Tropical cyclones in 1998

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Tropical cyclones in 1998
Year boundaries
First system Ron and Katrina
FormedJanuary 1, 1998
Last system TL
DissipatedJanuary 2, 1999
Strongest system
Name Zeb, Ron and Susan
Lowest pressure900 mbar (hPa); 26.58 inHg
Longest lasting system
Name Katrina
(Fourth longest-lasting tropical system on record)
Duration24 days
Year statistics
Total systems125
Named systems73
Total fatalities> 23,365
Total damage$29.802 billion (1998 USD)
Related articles
Other years
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
TC Katrina Susan Ron Jan 5 1998 0330Z.png
1998 September 26 Atlantic hurricanes.png
Katrina in the Australian basin, and cyclones Ron and Susan in the South Pacific basin are simultaneously active on January 5. Meanwhile on the North Atlantic basin, 4 hurricanes; Georges (west), Karl (west-northwest of Ivan), Jeanne (south of Karl), and Ivan (far right) were active on September 26.

During 1998, tropical cyclones formed within seven different tropical cyclone basins, located within various parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. A total of 125 tropical cyclones formed, with 72 of them being named by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35  knots (65  km/h, 40  mph). The strongest tropical cyclones were Zeb, Ron and Susan which peaked with a pressure of 900  hPa (26.58  inHg ). Hurricane Mitch of late October was the deadliest tropical cyclone, killing 11,000 people as it catastrophically affected Central America, and Mexico as a Category 5 major hurricane. Meanwhile, Georges became the costliest, with the damages amounting to $9.37 billion, which also became the costliest in the history of the Dominican Republic and the country of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Throughout the year, four Category 5 tropical cyclones formed. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 1998 (seven basins combined), as calculated by Colorado State University was 773.1 units.

Contents

Global atmospheric and hydrological conditions

A strong La Niña started in 1998 and persisted until early 2001. [1]

Summary

Typhoon FaithCyclone ThelmaHurricane MitchHurricane Madeline (1998)Hurricane Lester (1998)Typhoon Babs (1998)1998 Andhra Pradesh cycloneTyphoon ZebTyphoon Vicki (1998)Tropical Storm Hermine (1998)Hurricane GeorgesTropical Storm Frances (1998)Hurricane Isis (1998)Hurricane Earl (1999)Hurricane Danielle (1998)Tropical Storm Charley (1998)Hurricane Bonnie (1998)1998 Gujarat cycloneCyclone AlanCyclone YaliCyclone Les (1998)Cyclone RonCyclone KatrinaCyclone Susantropical cyclone basinsTropical cyclones in 1998

North Atlantic Ocean

1998 Atlantic hurricane season summary map 1998 Atlantic hurricane season summary map.png
1998 Atlantic hurricane season summary map

An average Atlantic hurricane season features 12 tropical storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes, and features an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) count of 106. In 1998 in the North Atlantic basin, most of the statistics fell well above listed.

The 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most disastrous Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, featuring the highest number of storm-related fatalities in over 218 years and one of the costliest ever at the time. [2] The season had above average activity, due to the dissipation of the El Niño event and transition to La Niña conditions.

The most notable storms were Hurricane Georges and Hurricane Mitch. Georges devastated Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as a major Category 3 storm but peaked as a high-end Category 4 hurricane just before moving through many of the Caribbean Islands before affecting the southern US mainland, making its landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi, causing significant damage and at least 600 confirmed deaths while Mitch, the strongest storm of the season, was a very powerful and destructive late-season Category 5 hurricane that affected much of Central America before making landfall in Florida as a tropical storm. The significant amount of rainfall that Mitch produced across Central America caused significant damage and killed at least 11,000 people, making the system the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history, behind only the Great Hurricane of 1780. Mitch, was later tied with 2007's Hurricane Dean for the eighth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded.

Hurricanes Georges and Mitch caused $9.37 billion in damage and $6.08 billion (1998 USD) [nb 1] in damage, respectively and the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was at the time, the second-costliest season ever, after the 1992 season. However, it is now the eleventh costliest season as it was surpassed by the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season.

