe tropical storm. However, atmospheric conditions began to deteriorate as Koni made landfall on Hainan on July21, weakening the system. The tropical storm continued to weaken as it moved over the Gulf of Tonkin prior to a final landfall near Hanoi, Vietnam the following day. Tracking inland, the combination of land interaction and wind shear caused Koni to dissipate over Laos on July23.[12][19]
Shortly after development, Koni tracked through the Philippines, killing two people.[61] After moving into the South China Sea, turbulence produced by the storm resulted in an aviation incident involving a commercial airliner off the western Philippines. Three of the plane's occupants received minor injuries.[62] In Hainan, Koni caused heavy rainfall, peaking at 189mm (7.4in) at a station on Wuzhi Mountain. The rains resulted in the collapse of 1,400homes and an estimated CN¥140.27million (US$16.9million) in direct economic losses.[19] Effects were worst in Vietnam, where three people were killed.[63] Widespread power outages occurred, and strong winds resulted in agricultural and infrastructural damage, particularly in Vietnam's northern provinces.[13][61]
In July 30, the PAGASA briefly issued advisories on Tropical Depression Ineng off the east coast of Mindanao.[19] The depression dissipated the next day, causing about P8million (PHP, US$145,000) in damage.[64]
Morakot spawned from an area of disturbed weather in the Philippine Sea on July31.[16] Tracking northwest, favorable conditions allowed for the intensification of the system to tropical storm strength on August2. Morakot reached peak intensity later that day with winds of 85km/h (53mph) and a minimum barometric pressure of 992mbar (hPa; 28.29inHg).[12] This intensity was held for several hours until less conducive atmospheric conditions slightly weakened the system; this was followed by Morakot making landfall on southern Taiwan on August3. Subsequently, the storm weakened and moved into the Taiwan Strait before making its final landfall near Quanzhou, China the next day.[13] The storm quickly weakened over the Chinese mainland, and dissipated entirely several hours after landfall.[12]
In Taiwan, where Morakot first made landfall, heavy rainfall resulted in flooding.[16] Commercial flights, schools, and rail service in some areas was cancelled in advance of the storm.[65][66] Precipitation there peaked at 653mm (25.7in) over a period of nearly two days in Taitung County.[16] Crop damage also resulted from the rainfall, and was estimated at over NT$70million (US$2million).[61] In China, record rainfall was reported. The worst impacted city was Quanzhou, where losses due to Morakot reached CN¥240million (US$29million) and one death was reported. Power outages were also widespread across southeastern China. Due to preexisting drought conditions, 703cloud seeding operations took place in order to artificially generate added rainfall; such operations resulted in moderate precipitation over the targeted area.[16] Overall, Morakot caused roughly $31million in damage and three deaths.[16][61]
A tropical depression developed on August2 southeast of Guam, and gradually intensified while moving to the northwest, becoming a tropical storm on August3 and a typhoon a day later.[12] Etau formed an eye and became a large storm by the time it approached Okinawa on August7.[16] The typhoon attained peak winds of 155km/h (96mph) before weakening slightly while turning to the northeast. Etau made landfall on the Japanese island of Shikoku on August8, and later moved across portions of Honshu and Hokkaido. After weakening to tropical storm status, the cyclone became extratropical on August9 and dissipated three days later.[12]
While passing northeast of the Philippines, the typhoon caused light damage in the archipelago.[67] The eye crossed over Okinawa,[16] where Etau left 166,800people without power and caused 10injuries.[68] Near where Etau first struck Japan, Muroto reported a peak wind gust of 166km/h (103mph), at the time the third strongest on record there.[16] The typhoon also dropped torrential rainfall peaking at 683mm (26.9in).[69] The combination of winds and rainfall caused landslides, particularly on Hokkaido.[70] Nationwide, Etau killed 20people, destroyed 708houses, and caused ¥35.1billion (JPY, $294.8million USD) in damage.[69]
Krovanh originated from a tropical disturbance within the monsoon trough east of Chuuk State on August13.[1] Despite rather favorable conditions,[13] the initial tropical depression did not intensify significantly and degenerated into a remnant low on August18.[1] However, these remnants were able to reorganize and the system was reclassified as a tropical cyclone a day later.[12] Intensification was rather rapid upon the storm's reformation– the depression reached tropical storm status on August20 and then typhoon intensity two days later. Shortly after, Krovanh made landfall on Luzon at peak intensity with winds of 120km/h (75mph).[12] The typhoon emerged into the South China Sea as a much weaker tropical storm,[13] though it was able to restrengthen over warm waters.[12] Once again at typhoon intensity, Krovanh clipped Hainan before moving over the Leizhou Peninsula on its way to a final landfall near Cẩm Phả, Vietnam on August25. Quick weakening due to land interaction occurred as Krovanh moved across northern Vietnam, where the storm met its demise the following day.[1][13]
