Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | June 20,2011 |
Dissipated | June 27,2011 |
Severe tropical storm | |
10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
Highest winds | 110 km/h (70 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 975 hPa (mbar);28.79 inHg |
Tropical storm | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 100 km/h (65 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 982 hPa (mbar);29.00 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 17 [nb 1] |
Missing | 15 |
Damage | $47 million (2011 USD) |
Areas affected | Philippines,Taiwan,Ryukyu Islands,South Korea,North Korea |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2011 Pacific typhoon season |
Severe Tropical Storm Meari,known in the Philippines as Severe Tropical Storm Falcon,was an unusually large tropical cyclone that caused significant damage from the Philippines to the Korean Peninsula in June 2011.
On June 16, a large, disorganized area of showers and thunderstorms developed in association with a weak area of low pressure well to the southeast of Yap. [1] Gradually, the disturbance became more organized as it moved through an area of moderate wind shear, high sea surface temperatures (estimated at 29 to 30 °C (84 to 86 °F) by satellites) and favorable diffluence. [2] Further development of the low prompted the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) to issue a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on June 20. [1] Around 1800 UTC, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) declared the system as a tropical depression. At this time, the depression was located roughly 405 km (250 mi) northwest of Palau. [3] Tracking steadily northwestward in response to a ridge to the northeast, the depression crossed west of 135°E on June 21 and entered the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's (PAGASA) area of responsibility. The storm was subsequently assigned the local name Falcon by PAGASA. [4] Throughout the day, convection around the center of the depression increased and developed defined banding features along the storm's periphery. Aided by a tropical upper tropospheric trough to the east, outflow improved around the circulation. [5]
A large system, roughly 1,480 km (920 mi) wide, convection was slow to consolidate over the center which remained mostly cloud free. Microwave satellite imagery indicated that the system lacked strong inflow, leading to a disorganized structure. Due to its large size, slow intensification was expected over the following several days as the storm tracked generally northwestward towards Taiwan. [6] Early on June 22, the depression intensified into a tropical storm, at which time the JMA assigned it the name Meari. [3] Around the time it was upgraded, the storm had grown to a size that covered nearly the entire Philippine Sea. [7] By June 23, convection began consolidating near the storm's center, indicating that the storm was intensifying. [8] The following day, the JMA estimated that Meari strengthened to a severe tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds around 95 km/h (60 mph). [3] Later that day, the storm's expansive windfield began to contract as an upper-level trough near Taiwan impinged on the western edge of Meari. Though the storm's overall structure degraded somewhat, surface observations continued to show intensification with a meteorological station on Shimojishima reporting winds of 124 km/h (77 mph). [9]
Late on June 24, Tropical Storm Meari is estimated to have attained its peak intensity with winds around 110 km/h (70 mph) and a barometric pressure of 975 mbar (hPa; 28.79 inHg). [3] Situated northeast of Taiwan, the storm turned northward due to a blocking ridge over Manchuria, China. [10] By this time, the storm moved out of PAGASA's area of responsibility and the agency issued their final advisory. [11] Throughout June 25, Meari's structure rapidly degraded as an approaching trough produced major subsidence over the northwestern portion of the storm. [12] Situated between a subtropical ridge to the east and a trough to the west, the storm rapidly accelerated northward towards the Korean Peninsula. During this time, the system crossed over significantly cooler waters and alongside the subsidence, convection struggled to develop. [13] Once over the East China Sea on June 26, the vertical structure of Meari significantly degraded, leaving only a surface low. In light of this, the storm turned back towards the northwest, again threatening China. [14] Void of convection due to shear from the mid-latitude Westerlies, the weakened system soon made landfall along the Shandong Peninsula. [15] After remaining near the peninsula for several hours, Meari rapidly accelerated towards the northeast and began taking on characteristics of an extratropical cyclone. [16] Early on June 27, the storm completed the transition into an extratropical system hours before striking North Korea near the city of Anju with winds of 85 km/h (50 mph). Hours after moving onshore, the storm rapidly dissipated and was last noted around 1200 UTC. [3]