Eastern and central Pacific Ocean

1998 Pacific hurricane season summary map 1998 Pacific hurricane season summary map.png
1998 Pacific hurricane season summary map

An average Pacific hurricane season features 15 tropical storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, and features an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) count of 132.

The season produced 13 named storms, slightly below the average of 15 named storms per season. However, the season total of nine hurricanes was one above the average, and the total of six major hurricanes surpassed the average of three. [3] Activity during the season was hindered by the northward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The ITCZ, which is normally situated south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, shifted northward into Central and Southern Mexico, making the cyclone closer to cooler sea surface temperatures, hence limiting the number of storms that formed during the season. Although a semi-permanent anticyclone persisted through the summer of 1998, causing most of the storms to remain at sea, some storm did threaten the Baja California Peninsula due to a weakness in the anticyclone. Except for Hurricane Kay, all of the storms of the season originated from tropical waves. [4]

Western Pacific Ocean

1998 Pacific typhoon season summary map 1998 Pacific typhoon season summary.png
1998 Pacific typhoon season summary map

The average typhoon season lasts year-round, with the majority of the storms forming between May and October. An average Pacific typhoon season features 26 tropical storms, 16 typhoons, and 9 super typhoons (unofficial category). It also features an average Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) count of approximately 294; the basin is typically the most active basin for tropical cyclone formation.

During the 1998 Pacific typhoon season, a total of 28 tropical depressions developed across the western Pacific basin. Of those 28 depressions, a total of 18 strengthened into tropical storms of which 9 further intensified into typhoons. The first tropical cyclone developed on May 28, marking the fourth latest start to any Pacific typhoon season on record, and the last one dissipated on December 22. The Philippine region also set a record: with only eleven storms forming or moving into its area of responsibility, PAGASA had its quietest season as of 2006. [5] Overall inactivity was caused by an unusually strong La Niña, which also fueled a hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season that year.

North Indian Ocean

1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map 1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season summary.jpg
1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map

With eleven depressions and eight tropical cyclones, this was one of the most active seasons in the ocean along with 1987, 1996, and 2005. [6] The season caused a large loss of life, most of which was from one storm. Over 10,000 people were killed in India when Tropical Cyclone 03A brought a 4.9-metre (16 ft) storm surge to the Kathiawar Peninsula, inundating numerous salt mines. Total damages from the storm amounted to Rs.  120 billion (US$3 billion). Tropical Cyclone 01B killed at least 26 people and left at least 4,000 fishermen missing in eastern Bangladesh on May 20. A short lived depression in mid-October killed 122 people after triggering severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh. In November, Tropical Cyclone 06B killed six people and caused property damage worth BTN  880 million (US$20.7 million) in eastern India. An additional 40 people were killed and 100 fishermen were listed as missing after Tropical Cyclone 07B affected Bangladesh.

South-West Indian Ocean

1997-1998 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season summary.jpg
1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map
1998-1999 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season summary.jpg
1998–99 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map

January–June

The 1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was fairly quiet and had the latest start in 30 years. The first tropical disturbance originated on January 16, although the first named storm, Anacelle, was not upgraded until February 8, a record late start. The last storm to dissipate was an unusually late tropical depression in late July. Many of the storms suffered from the effects of wind shear, which contributed to there being only one tropical cyclone equivalent to a minimal hurricane. The season also occurred during a powerful El Niño.

Tropical Depression A1, the first of the season, moved throughout most of Mozambique in January, causing landslides and flooding. One landslide affected Milange District, where many houses were swept into a river. Landslides killed between 87 and 143 people in the country. In February, Cyclone Anacelle buffeted several islands with gusty winds after becoming the strongest storm of the season, reaching maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h (85 mph). Although Anacelle was the first named storm of the season, another tropical depression preceded it that crossed Madagascar several times. The depression eventually became Tropical Storm Beltane, and lasted 17 days. Beltane caused flooding across Madagascar due to heavy rainfall, which killed one person and left locally heavy crop damage. There were several other disturbances in February, including Cindy which dissipated 50 days after it originated, as well as a disturbance that brought heavy rainfall to Réunion and Mauritius. The rest of the season was fairly quiet, mostly with short-lived tropical disturbances or storms.