Krovanh first struck the Philippines, resulting in heavy rainfall and displacing approximately 1,000families.[1] The flooding caused severe damage and killed one person.[61] Krovanh's effects were much more severe in China.[1] In Hong Kong, eleven people were injured and isolated flooding occurred as a result of the typhoon's outer rainbands.[61] However, Guangdong Province, Hainan Province, and Guangxi were the Chinese regions most extensively impacted. The typhoon brought record wind gusts into Guangxi.[1] In those three regions combined, 13,000homes were estimated to have collapsed and a large swath of farmland was damaged. Two people were killed in China and economic losses approximated to ¥2.1 billion (US$253 million).[61] Due to its positioning and track, of all areas in Vietnam only the country's more northern regions were impacted by Krovanh.[71]Flash flooding occurred in earnest in those regions, and 1,000homes were flattened.[61][71] One person was killed and five others were injured in Vietnam.[72] Overall, the typhoon was responsible for the deaths of four persons.[1]
The monsoon trough spawned several tropical disturbances in the middle of August, one of which became Tropical Depression Lakay near the Philippines. On August18, an area of convection persisted on the southern side of a circulation,[16] developing into a tropical depression east of Luzon.[12] It moved quickly northward and later to the northwest in an area generally unfavorable for strengthening, such as the presence of wind shear and land interaction.[16] On August19, the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Vamco to the east of Taiwan.[12] Later that day, the circulation passed just 55km (34mi) north of Taipei, although the convection was exposed that time.[16] On August20, the JMA assessed Vamco as dissipating in the Taiwan Strait,[12] although the JTWC continued advisories until the storm moved ashore in southeastern China.[16]
Rainfall in Taiwan reached 69mm (2.7in) in Ilan County.[16] On the island, the storm left several hundred houses without power due to a lightning strike.[73] On mainland China, rainfall peaked at 101mm (4.0in) in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, which were largely beneficial in easing drought conditions, while winds gusted to 100km/h (62mph). The storm damaged or destroyed 5,880houses and flooded 1,287ha (3,180 acres) of paddy fields, causing ¥38.6million (CNY, US$4.7million) in damage.[16]
The monsoon trough spawned a tropical depression north of Luzon on August18, with PAGASA naming it Lakay. There were several circulations in the region, with Tropical Storm Vamco to the northeast near Taiwan, and the overall system moved generally westward. PAGASA briefly classified Lakay as a tropical storm on August19 before ending advisories the next day. The system spread rainfall across China, reaching 82.4mm (3.24in) in Xiamen, Fujuan.[16]
On August27, a tropical depression developed about 520km (320mi) northwest of Guam, which initially drifted to the southwest before turning to the northwest. On August29, the JMA upgraded it to Tropical Storm Dujuan,[12] and that day PAGASA began issuing advisories on Tropical Storm Onyok.[74] The storm quickly intensified into a typhoon,[12] after developing an eye in the center.[16] On September1, the JMA estimated Dujuan attained peak 10minute winds of 150km/h (93mph),[12] and the JTWC assessed peak 1–minute winds of 230km/h (140mph). While near peak intensity, the center of Dujuan passed about 45km (28mi) south of the southern tip of Taiwan.[13] The typhoon weakened steadily and was a severe tropical storm by the time it made landfall on September2 just east of Hong Kong.[12] The JTWC estimated landfall winds of 185km/h (115mph),[13] making it the strongest typhoon to strike the Pearl River Delta since Typhoon Hope in 1979.[75] Dujuan rapidly weakened while continuing westward through China, dissipating on September3 over Guangxi.[12]
In the Philippines, Dujuan interacted with the monsoon to produce heavy rainfall,[76] killing one person.[77] While in the vicinity, Dujuan produced gusts of 100km/h (62mph) on Yonaguni, a Japanese subdivision of Okinawa.[78] Heavy rainfall in Taiwan reached 628mm (24.7in) in Pingtung County, and winds peaked at 176km/h (109mph) on Orchid Island before the anemometer was destroyed.[16] The caused about NT$200 (NWD, $115million USD) in crop damage, and killed three people.[79] Damage was minor in Hong Kong,[75] and four fishermen were missing and presumed drowned after their boat sank.[16] On the Chinese mainland, strong winds left 90% of the city of Shenzhen without power,[79] and killed 16construction workers due to a half-finished building collapsing.[75] Across Guangdong, the typhoon damaged crops and destroyed 54,000homes were destroyed.[16][80] Overall damage in China was estimated at ¥2.3billion (CNY, US$277million), and across Guangdong, the typhoon killed 40people.[79]
Typhoon Maemi formed on September4 from the monsoon trough in the western Pacific Ocean.[13] It slowly intensified into a tropical storm while moving northwestward, and Maemi became a typhoon on September8. That day, it quickly intensified due to favorable conditions, developing a well-defined eye and reaching peak maximum sustained winds of 195km/h (121mph). While near peak intensity, Maemi was decelerating and began turning to the north-northeast.[12][23] The eyewall soon after passed over the Japanese island of Miyako-jima on September10, producing the fourth lowest pressure on record in Japan after a pressure of 912mbar (26.9inHg) was recorded.[23] With warm waters, Maemi was able to maintain much of its intensity before it made landfall just west of Busan, South Korea on September12.[81] On Jeju Island, Maemi produced a peak wind gust of 216km/h (134mph) and a minimum pressure of 950mbar (28inHg), both setting records for the country,[81] and making it the most powerful typhoon to strike South Korea since record-keeping began in the country in 1904.[24] The typhoon became extratropical in the Sea of Japan the next day, although the remnants persisted for several more days, bringing strong winds to northern Japan.[12]