Following the first advisory on Tropical Depression Falcon by PAGASA on June 21, emergency management officials in the Philippines began taking precautions for potential damage. Severe weather bulletins and flood advisories were issued for much of the country as a large rainband established itself. In Cagayan Valley, the Philippine Army and Navy were placed on alert status for possible assistance in evacuation orders. [17] By June 22, Public Storm Warning Signal One was raised for much of the Bicol Region. In some areas, schools were closed due to inclement weather. Additionally, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council prepositioned relief funds to be distributed once the storm passed. [18] Off the coast of the Bicol Region, a no sailing advisory was issued to all vessels after seven fishermen went missing. [19]
Continued rains across the country prompted evacuation orders on June 24 for more than 48,000 people. Numerous schools closed due to dangerous travel conditions. In order to prevent failure, several dams began opening gates and releasing excess water. Multiple emergency management agencies across the country stockpiled resources and placed relief teams on standby to quickly assist residents affected by the storm. [20]
On June 25, meteorologists and local media in South Korea began warning residents of the approaching storm. The main concern was for heavy, flooding rains falling at rates up to 30 mm (1.2 in) per hour with even heavier amounts in the mountains. [21] In order to prevent contamination of rivers, the government announced that it would closely monitor the 113 disposal sites near streams or on slopes. [22] Offshore, large swells of 7 to 8 m (23 to 26 ft) were expected. [21] Across the country, 46 flights were canceled and 118 ships were ordered to remain at port. [22] Typhoon warnings were raised for much of the country, mainly northern provinces, and storm warnings were issued for southern provinces. [23]
Due to the large size of Meari, heavy rains associated with the storm fell across much of the Philippines starting on June 22 due to the southwest monsoon enhanced by the said storm. [17] Within two days, parts of Metro Manila were submerged in up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) of water and multiple dams neared their critical or spill level. [18] [20]
Striking the Shandong Peninsula on June 26, Tropical Storm Meari produced winds up to 83 km/h (52 mph) across parts of the region. Portions of Shandong, Liaoning and Jilin Provinces were affected by heavy rains for much of the day. [24]
Bringing torrential rains to much of the Korean Peninsula, Meari caused widespread flooding in the region. [22] Following on the heels of several days of rain, Meari contributed to a record period of six consecutive days of rain in Seoul. [25] The heaviest rains fell in northern portions of the country, peaking at 374 mm (14.7 in) in Boeun. In Seoul, 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain fell during the storm. [22] Along the Nakdong River in North Gyeongsang, a 100 m (330 ft) section of bridge in Chilgok, built in honor of soldiers killed during the Korean War, collapsed. [26] More than 10 km (6.2 mi) of road was washed away due to the storm. [23] High winds in Jeju-do downed several tree limbs and power lines, leaving 9,861 households without power. [22] At least nine people were killed in South Korea while another three were listed as missing. [26] Of these fatalities, two resulted from rescuers being swept away while searching for people reported missing in flooded areas. [22] In one incident, five people died after their car was swept away by an overflowing river. [27] Overall, damage from the storm reached 28 billion won ($24.8 million USD). [28]
Heavy rains also affected much of North Korea, worsening ongoing floods. [26] The highest known rainfall total was 105 mm (4.1 in) in Hoeyang, though rain was still falling at the time of the reported amount. [29] The heaviest damage occurred in Kangwon-do, North Hwanghae and South Hwanghae provinces where about 160 blocks of structures were destroyed. [30] According to the country's prime minister, the combined effects of Meari and floods in July killed dozens of people and injured many more. An estimated 2,900 homes were destroyed and 60,000 hectares (148,200 acres) of farmland was submerged or washed away. Overall, approximately 8,000 people were left homeless. [31] Coastal areas of both nations experience large waves. [26]
Across the affected regions of the Philippines, more than 170,000 people were evacuated after the storm due to flooding. With many residents stranded by flood waters, multiple branches of the Philippine military provided rescue vehicles, such as trucks and rubber boats, to local authorities. Emergency operations were in full force shortly after the storm passed and relief distribution began by early July. Nearly 31 million PHP ($7.1 million USD) worth of supplies was provided to affected residents. Several thousand sacks of rice previously stockpiled by disaster relief organizations and the military were distributed across the country. By June 28, the Government of the Philippines declared a state of calamity for the Province of Pampanga, Camiling, Paniqui, Concepcion, La Paz, San Clemente and San Mateo. In San Mateo, the Philippine Navy deployed a team of 198 soldiers to assist in evacuation efforts. [32]
In the wake of widespread flooding, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak expressed his sadness over the loss of life from Meari. [33]