July–December

The first system of the season proper originated out of an area of convection in early September in the northeast portion of the basin. On September 3, the MFR initiated advisories on Tropical Disturbance A1 about 1435 km (890 mi) east of Diego Garcia. The system tracked westward, and the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) on September 4. Failing to intensify beyond winds of 45 km/h (30 mph), the disturbance dissipated on September 6. Later in the month, Tropical Disturbance A2 formed in a similar region within the monsoon trough, with the MFR initiating advisories on September 29. Also on that day, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Tropical Cyclone 02S. [7] That day, the JTWC upgraded the system to tropical storm status, [8] although strong wind shear prevented intensification. The MFR quickly discontinued advisories, but the JTWC continued tracking it, again upgrading the system to tropical storm status on October 1. After the shear again increased, the storm weakened, dissipating on October 2.

In November, rapidly weakening Tropical Cyclone Alison moved from the Australian basin and dissipated immediately upon entering the south-west Indian Ocean on November 13. [9] On December 4, short-lived Tropical Disturbance A3 was classified by MFR, subsequently drifting into the Australian region. [10] Possibly related to the previous system, Tropical Cyclone Cathy moved from the Australian basin into the basin on December 28, quickly dissipating. [10] [11]

Australian Region

1997-1998 Australian cyclone season summary.jpg
1997–98 Australian region cyclone season summary map
1998-1999 Australian cyclone season summary.jpg
1998–99 Australian region cyclone season summary map

January–June

The 1997–98 Australian region cyclone season was a slightly below-average tropical cyclone season. Cyclone Katrina formed on January 1, which erratically moved around Australia in its lifetime. Tiffany and Les also formed in January, affecting Western Australia and Northern Territory, with the latter causing 3 deaths. Cyclone Victor formed from a tropical low that was the remnant low of Cyclone Katrina, before renaming Cindy as it crossed to the South-West Indian Ocean basin. A tropical low also crossed to the same basin, which strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Elsie before weakening. Nathan also formed in March, peaking as a Category 2 cyclone before dissipating on March 26. The post-tropical cyclone that was former Yali in the South Pacific crossed the region before re-exiting the basin towards New Zealand. The last tropical low of the season dissipated on April 19 as it brought downpour to the Western Australia.

July–December

On 7 October, a tropical low near the Cocos (Keeling) Islands strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Zelia, while becoming the first storm of the season. It weakened due to wind shear and dissipated on 10 October. A month later, Alison developed over the open waters near Western Australia, peaking as a severe tropical cyclone before passing near Cocos Islands, bringing gale-force winds before dissipating on 13 November, shortly before crossing to the South-West Indian Ocean basin. Billy and Thelma both affected Western Australia and Northern Territory both as severe tropical cyclones, with the latter causing a death, ten months after the cyclone's passage. A disturbance crossed to the basin, before degenerating afterwards. Cathy was believed to be the remnant low of the former disturbance. Peaking as a Category 2 cyclone, it exited the basin on 28 December before dissipating immediately. The last disturbance formed near Brisbane before dissipating on 2 January.

South Pacific Ocean

1997-1998 South Pacific cyclone season summary.jpg
1997–98 South Pacific Ocean cyclone season summary map
1998-1999 South Pacific cyclone season summary.jpg
1998–99 South Pacific Ocean cyclone season summary map

January–June

The 1997–98 season was one of the most active and longest South Pacific tropical cyclone seasons on record, with 16  tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific basin between 160°E and 120°W. [12] The season was characterised by a very strong El Niño event, which caused the South Pacific convergence zone, to move from its usual position near the Solomon Islands to the Northern Cook Islands. As a result, ten tropical cyclones formed to the east of the International Date Line, with seven of these tropical cyclones going on to affect French Polynesia.

Severe Tropical Cyclones Ron and Susan were both the strongest tropical cyclones of the season and were thought to be the strongest tropical cyclones in the region since Severe Tropical Cyclone Hina of the 1984–85 season.