The typhoon first affected the Ryukyu Islands of Japan.[12] On Miyako-jima, strong winds damaged 104buildings,[82] and 95% of residents lost power.[83] Maemi dropped heavy rainfall there, including rates of 58.5mm (2.30in) in an hour, and 402.5mm (15.85in) in 24hours, the latter setting a record.[23] One person died on Miyako-jima after being struck by flying glass.[84] Elsewhere in Japan, the storm caused flights to be canceled,[85] while rainfall-induced landslides blocked roads.[86] There were two other deaths in Japan, and damage totaled ¥11.3billion (JPY, $96million USD).[87] Damage was heaviest in South Korea, notably where it moved ashore. Winds in Busan near the landfall location reached 154km/h (96mph), the second-highest on record.[88] There, the port sustained heavy damage, causing disruptions to exports in the months following the storm. Nationwide, the high winds destroyed about 5,000houses and damaged 13,000homes and businesses, leaving 25,000people homeless.[24][89] About 1.47million lost power,[90] and widespread crop damage occurred, resulting in the worst rice crop in 23years.[91] Across South Korea, Maemi killed 117people,[81] and overall damage totaled ₩5.52trillion won (US$4.8billion).[24]
Later in September, the monsoon trough spawned a disturbance east of the Philippines that PAGASA classified as Tropical Depression Quiel on September15. The system moved westward but never intensified,[23] dissipating west of Luzon on September19.[92] The broad system also spawned Typhoon Choi-wan.[23]
In the middle of September, the monsoon trough spawned a rapidly organizing disturbance east-northeast of Luzon,[13] with weak wind shear and favorable conditions.[23] On September16, the JMA classified it as a tropical depression,[12] and the JTWC initiated advisories the next day.[13] The system moved to the northwest due to the subtropical ridge to the northeast and later to the north.[13] On September18, the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Choi-wan, the same day that PAGASA classified it as Tropical Storm Roskas (the only time this name was used, as it was retired the following year). An eastward-moving trough turned the storm to the northeast,[23] bringing the track over Okinawa and Amami Ōshima on September19. Choi-wan continued gradually intensifying, becoming a typhoon on September20 to the southeast of Japan. That day, the JMA estimated peak winds of 130km/h (81mph),[12] and the JTWC estimated peak 1minute winds of 185km/h (115mph) on September21,[13] after Choi-wan developed a well-defined eye. The typhoon weakened due to increasing wind shear, deteriorating to severe tropical storm status on September22 before JMA declared it extratropical on September23. The remnants of Choi-wan continued to the northeast, exited the basin on September24,[12] and eventually struck southern Alaska on September25.[25]
Wind gusts in Okinawa reached 115km/h (71mph), while on the volcanic island of Hachijō-jima, gusts reached 214km/h (133mph). On the Japanese mainland, winds gusted to 126km/h (78mph) at Chōshi, Chiba.[23] Choi-wan dropped heavy rainfall while near Japan, peaking at 316mm (12.4in) on Miyake-jima.[93] In Okinawa, Choi-wan flooded a boat, forcing its occupants to be rescued by the Coast Guard. Also on the island, heavy rainfall caused landslides and flooded houses.[94] In Amami Ōshima, the storm left 10,810people without power.[95] On Hachijō, wind gusts of 214km/h (133mph) damaged about 200houses.[96] Nationwide, Choi-wan destroyed 191homes, injured 9people, and left about ¥300million (JPY, US$2.5million).[93]
Towards the end of September, the monsoon trough spawned a tropical disturbance east-northeast of Yap,[13] which became a tropical depression on September24. There were initially several circulations, with a tropical upper tropospheric trough to the northeast increasing outflow. After slowing and turning to the northeast, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Koppu on September26. After the storm developed a large eye feature, the JTWC upgraded it to typhoon status on September27, although the JMA did not follow suit until the following day while near Chichi-jima. Also that day, Koppu passed 95km (59mi) west of Iwo Jima, and the JMA estimated peak 10minute winds of 130km/h (81mph).[12][23] The JTWC estimated peak 1minute winds of 165km/h (103mph), before an approaching trough caused the typhoon to accelerate northeastward.[13] The convection diminished near the center, causing Koppu to become extratropical on September30.[23] The remnants continued generally northeastward through the Aleutian Islands, eventually passing south of mainland Alaska on October7.[25]
On Chichi-jima, Typhoon Koppu produced sustained winds of 102km/h (63mph), with gusts to 200km/h (120mph), which was the third strongest on record for the station.[23] Rainfall there reached 183mm (7.2in).[97] Wind gusts on Iwo Jima peaked at 109km/h (68mph).[23]
On October 6, the JTWC classified Tropical Depression 18W early in the month off the west coast of Luzon. With weak steering currents, the system moved slowly southwestward before looping to the northwest. On October10, the depression dissipated just off the coast of southern China.[13]
Following the demise of 18W, the JTWC monitored Tropical Depression 19W, which developed on October12 after an extratropical storm produced an area of convection. Described as a subtropical low, the depression moved generally northeastward toward Japan due to an approaching cold front.[26] The depression moved through Kyushu and Honshu before dissipating on October13.[13]
The depression dropped 285mm (11.2in) of rainfall in Kōchi, while strong winds associated reached 217km/h (135mph) through a storm-produced downburst. The winds knocked over two cranes, killing two people, and left about 9,000homes without power. The depression also killed two people due to drownings.