By early August, the Government of North Korea began a relief operation to assist residents affected by the July floods and Tropical Storm Meari. Food, drinking water, utensils, clothing and necessities were distributed in the hardest hit regions in South Hwanghae Province. Building supplies were also sent to initiate reconstruction. [34] For the first time since the ROKS Cheonan sinking in March 2010, South Korea offered emergency aid to North Korea. The proposed aid included 5 billion won ($4.7 million USD) worth of quilts, medicine, instant noodles and healthy meals; however, the request made by the North Korean government was for rice and cement. By early October, the proposed aid effort was abandoned due to the disagreement. [35]
The 2012 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly above average season that produced 25 named storms, fourteen typhoons, and four intense typhoons. It was a destructive and the second consecutive year to be the deadliest season, primarily due to Typhoon Bopha which killed 1,901 people in the Philippines. 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 2012, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Pakhar, developed on March 28, while the season's last named storm, Wukong, dissipated on December 29. The season's first typhoon, Guchol, reached typhoon status on June 15, and became the first super typhoon of the year on June 17.
Typhoon Conson, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Frank, was the first of the record ten typhoons to impact Japan during the 2004 Pacific typhoon season. Developing out of a tropical depression near the northern Philippines in early June, Conson slowly traveled towards the north. Gradually strengthening, the storm reached typhoon status late on June 7 according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and several hours later according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. After turning towards the northeast, the typhoon brushed Taiwan and reached its peak intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of 150 km/h (90 mph) on June 9. After reaching its peak, Conson gradually weakened, passing through Okinawa before being downgraded to a tropical storm the next day. On June 11, the storm made landfall as a minimal tropical storm in the Kōchi Prefecture just before becoming extratropical. The extratropical remnants continued towards the northeast and were last mentioned on June 14 crossing the International Date Line.
The 2011 Pacific typhoon season was a below average season that produced a total of 21 named storms, 8 typhoons, and four super typhoons. This season was much more active than the previous season, although both seasons were below the Pacific typhoon average of 26. The season ran throughout 2011, though most tropical cyclone tend to develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Aere, developed on May 7 while the season's last named storm, Washi dissipated on December 19.
The 2013 Pacific typhoon season was the most active Pacific typhoon season since 2004, and the deadliest since 1975. It featured Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms and one of the strongest landfalling tropical cyclones in history. It was an above-average season with 31 named storms, 13 typhoons, and five super typhoons. The season's first named storm, Sonamu, developed on January 4 while the season's last named storm, Podul, dissipated on November 15. Despite the activity, most of the first seventeen named storms before mid-September were relatively weak, as only two of them reached typhoon intensity. Total damage amounted to at least $26.41 billion (USD), making it at the time the costliest Pacific typhoon season on record; it is currently the fourth costliest, behind the 2018, 2019 and 2023 seasons.
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 2016 Pacific typhoon season is considered to have been the fourth-latest start for a Pacific typhoon season since reliable records began. It was an average season, with a total of 26 named storms, 13 typhoons, and six super typhoons. The season ran throughout 2016, though typically most tropical cyclones develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Nepartak, developed on July 3, while the season's last named storm, Nock-ten, dissipated on December 28.
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.
The 2019 Pacific typhoon season was the costliest Pacific typhoon season on record, just ahead of the previous year and 2023. The season featured fairly above-average tropical cyclone activity for the second consecutive year, producing 29 named storms, 17 typhoons, and five super typhoons. The season's first named storm, Pabuk, reached tropical storm status on January 1, becoming the earliest-forming tropical storm of the western Pacific Ocean on record, breaking the previous record that was held by Typhoon Alice in 1979. The season's first typhoon, Wutip, reached typhoon status on February 20. Wutip further intensified into a super typhoon on February 23, becoming the strongest February typhoon on record, and the strongest tropical cyclone recorded in February in the Northern Hemisphere. The season's last named storm, Phanfone, dissipated on December 29 after it made landfall in the Philippines.