After the final warnings on Cyclone Tui were issued a weak circulation remained in the vicinity of Samoa for several days, before a westerly surge from the monsoon resulted in a tropical cyclone developing during February 1. However, due to uncertainties in the continuation of Tui after several other weak low-pressure areas had formed, the FMS decided to treat the cyclone as a separate system and named it Wes. [13]

Tropical Cyclone Bart developed during the final days of the season and caused ten deaths and minor damage to French Polynesia, before it dissipated during May 3. The names Katrina, Martin, Nute, Osea, Ron, Susan, Tui, Ursula and Veli, were subsequently retired from the lists of names for the region. [14]

July–December

The 1998–99 South Pacific cyclone season was a near-average South Pacific tropical cyclone season, with 8 tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific Ocean basin between 160°E and 120°W. Despite the season starting on November 1, the first tropical system of the season did not form until December 1, while the final disturbance of the season dissipated on May 27, 1999. During the season the most intense tropical cyclone was Severe Tropical Cyclone Cora, which had a minimum pressure of 930 hPa (27.46 inHg). After the season had ended the names Cora along with Dani in 1999 were retired from the naming lists, after they had caused significant impacts on South Pacific islands.

The first, Tropical Disturbance 01F, developed about 540 km (340 mi) to the northwest of Apia in American Samoa, however, the system remained weak and was last noted later that day. On December 11, the JTWC started to monitor an area of disturbed weather that had developed within a trough of low pressure, about 670 km (415 mi) to the northeast of Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The depression turned to the south and accelerated as it began to lose tropical characteristics. It passed about 210 nmi west of Norfolk Island and had become extratropical about 400 nmi west-northwest of New Zealand's North Cape on December 17. 02F and Cora followed suit, with the latter affecting Fiji and Tonga. On December 25, Tropical Disturbance 04F developed over the Coral Sea within an area of strong vertical wind shear in the Australian region. During that day 04F moved towards the southeast and entered the South Pacific basin, before dissipating on December 26.

Mediterranean Sea

A medicane was observed from 25 to 27 January.

Systems

January

Cyclone Ron Ron 1998-01-05 0300Z.png
Cyclone Ron

The month of January was relatively active, with 9 tropical cyclones forming, with 8 of them are being named.

Tropical cyclones formed in January 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Ron January 1–9230 (145)900 Samoan Islands, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna $566 thousandNone
Katrina January 1–25165 (105)940 Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Far North Queensland $8.66 million2 [15]
A1 January 16–2360 (35)995 Mozambique, Comoros, Malawi, Europa Island Unknown≥ 87 [16]
Les January 19 – February 1110 (70)976 Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia $64.7 million3 [17]
Tiffany January 22 – February 2170 (105)940 Western Australia NoneNone
Tui January 25–2775 (45)990 Samoan Islands $1 million1 [18]
Ursula January 29 – February 2110 (70)975 French Polynesia MinorNone
Veli January 30 – February 3100 (65)980 French Polynesia MinorNone
Wes January 31 – February 595 (60)985 Cook Islands, French Polynesia Unknown10 [19] [20]

February

Cyclone Anacelle Anacelle Feb 11 1998 1038Z.png
Cyclone Anacelle

Like the previous month, the month of February featured nine storms, of which four are respectively named.

Tropical cyclones formed in February 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Beltane February 3 – 2065 (40)992 Madagascar, Europa Island, Mozambique Unknown1 [21]
Anacelle February 6 – 13140 (85)950 St. Brandon, Mauritius NoneNone
Victor-Cindy February 8 – 19120 (75)970 Northern Territory, Western Australia NoneNone
Unnamed February 11 – 1565 (40)995NoneNoneNone
D1 February 16 – 19UnknownNot specifiedUnknownNoneNone
D2 February 18 – 25UnknownNot specified Mauritius, Réunion UnknownUnknown
May February 25 – 2675 (45)990 Northern Territory NoneNone
Unnamed February 28 – March 245 (30)997NoneNoneNone
Unnamed February 28 – March 145 (30)998NoneNoneNone

March

Cyclone Zuman Cyclone Zuman near its peak intensity.png
Cyclone Zuman

The month of March featured 7 tropical cyclones forming, with 6 of them are being named.