In the middle of October, an area of convection persisted along the monsoon trough between Luzon and Guam, developing into a tropical depression on October17. The same monsoon trough later spawned Typhoon Parma to the east. For several days, the system remained disorganized while drifting to the west-northwest due to weak steering currents south of the subtropical ridge. On October19, the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Ketsana, and by that time the storm had begun drifting to the northeast. With favorable outflow, Ketsana quickly intensified into a typhoon on October20 after developing an eye, and two days later, the JMA estimated peak winds of 165km/h (103mph). The JTWC estimated peak 1minute winds of 230km/h (140mph) around the time the well-defined eye had expanded to 37km (23mi). Subsequently, the typhoon accelerated northeastward into the westerlies and began weakening due to increasing wind shear and dry air. On October26, Ketsana became extratropical to the east of Japan and dissipated the next day.[12][13][26] The passage of the typhoon caused surface chlorophyll a concentration in the ocean to increase 30-fold.[98]
The same monsoon trough that spawned Typhoon Koppu also produced an area of convection to the north-northeast of Guam, becoming a tropical depression on October19. The system moved northwestward and later turned to the northeast around the subtropical ridge. With low wind shear and favorable outflow, the convection became better organized, and the JMA upgraded it to Tropical Storm Parma on October21. After an eye began to form, Parma was upgraded to typhoon status the next day. An approaching trough caused Parma to accelerate northeastward while also increasing outflow. On October24, the JMA estimated peak winds of 175km/h (109mph) while the JTWC estimated winds of 240km/h (150mph), an unusually high intensity for 30° N. Subsequently, Parma rounded the subtropical ridge and began moving to the east-southeast, beginning a nearly week-long loop.[12][13][26] The cold front had passed to the north and failed to bring the typhoon northeastward.[25]
Increasing wind shear weakened the convection, and Parma deteriorated into a severe tropical storm on October26. The next day, it began moving westward while passing about 345km (214mi) north of Wake Island. A large eye of 110km (68mi) in diameter developed, and on October28, the JMA re-upgraded Parma to typhoon status. The next day, the typhoon turned to the northeast due to another approaching trough. With decreasing wind shear and warmer waters, Parma re-intensified significantly on October29, reaching a secondary peak of 165km/h (103mph) according to JMA, and 215km/h (134mph) according to JTWC. The storm moved very closely along the track it took several days prior. Increasing wind shear on October30 caused rapid weakening, resulting in the eye dissipating. By the next day, the center was exposed, and Parma became extratropical, later exiting the basin on November1.[12][13][26] The remnants weakened, later turning to the southeast and dissipating on November11 southwest of California.[25]
On October22, a tropical depression developed in the South China Sea, classified by PAGASA as Ursula. The system moved eastward and crossed Palawan before dissipating on October 24.[26] In the Philippines, the depression killed one person and caused minor damage.[99]
Late in October, an area of convection persisted northwest of Palau and quickly organized into a tropical depression on October29. Moving west-northwestward toward the Philippines due to a ridge to the east, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Melor on October30. With minimal wind shear, the storm strengthened further and developed a large eye. The JTWC upgraded Melor to typhoon status on October31, estimating peak 1minute winds of 140km/h (87mph), although the JMA estimated the storm only attained peak 10minute winds of 95km/h (59mph). Early on November1, Melor made landfall on northeastern Luzon in the Philippines, south of Palanan. The storm weakened over land and emerged into the South China Sea. By that time, it was moving northward along the periphery of the ridge to the east. On November2, Melor turned to the northeast, passing just east of Taiwan. The next day, it weakened to tropical depression status, and after meandering offshore eastern Taiwan, Melor continued northeastward. It became extratropical on November5 and dissipated the next day near southern Japan.[12][13][26]
In the Philippines, Melor dropped about 150mm (5.9in) of rainfall, which flooded the Cagayan River and killed four people.[100] In Taiwan, rainfall reached 554mm (21.8in) in Pingtung County.[26] On the Japanese island of Hateruma, rainfall totaled 197mm (7.8in),[101] which broke the hourly and daily record for the station in November.[26]
A tropical depression developed near Yap on November11.[12] The system intensified gradually as it tracked quickly westward toward the Philippines. An anticyclone aloft allowed for strengthening,[27] and the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Nepartak on November12.[12] Simultaneously, the cyclone entered the area of responsibility of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, which named it Tropical Storm Weng.[102] At around 1600UTC on November 13, Nepartak made landfall on northern Samar Island in the Philippines before traversing the remainder of the archipelago from east to west.[12] The cyclone emerged into the South China Sea weakened but quickly re-intensified while continuing to the west-northwest.[27] The JTWC estimated peak winds of 140km/h (87mph) on November16,[13] and later that day, the JMA upgraded the storm to typhoon status, estimating peak 10-minute winds of 120km/h (75mph). On November18, Nepartak passed near southwestern Hainan and weakened,[12] with the convection diminishing from the circulation. By the next day, the system weakened to tropical depression status, and dissipated shortly after moving ashore over Beihai, China.[27]