Severe Tropical Storm Khanun, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Enteng, was the first tropical cyclone to directly impact Korea in two years. It is the 8th named storm, the 3rd severe tropical storm, and overall, the 13th tropical cyclone to be monitored by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) during 2012. Khanun was also the first tropical storm to make a landfall over Korea in 2012. Khanun means "jack fruit" in Thai.
Typhoon Bolaven, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Julian, was regarded as the most powerful storm to strike the Korean Peninsula in nearly a decade, with wind gusts measured up to 186 km/h (116 mph). Forming as a tropical depression on August 19, 2012, to the southwest of the Mariana Islands, Bolaven steadily intensified as it slowly moved west-northwestward in a region favoring tropical development. The system was soon upgraded to a tropical storm less than a day after formation and further to a typhoon by August 21. Strengthening became more gradual thereafter as Bolaven grew in size. On August 24, the system attained its peak intensity, with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a barometric pressure of 910 mbar. Weakening only slightly, the storm passed directly over Okinawa on August 26 as it began accelerating toward the north. Steady weakening continued as Bolaven approached the Korean Peninsula and it eventually made landfall in North Korea late on August 28 before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone. The remnants rapidly tracked northeastward over the Russian Far East before turning eastward and were last noted on September 1 crossing the International Dateline.
Typhoon Sanba, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Karen, was the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2012. The sixteenth named storm and tenth typhoon of the annual typhoon season, Sanba formed as a tropical depression east of the Philippines on September 10. The storm gradually intensified as it moved generally northward in an area favorable for tropical development. The system was soon upgraded to a tropical storm less than a day after formation and subsequently further to a typhoon on September 12. Later that day, Sanba entered a phase of rapid intensification, and quickly strengthened. On September 13, the system attained its peak intensity with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h), and a barometric pressure of 900 mbar, becoming the strongest typhoon in the Western Pacific Ocean since Megi in 2010. Accelerating towards more northerly latitudes, a period of gradual weakening ensued afterwards as its eye expanded. It made landfall on South Korea late on September 17 as a typhoon before transitioning into an extratropical cyclone the following day. Sanba's remnants tracked into the Primorsky Krai region of eastern Russia before they were last noted on September 19.
Typhoon Soulik, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Huaning, was a powerful tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage in Taiwan and East China in July 2013. The storm originated from an upper-level cold-core low well to the northeast of Guam on July 6. Gaining tropical characteristics, the system soon developed a surface low and became a tropical depression early on July 7. Tracking generally westward, a motion it would retain for its entire existence, the depression underwent a period of rapid intensification starting on July 8 that culminated in Soulik attaining its peak strength early on July 10. At that time, the system had sustained winds estimated at 185 km/h (115 mph) and barometric pressure of 925 mbar. Thereafter, an eyewall replacement cycle and cooler waters weakened the system. Though it passed over the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current the following day, dry air soon impinged upon the typhoon. Soulik later made landfall late on July 12 in northern Taiwan before degrading to a tropical storm. Briefly emerging over the Taiwan Strait, the storm moved onshore for a second time in Fujian on July 13. The system was last noted as a tropical depression early on July 14.
Tropical Storm Hagibis was a tropical storm that, along with the southwest monsoon, brought heavy rainfall to the Philippines for nearly a week in June 2014. The storm formed on June 13 and dissipated on June 18. Hagibis made landfall on June 15, causing damage estimated to be US$198 million. Hagibis is a Filipino word, meaning fast or swiftness.
Typhoon Dolphin was a powerful tropical cyclone that produced the first typhoon-force winds on Guam since Typhoon Pongsona in 2002. The seventh named storm of the 2015 Pacific typhoon season, Dolphin formed on May 6 in the vicinity of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Moving eastward at first, the storm slowly organized before beginning a north and west-northwest trajectory. Dolphin intensified into a typhoon before passing between Guam and Rota on May 15, producing typhoon-force winds on both islands. It later rapidly intensified as it curved to the north. The American-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) designated Dolphin as a super typhoon, while the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimated 10 minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph). Dolphin turned to the northeast and weakened, becoming extratropical on May 20 and exiting the western Pacific basin on May 24.