Tropical cyclones formed in March 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Unspecified March 2–5UnknownNot specifiedUnknownNoneNone [22]
Donaline March 4–1075 (45)988NoneNoneNone
Elsie March 7–18100 (65)975NoneNoneNone
Fiona March 15–2055 (35)995 Mascarene Islands NoneNone
Yali March 18–27130 (80)965 Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New ZealandMinimal1 [23]
Nathan March 20–2695 (60)990 Far North Queensland, Willis Islands, Papua New Guinea UnknownNone
Zuman March 29 – April 5150 (90)955 Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New ZealandUnknownUnknown

April

Tropical Storm Gemma Gemma Apr 10 1998 1002Z.png
Tropical Storm Gemma

6 systems formed in April, with 3 of them are respectively named.

Tropical cyclones formed in April 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Gemma April 7 – 1485 (50)985NoneNoneNone
Unnamed (33S) April 7UnknownNot specifiedNoneNoneNone
Alan April 17 – 2675 (45)992 French Polynesia Unknown10 [24]
Unnamed (34S) April 19 – 2265 (40)Not specifiedNoneNoneNone
TL April 1965 (40)1002 Western Australia NoneNone
Bart April 28 – May 385 (50)987 French Polynesia Minimal10 [25]

May

Cyclone BOB 01 Tropical Cyclone 01B 1998.jpg
Cyclone BOB 01

The month of May was abnormally inactive, with none of the three tropical cyclones forming intensifying into named storms. Due to the inactivity, Cyclonic Storm BOB 01 was the most intense storm this month, with a minimum barometric pressure of 972 hPa, and a maximum 3-min sustained wind speed of 70 MPH.

Tropical cyclones formed in May 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
BOB 01 May 17 – 20110 (70)972India, Bangladesh Unknown35 [26]
TD May 28 – 29Not specified1002 Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands NoneNone
ARB 01 (02A) May 28 – 2945 (30)997NoneNoneNone

June

Hurricane Blas Blas 1998-06-25 1800Z.png
Hurricane Blas
Tropical cyclones formed in June 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
ARB 02 June 4–10165 (105)958India, Pakistan$3 billion4,000-10,000 [27]
Agatha June 11–16100 (65)993NoneNoneNone
BOB 02 June 13–1555 (35)992IndiaNoneNone
Two-E June 19–2255 (35)1003NoneNoneNone
Blas June 22–30220 (140)943NoneNoneNone [nb 2]

July

Hurricane Estelle Estelle 1998-08-01 1930Z.png
Hurricane Estelle
Tropical cyclones formed in July 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
01W (Akang) July 7–1255 (35)1002 Taiwan NoneNone
Nichole July 8–1060 (40)998China, Taiwan UnknownNone
Celia July 17–2195 (60)997NoneNoneNone
H4 July 20–23UnknownNot specifiedNoneNoneNone
TD July 23–25Not specified1004NoneNoneNone
Darby July 23 – August 1185 (115)958NoneNoneNone
03W July 2555 (35)1008NoneNoneNone
Alex July 27 – August 285 (50)1000NoneNoneNone
Estelle July 29 – August 8215 (130)948 Baja California Sur, Hawaii NoneNone

August

Hurricane Howard Hurricane Howard Aug 22 1998 2100Z.jpg
Hurricane Howard
Tropical cyclones formed in August 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Otto (Bising) August 1–6120 (75)970 Philippines, Taiwan, China$761 thousand5

[28]

Frank August 6–1075 (45)1001 Baja California Peninsula, Southwestern United States None3 [29]
Penny (Klaring) August 6–1195 (60)985 Philippines, ChinaNone1 [30]
Georgette August 11–17185 (115)960NoneNoneNone
One-C August 16–1855 (35)1010NoneNoneNone
Bonnie August 19–30185 (115)954 Leeward Islands, North Carolina, Mid-Atlantic States $1 billion5 [31] [32] [33]
Howard August 20–30240 (150)932NoneNoneNone
Charley August 21–24110 (70)1000 Texas, Mexico$50 million24 [34] [35] [36]
TD August 21–22Not specified1004NoneNoneNone
Rex (Deling) August 23 – September 6140 (85)955JapanUnknown13 [30]
Danielle August 24 – September 3165 (105)960 Eastern Seaboard, Northeastern United States, Canadian Maritimes, British Isles $50 thousandNone
Earl August 31 – September 3155 (100)985 Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, Atlantic Canada $79 million3 [37] [38]