In the Philippines, Nepartak produced strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas.[103] The storm caused widespread power outages and ferry disruptions.[104][105] According to the PAGASA in its post-storm report, a total of 13people died during the storm.[102] On Hainan, the storm helped end one of the worst summer droughts in almost 65years,[13] although it also left heavy crop damage, wrecking 64,000ha (160,000 acres) of fields and killing 400 head of livestock.[106] With about 800 homes destroyed, damage on Hainan amounted to $197 million (2003 USD).[13][27] Effects were minor in mainland China.[107]
Typhoon Lupit formed on November18 from the monsoon trough to the west of the Marshall Islands.[12][13] Early in its duration, it moved generally to the west or west-southwest. On November21, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Lupit, and two days later, it strengthened into a typhoon,[12] developing an eye. Lupit later began a prolonged movement to the northwest, during which it passed near several islands in Yap State.[27] The typhoon reached peak intensity on November26, with peak 10–minute sustained winds of 185km/h (115mph).[12] It later weakened due to a variety of unfavorable conditions,[27] and after recurving to the northeast, Lupit became extratropical south of Japan on December2.[12]
Typhoon Lupit first affected Pohnpei with gusty winds, and later it damaged or destroyed about 200homes in Chuuk State. There, high waves flooded roads and homes, while high winds damaged crops. Damage was heaviest in Yap State, mostly in the small Ulithi atoll and Fais Island. On both islands, the typhoon contaminated the water supply and wrecked the crops. Rainfall reached 263mm (10.4in) on Ulithi, and gusts reached 158km/h (98mph). Throughout the FSM, damage totaled about $1.7million, although there were no deaths.[108] The damage prompted the FSM government to declare two states as disaster areas,[109] as well as a disaster declaration from the United States federal government.[110] While Lupit was becoming extratropical, it became the first typhoon in December to threaten Japan in 13years.[111] The storm dropped rainfall that resulted in mudslides and flight cancellations.[112][113]
The final system of the year was a tropical depression that originated out of the monsoon trough on December24 east of the Philippines. After initially moving to the west, it turned to the south, and the JTWC estimated the depression intensified into a tropical storm.[13] During this time, PAGASA classified it as Tropical Storm Zigzag.[114] The system made landfall in northeastern Mindanao and dissipated on December 27, bringing heavy rainfall.[29]
Other systems
On September5, former Hurricane Jimena crossed the International Date Line into the basin. By that time, the circulation was largely exposed from the convection, and the center quickly dissipated.[16]
On October5, the JMA monitored a tropical depression southeast of Taiwan that later passed near the island, producing heavy rainfall that peaked at 153mm (6.0in) in Ilan County. On October 16, the JMA briefly classified a tropical depression to the east of the Marianas Islands.[26]
In mid-November, the JMA briefly tracked a weak tropical depression near Wake Island.[27] The agency also briefly tracked a tropical depression off the coast of Vietnam on December 16. It finally dissipated on December 17, with the pressure and winds unknown.[29]
Storm names
Within the North-western Pacific Ocean, both the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration assign names to tropical cyclones that develop in the Western Pacific, which can result in a tropical cyclone having two names.[15] The Japan Meteorological Agency's RSMC Tokyo— Typhoon Center assigns international names to tropical cyclones on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee, should they be judged to have 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 65km/h (40mph).[115] While the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration assigns names to tropical cyclones which move into or form as a tropical depression in their area of responsibility located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N-25°N even if the cyclone has had an international name assigned to it.[15] The names of significant tropical cyclones are retired, by both PAGASA and the Typhoon Committee.[115] Should the list of names for the Philippine region be exhausted then names will be taken from an auxiliary list of which the first ten are published each season. Unused names are marked in gray.
During the season 21 named tropical cyclones developed in the Western Pacific and were named by the Japan Meteorological Agency, when it was determined that they had become tropical storms. These names were contributed to a list of a 140 names submitted by the fourteen members nations and territories of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. All of these names were used for the first (and only, in the cases of Yanyan, Imbudo, Koni, and Maemi) time this year.
Yanyan
Kujira
Chan-hom
Linfa
Nangka
Soudelor
Imbudo
Koni
Morakot
Etau
Vamco
Krovanh
Dujuan
Maemi
Choi-wan
Koppu
Ketsana
Parma
Melor
Nepartak
Lupit
Philippines
Amang
Batibot
Chedeng
Dodong
Egay
Falcon
Gilas
Harurot
Ineng
Juaning
Kabayan
Lakay
Manang
Niña
Onyok
Pogi
Quiel
Roskas
Sikat
Tisoy
Ursula
Viring
Weng
Yoyoy
Zigzag
Auxiliary list
Abe(unused)
Berto(unused)
Charing(unused)
Danggit(unused)
Estoy(unused)
Fuego(unused)
Gening(unused)
Hantik(unused)
Irog(unused)
Joker(unused)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration 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. The names not retired from this list will be used again in the 2007 season. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray. After the season, the names Batibot, Gilas, Lakay, Manang, Niña, Pogi, Roskas, and Sikat were replaced with Bebeng, Goring, Lando, Mina, Nonoy, Pedring, Ramon, and Sendong for unknown reasons.