Typhoon Chan-hom, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Falcon, was a large, powerful and long-lived tropical cyclone that affected most countries in the western Pacific basin. The ninth named storm of the 2015 Pacific typhoon season, Chan-hom developed on June 29 from a westerly wind burst that also spawned Tropical Cyclone Raquel in the southern hemisphere. Chan-hom slowly developed while moving to the northwest, aided by warm waters but disrupted by wind shear. The storm meandered near the Northern Marianas Islands, passing over the island of Rota before beginning a steady northwest track. While near the island, the storm dropped heavy rainfall on neighboring Guam, causing flooding and minor power outages. Chan-hom intensified into a typhoon on July 7, and two days later passed between the Japanese islands of Okinawa and Miyako-jima. There, strong winds left 42,000 people without power, while 27 people were injured. Around that time, the storm caused a surge in the monsoon trough, in conjunction with Tropical Storm Linfa, which caused flooding and killed 16 people in the Philippines.
Typhoon Goni, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Ineng, was a powerful tropical cyclone that affected much of East Asia in late August 2015. Developing in tandem with Typhoon Atsani to its east, Goni formed on August 13, and passed through the Mariana Islands two days later. By that time, radar imagery showed a formative eye, signaling an rapidly intensifying storm. Goni evolved into an intense typhoon in the Philippine Sea before weakening and stalling north of Luzon. The typhoon re-intensified and attained peak winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) on August 23 while moving through the southern Ryukyu Islands. Goni weakened slightly and moved across the Japanese island of Kyushu. The tropical cyclone transitioned into an extratropical cyclone in the Sea of Japan on August 25, crossed into eastern Russia and China a day later, and dissipated on August 30.
Typhoon Noru was the second-longest-lasting tropical cyclone of the Northwest Pacific Ocean on record—behind only 1986's Wayne and tied with 1972's Rita—and the second-most-intense tropical cyclone of the basin in 2017, tied with Talim. Forming as the fifth named storm of the annual typhoon season on July 20, Noru further intensified into the first typhoon of the year on July 23. However, Noru began to interact with nearby Tropical Storm Kulap on July 24, executing a counterclockwise loop southeast of Japan. Weakening to a severe tropical storm on July 28, Noru began to restrengthen as it turned sharply to the west on July 30. Amid favorable conditions, Noru rapidly intensified into the season's first super typhoon, and reached peak intensity with annular characteristics on July 31. In early August, Noru underwent a gradual weakening trend while curving northwestwards and then northwards. After stalling off the Satsunan Islands weakening to a severe tropical storm again on August 5, the system began to accelerate northeastwards towards the Kansai region of Japan, making landfall in Wakayama Prefecture on August 7. Noru became extratropical over the Sea of Japan on August 8, and dissipated one day later.
The 2022 Pacific typhoon season was the third consecutive season to have below average tropical cyclone activity, with twenty-five named storms forming. Of the tropical storms, ten became typhoons, and three would intensify into super typhoons. The season saw near-average activity by named storm count, although many of the storms were weak and short-lived, particularly towards the end of the season. This low activity was caused by an unusually strong La Niña that had persisted from 2020. The season's first named storm, Malakas, developed on April 6, while the last named storm, Pakhar, dissipated on December 12. The season's first typhoon, Malakas, reached typhoon status on April 12. The season ran throughout 2022, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. Tropical storms Megi and Nalgae were responsible for more than half of the casualties, while typhoons Hinnamnor and Nanmadol both caused $1 billion in damages.
Tropical Storm Danas, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Falcon, was a tropical cyclone that caused minimal damages throughout its path originating as a low-pressure area near the Mariana Islands. It is the fifth named tropical cyclone and the sixth named storm by the PAGASA of the 2019 Pacific typhoon season.
Typhoon Soulik was an unusually large, and the deadliest typhoon to strike the Korean Peninsula since Khanun in 2012. Soulik formed from an area of low pressure on August 15, and was the twenty-ninth tropical depression, twentieth tropical storm, tenth severe tropical storm, and sixth typhoon of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season.