September

Hurricane Georges Georges 1998-09-19 1745Z.png
Hurricane Georges
Tropical cyclones formed in September 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Isis September 1–3120 (75)988 Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, Southwestern United States, Northwestern United States $10 million14 [39] [40]
07W September 1–455 (35)1002NoneNoneNone
A1 September 3–645 (30)Not specifiedNoneNoneNone
Javier September 6–1495 (60)990MexicoUnknownNone
TD September 7–8Not specified1004NoneNoneNone
Frances September 8–13100 (65)990 Texas, Louisiana, Midwestern United States $500 millionUnknown [nb 3]
Stella September 11–16110 (70)965Japan, Mariana Islands $2.17 million3 [41] [42] [43] [44]
09W September 13–1455 (35)998China, Vietnam NoneNone
Unnamed September 13–14Not specified1007NoneNoneNone
Georges September 15 – October 1250 (155)937 Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Florida Keys, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia $9.37 billion604 [45]
Todd (Emang) September 15–20140 (85)955 Ryukyu Islands, Japan, China$236 thousand7 [46]
Hermine September 17–2075 (45)999 Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia $85 thousand2 [nb 4]
Vicki September 17–22140 (85)960 Philippines, Japan$81.7 million108 [47] [48]
12W September 18–1955 (35)1000 Vietnam NoneNone
Waldo September 19–2185 (50)994JapanNoneNone
Ivan September 19–27150 (90)975NoneNoneNone
Jeanne September 21 – October 1165 (105)969 Cape Verde, Portugal, SpainNoneNone
Karl September 23–28165 (105)970 Bermuda, Azores NoneNone
Yanni (Heling) September 26–30120 (75)965 Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, South Korea, JapanUnknown≥ 50 [49]
A2 September 29 – October 2UnknownNot specifiedNoneNoneNone
ARB 03 September 30 – October 145 (30)997NoneNoneNone

October

Typhoon Zeb Zeb 1998-10-13 1800Z.png
Typhoon Zeb
Tropical cyclones formed in October 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Twelve-E October 1–355 (35)1003NoneNoneNone
15W October 2–555 (35)1000China, Vietnam NoneNone
16W October 5–755 (35)1010 Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands NoneNone
Lisa October 5–9120 (75)995NoneNoneNone
17W October 6–755 (35)1008 Ryukyu Islands NoneNone
Zelia October 7–1075 (45)990NoneNoneNone
ARB 04 October 8–955 (35)998NoneNoneNone
Zeb (Iliang) October 9–18205 (125)900 Philippines, Taiwan, Japan$576 million126 [50]
ARB 05 October 11–1765 (40)996IndiaNoneNone
Alex October 1145 (30)991NoneNoneNone
BOB 03 October 13–1455 (35)998IndiaNoneNone
Kay October 13–17120 (75)987NoneNoneNone
Babs (Loleng) October 14–27155 (100)940 Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan$203 million327 [51]
Lester October 15–26185 (115)965MexicoUnknown2 [52]
Madeline October 16–20140 (85)979Mexico, Baja California Peninsula, Texas $750 million32 [53]
Mitch October 22 – November 5285 (180)905Central America, Yucatán Peninsula, Florida, Jamaica, Ireland, United Kingdom$6.08 billion≥ 11,374 [54]
BOB 04 October 28–2955 (35)1002IndiaNoneNone

November

Cyclone Alison 11-09-1998-Alison.png
Cyclone Alison
Tropical cyclones formed in November 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
TD November 4–7Not specified1004NoneNoneNone
Alison November 8–13155 (100)955NoneNoneNone
Chip November 11–1575 (45)994 Vietnam $923 thousand17 [55]
BOB 05 November 13–16145 (90)982India$20.7 million6 [56]
BOB 06 November 17–23120 (75)984India, Bangladesh Unknown100+ [57]
Dawn November 18–2065 (40)998 Vietnam $28 million187 [58]
Elvis (Miding) November 22–2675 (45)992 Philippines, Vietnam $30 million49 [55]
Nicole November 24 – December 1140 (85)979NoneNoneNone