The names Imbudo and Maemi were retired by the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. The names Molave and Mujigae were chosen to replace Imbudo and Maemi respectively. While Yanyan was requested by Hong Kong to be removed in the list, and was replaced by Dolphin. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that the name Harurot had its name retired due to extensive damage. The name Hanna was chosen to replace Harurot. Also, the name "Koni" was replaced by "Goni", after it was found that Koni was a misspelling.
Storm effects
The following table provides basic meteorological and impact information for each tropical cyclone from the 2003 Pacific typhoon season in tabular format; unnamed tropical cyclones are not included. PAGASA names for storms are provided in parentheses. Storms entering from the Central Pacific only include their information while in the western Pacific, and are noted with an asterisk *.
The 2002 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly above average Pacific typhoon season, producing twenty-six named storms, fifteen becoming typhoons, and eight super typhoons. It had an ACE over 400 units, making it one of the most active seasons worldwide. 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 2002, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Tapah, developed on January 11, while the season's last named storm, Pongsona, dissipated on December 11. The season's first typhoon, Mitag, reached typhoon status on March 1, and became the first super typhoon of the year four days later.
Typhoon Imbudo, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Harurot, was a powerful typhoon that struck the Philippines and southern China in July 2003. The seventh named storm and fourth typhoon of the season, Imbudo formed on July 15 to the east of the Philippines. The storm moved generally west-northward for much of its duration due to a ridge to the north. Favorable conditions allowed Imbudo to intensify, gradually at first before undergoing rapid deepening on July 19. After reaching typhoon status, Imbudo strengthened further to peak 10–minute sustained winds of 165 km/h (103 mph) on July 20. The typhoon made landfall on northern Luzon near peak intensity on July 22, but quickly weakened over land. Once in the South China Sea, Imbudo re-intensified slightly before making its final landfall in southern China near Yangjiang on July 24, dissipating the next day.
Typhoon Babs, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Loleng, was a powerful typhoon that struck the Philippines days after Typhoon Zeb hit the same area. The seventh typhoon of the inactive 1998 Pacific typhoon season, Babs formed on October 14 between the Philippines and Guam. The storm moved westward initially, failing to intensify initially due to the outflow from Typhoon Zeb to the northwest. Babs slowed and briefly turned to the south before advancing to the northwest, whereupon it rapidly intensified into a strong typhoon. On October 20, the official Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimated peak 10‑minute winds of 155 km/h (96 mph), while the unofficial Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated peak 1‑minute winds of 250 km/h (160 mph), making Babs an unofficial super typhoon. The storm struck the Philippine island of Catanduanes at that intensity and weakened slightly before hitting Luzon. Babs turned northward once in the South China Sea, later weakening due to unfavorable conditions and transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on October 27 in the Taiwan Strait.
Typhoon Maemi or, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Pogi, was the most powerful typhoon to strike South Korea since record-keeping began in the country in 1904. Maemi formed on September 4, 2003 from a disturbance in a monsoon trough in the western Pacific Ocean. It slowly intensified into Tropical Storm Maemi while moving northwestward, becoming a typhoon on September 8. That day, favorable conditions facilitated more rapid strengthening; the storm developed a well-defined eye and reached peak maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (121 mph). While near peak intensity, Maemi decelerated and began turning to the north-northeast. Soon after, the eyewall passed over the Japanese island of Miyako-jima on September 10 and produced an air pressure reading of 912 mbar (26.9 inHg), the fourth-lowest recorded in the nation. Due to warm waters, Maemi was able to maintain much of its intensity before it made landfall just west of Busan, South Korea, on September 12. The typhoon became extratropical in the Sea of Japan the next day, although its remnants persisted for several days, lashing northern Japan with strong winds.
Typhoon Dot, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Saling, was the strongest storm of the 1985 season. Dot originated from a small area of thunderstorm activity in early to mid October. The system was first classified on October 11, and steadily intensified over the next few days. Dot attained typhoon strength on October 15, and subsequently entered a period of explosive deepening, which was not anticipated by forecasters. The next day the intensification rate slowed, but that evening, Dot attained its maximum intensify. A steady weakening trend began on October 17, though the system maintained typhoon intensity through the passage of the Philippines. After entering the South China Sea late on October 18, Dot briefly re-intensified, only to weaken as it approached Vietnam. On October 21, Dot struck Vietnam while still a typhoon, but dissipated the next day over the high terrain of the nation.
Typhoon Soudelor, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Egay, was a powerful typhoon that underwent rapid deepening east of Taiwan in the 2003 Pacific typhoon season. It was the sixth named storm by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) of the season, as well as the third typhoon. It formed on June 12 from a disturbance in the monsoon trough, located east of the Philippines. The system moved generally to the northwest after its genesis, gradually intensifying into a tropical storm. While offshore the Philippines, Soudelor dropped heavy rainfall that caused flooding and left thousands homeless. The storm caused $2.46 million in damage, and 12 deaths.
Typhoon Clara, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Rubing, left flooding in the northern Philippines and southern China during September 1981. An area of disturbed weather was first detected on September 11 near Ponape. After moving westward, the system gradually became better organized and thunderstorm activity increased. On September 16, the system attained tropical storm status. Two days later, Clara attained typhoon intensity and subsequently began to deepen at a faster rate. On September 19, Clara reached maximum intensity, before making landfall along the northern tip of Luzon. Clara steadily weakened after interacting with land, but by late on September 20, Clara leveled off in intensity over the South China Sea. The next day, Clara moved ashore to the east-northeast of Hong Kong while still at typhoon intensity before rapidly dissipating over land.
Typhoon Rammasun, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Florita, was the first of four typhoons to contribute to heavy rainfall and deadly flooding in the Philippines in July 2002. The fifth tropical cyclone of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season, Rammasun developed around the same time as Typhoon Chataan, only further to the west. The storm tracked northwestward toward Taiwan, and on July 2 it attained its peak intensity with winds of 155 km/h (96 mph). Rammasun turned northward, passing east of Taiwan and China. In Taiwan, the outer rainbands dropped rainfall that alleviated drought conditions. In China, the rainfall occurred after previously wet conditions, resulting in additional flooding, although damage was less than expected; there was about $85 million in crop and fishery damage in one province.
Typhoon Nepartak, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Weng, was a modest tropical cyclone that struck the central Philippines and the southern China island of Hainan in November 2003. Forming as a tropical depression on November 11 between Yap and Guam, the system moved westward and slowly intensified. It received the name Nepartak midday on November 12 from the Japan Meteorological Agency, becoming the 20th named storm of the 2003 Pacific typhoon season. On November 13, Napartak struck Samar in the Philippines and bisected the island chain. Up to four million people lost power, and transportation ground to a halt; over 5,000 individuals became stranded on ships forced to stay in port during the tropical storm. It was reported that 13 individuals died in the storm in the Philippines.
Typhoon Dujuan, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Onyok, was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the Pearl River delta since Typhoon Hope in 1979. The 13th storm and 7th typhoon of the 2003 Pacific typhoon season, Dujuan developed on August 27 to the east of Taiwan. It initially moved to the northwest, slowly intensifying into a tropical storm while drawing moisture and rainfall over the Philippines. On the island of Luzon, one person was killed and areas were flooded. Dujuan quickly intensified after turning and moving quicker to the west-northwest, developing an eye. It reached peak winds of 150 km/h (93 mph) on September 1, and shortly thereafter passed just south of Taiwan. There, Dujuan left 590,000 people without power, killed three, and caused NT$200 million in crop damage. While moving through the South China Sea, the typhoon developed concentric eyewalls. Dujuan weakened to severe tropical storm status before making landfall on September 2 in southern China, just east of Hong Kong near Shenzhen, Guangdong. The storm dissipated the next day after causing 40 deaths and ¥2.3 billion in damage. Most of the deaths were in Shenzhen where the storm moved ashore, and the city experienced a near-total power outage.
Typhoon Kim, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Osang, was the second typhoon in a week to directly affect the Philippines during July 1980. Like Typhoon Joe, Kim formed from the near equatorial monsoon trough in the northwestern Pacific Ocean on July 19. The disturbance tracked quickly westward-northwest underneath a subtropical ridge, reaching tropical storm strength on the July 21 and typhoon strength on July 23. After developing an eye, Kim began to rapidly intensify, and during the afternoon of July 24, peaked in intensity as a super typhoon. Several hours later, Kim made landfall over the Philippines, but the storm had weakened considerably by this time. Throughout the Philippines, 40 people were killed, 2 via drownings, and 19,000 others were directly affected. A total of 12,000 homes were destroyed and 5,000 villages were flooded. Less than a week earlier, the same areas were affected by Joe; however, Kim was considered the more damaging of the two typhoons. Land interaction took its toll on Kim, and upon entering the South China Sea, the storm was down below typhoon intensity. Kim continued northwestward but its disrupted circulation prevented re-intensification, and it remained a tropical storm until hitting southern China July 27 to the northeast of Hong Kong, where only slight damage was reported. Later that day, Kim dissipated.
Typhoon Gerald, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Neneng, affected the Philippines, Taiwan, and China during September 1987. A tropical depression developed on September 4, and within 24 hours, intensified into a tropical storm. After initially moving erratically within the Philippine Sea, Gerald moved west-northwest and then northwest while steadily deepening. Gerald obtained typhoon intensity on September 8, and the following day, attained maximum intensity. Shortly thereafter, the typhoon skirted southwestern Taiwan, which resulted in a steady weakening trend. On September 10, Gerald moved ashore north of Hong Kong near Amoy. Gerald dissipated the next day.
Typhoon Kelly, known as Typhoon Oniang in the Philippines, struck Japan during the middle of October 1987. An area of disturbed weather formed along the monsoon trough near Yap on October 6. Although thunderstorm activity was initially displaced from the center, gradual development occurred nevertheless. The disturbance became a tropical depression on October 9, and a tropical storm the next day. While moving generally north-northwest towards Japan, Kelly attained typhoon intensity on October 12. Continuing to intensify, Typhoon Kelly reached its maximum intensity on October 15, but a weakening trend began thereafter. The next day, the typhoon passed over the islands of Shikoku and Honshu. By October 17, Kelly completed its transition into an extratropical cyclone.