December

Cyclone Thelma Thelma 1998-12-10 0502Z.png
Cyclone Thelma
Tropical cyclones formed in December 1998
Storm nameDates activeMax wind km/h (mph)Min pressure (hPa)Areas affectedDamage (USD)DeathsRefs
Billy December 1–6130 (80)965 Western Australia UnknownUnknown [59]
Thelma December 3–15220 (140)920 Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tiwi Islands Unknown1 [60]
01F December 4UnknownNot specifiedNoneNoneNone
TL (A3) December 7–1345 (30)1000NoneNoneNone
Faith (Norming) December 8–14120 (75)970 Philippines, Vietnam $45.9 million63 [61] [62]
Gil December 9–1375 (45)992 Thailand, Vietnam NoneNone
ARB 06 December 13–17100 (65)993 Oman None18 [63]
07P December 14–1775 (45)999NoneNoneNone
Cathy December 16–30110 (70)975NoneNoneNone
26W December 17–1945 (30)1002 Philippines NoneNone
27W December 19–2255 (35)1000NoneNoneNone
02F December 22–2465 (40)997NoneNoneNone
Cora December 21–28140 (85)960 Tonga, Fiji $12 millionUnknown
04F December 25–26UnknownNot specifiedNoneNoneNone
TL December 26 – January 255 (35)996 Queensland, New South Wales None1 [64]

Global effects

There are a total of 9 tropical cyclone basins, 7 are seasonal and two are non-seasonal, thus all 8 basins except the Mediterranean are active. In this table, data from all these basins are added.

Season nameAreas affectedSystems formedNamed stormsDamage (USD)Deaths
1998 Atlantic hurricane season 5 Southeastern United States, Gulf Coast of the United States, Mid-Atlantic, Atlantic Canada, Midwestern United States, New England, Bermuda, Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Central America, Yucatán Peninsula, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Cabo Verde 1414$17.079 billion> 12,010
1998 Pacific hurricane season 5 Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico, Baja California Peninsula, Western Coast of the United States, Central America, Northwestern United States, Texas, Arizona 1613$760 million54
1998 Pacific typhoon season 3 Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, China, Mariana Islands, China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Caroline Islands, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand 3318$950.8 million924
1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season 4 India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka 126≥ $3 billion≥ 10,224
1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season 26 Madagascar, Mozambique, Mascarene Islands, Europa Island 137Unknown88 – 114
1998–99 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season Diego Garcia 30NoneNone
1997–98 Australian region cyclone season 2 Western Australia, Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Queensland 86> $8.13 billion5
1998–99 Australian region cyclone season Tiwi Islands, Cocos Islands, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales 75Unknown2
1997–98 South Pacific cyclone season 2 None139> $566,000> 32
1998–99 South Pacific cyclone season Fiji, Tonga 51UnknownUnknown
1998 Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone season Unknown20UnknownUnknown
Worldwide(See above)1257373> $29.802 billion> 23,365

    See also

    Notes

    2 Only systems that formed either on or after January 1, 1998 are counted in the seasonal totals.
    3 Only systems that formed either before or on December 31, 1998 are counted in the seasonal totals.
    4 The wind speeds for this tropical cyclone/basin are based on the IMD Scale which uses 3-minute sustained winds.
    5 The wind speeds for this tropical cyclone/basin are based on the Saffir Simpson Scale which uses 1-minute sustained winds.
    6The wind speeds for this tropical cyclone are based on Météo-France which uses wind gusts.

    1. All damage figures are in 1998 United States dollars, unless otherwise noted
    2. The Associated Press attributed 4 deaths from a mudslide in Michoacán to Blas. However, as the primary convection remained offshore, the National Hurricane Center did not consider the deaths related to the hurricane.
    3. There were at least 229 deaths, although a government report on the flooding indicated there were over 1000 people killed or missing.
    4. Hermine did not directly cause any direct fatalities; however, it may have contributed to two deaths, in Florida and Louisiana.

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