Typhoon Cary, known as Typhoon Ising in the Philippines, was the second of two tropical cyclones to affect Vietnam in a week. An area of disturbed weather developed southwest of Pohnpei on August 6, 1987. The system initially remained disorganized, but by August 14, Cary had attained tropical storm intensity. After initially moving north-northwest, Cary turned west-northwest, although intensification was slow to occur. On August 15, Cary was upgraded into a typhoon, and on August 17, the typhoon peaked in intensity. Typhoon Cary then made landfall in northern Luzon while at peak intensity. Across the Philippines, 954 houses were damaged and an additional 89 were destroyed, which left 55,567 people, or 13,247 families that were either homeless or otherwise sought shelter. Five people died in the country while damage totaled $5.58 million (1987 USD), including $1.45 million from agriculture and $4.13 million from infrastructure. The storm weakened over land, but re-intensified into a typhoon over the South China Sea. On August 21, Typhoon Cary passed just south of Hainan, where hundreds of homes were damaged but no fatalities occurred, and subsequently entered the Gulf of Tonkin. The storm weakened as it approached Vietnam, and on August 23, the storm dissipated inland over Laos. Across Vietnam, almost 40,000 ha of land were flooded or destroyed. Twenty people were killed and many others were injured.
Typhoon Vera, known as Typhoon Loleng in the Philippines, affected Okinawa, China, and South Korea during August 1986. A tropical depression formed on August 13 and attained tropical storm intensity later that day. Initially, Vera meandered in the monsoon trough. On August 17, however, the system abruptly re-formed to east-northeast, and subsequently began to move east and then north. Vera became a typhoon on August 20, and peaked in intensity two days later. Typhoon Vera then turned west-northwest and slowly weakened as it approached Okinawa. After passing near the island, Vera turned north as it tracked east of China. The typhoon made landfall on South Korea on August 28 as a tropical storm, and the next day, transitioned into an extratropical cyclone.
Typhoon Abby, known as Typhoon Norming in the Philippines, was the second typhoon to affect Taiwan in a month during September 1986. A tropical depression developed on September 13 and the next day attained tropical storm status, upon which it was named Abby. Continuing to intensify, Abby moved west-northwest and became a typhoon on September 16. Two days later, the typhoon attained maximum intensity. On September 19, the typhoon made landfall in Taiwan as it turned towards the northwest. Rapid weakening occurred due to land interaction, and on September 20, Typhoon Abby transitioned into an extratropical cyclone. Its extratropical remnants were last noted on September 24 as they raced off to the northeast.
Typhoon Joe, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Nitang, affected the Philippines, China, and Vietnam during July 1980. An area of disturbed weather formed near the Caroline Islands on July 14. Shower activity gradually became better organized, and two days later, the system was upgraded into a tropical depression. On July 18, the depression was classified as Tropical Storm Joe. Initially, Joe moved northwest, but began to turn to the west-northwest, anchored by a subtropical ridge to its north. Joe started to deepen at a faster clip, and attained typhoon intensity on July 19. The eye began to clear out, and the next day, Joe reached its highest intensity. Shortly thereafter, Joe moved ashore the Philippines. There, 31 people were killed and 300,000 others were directly affected. Around 5,000 homes were destroyed, resulting in an additional 29,000 homeless. Damage in the nation was estimated at $14.5 million (1980 USD).
Typhoon Betty, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Aring, was the strongest typhoon to strike the Philippines in ten years. An area of disturbed weather developed on October 27, 1980, near Truk Atoll. After turning east from south, the disturbance was classified as a tropical storm on October 29 as it passed near Guam, causing only minor damage. Following a turn to the west-northwest, Betty attained typhoon intensity the next day. On November 4, Betty peaked in intensity. Later that day, Betty moved ashore over Luzon, introducing a rapid weakening trend. Over land, Betty then began to turn north due to a weakening subtropical ridge to its north and a trough offshore Taiwan. By November 8, Betty, after moving offshore, had completed its transition into an extratropical cyclone, and dissipated that same day.
Typhoon Faith, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Norming, struck both the Philippines and Vietnam during December 1998. A tropical disturbance developed within the vicinity of the western Caroline Islands during early December. At midday on December 8, the system developed into a tropical depression. Tracking northwest at a brisk pace, the depression gradually intensified, and was upgraded into a tropical storm at noon on December 9. Quickly intensifying, Faith turned to the west-northwest, and after tracking near Samar Island on the evening of December 10, Faith attained typhoon intensity. After clipping the northern tip of Palawan Island, the typhoon entered the South China Sea at peak intensity. Across the Philippines, 33 people were killed, with 30 others wounded and 36 others listed missing. A total of 6,423 homes were damaged and 3,234 houses were destroyed, leaving more than 20,000 homeless. Damage was estimated at $25.9 million, with $6.82 million from crops, $15.9 million from public infrastructure, and $3.37 million from private infrastructure.
Typhoon Warren, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Huaning, struck the Philippines and China during July 1988. An area of disturbed weather developed within the vicinity of the Caroline Islands during the second week of July. A tropical depression developed southeast of Guam on July 12, and on the next day, intensified into a tropical storm. Tracking generally west-northwest, Warren deepened into a typhoon on July 14. The storm subsequently entered a period of rapid intensification, commencing with Warren reaching its highest intensity on July 16. The following evening, the typhoon brushed Luzon, resulting in a weakening trend, although Warren was still a typhoon when it made landfall near Shantou. Warren rapidly dissipated inland.
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