Tropical cyclones in 1998 | |
---|---|
Year boundaries | |
First system | Ron and Katrina |
Formed | January 1, 1998 |
Last system | TL |
Dissipated | January 2, 1999 |
Strongest system | |
Name | Zeb, Ron and Susan |
Lowest pressure | 900 mbar (hPa); 26.58 inHg |
Longest lasting system | |
Name | Katrina (Fourth longest-lasting tropical system on record) |
Duration | 24 days |
Year statistics | |
Total systems | 125 |
Named systems | 73 |
Total fatalities | > 23,365 |
Total damage | $29.802 billion (1998 USD) |
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.
A strong La Niña started in 1998 and persisted until early 2001. [1]
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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]
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.
A medicane was observed from 25 to 27 January.
The month of January was relatively active, with 9 tropical cyclones forming, with 8 of them are being named.
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ron | January 1–9 | 230 (145) | 900 | Samoan Islands, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna | $566 thousand | None | |
Katrina | January 1–25 | 165 (105) | 940 | Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Far North Queensland | $8.66 million | 2 | [15] |
A1 | January 16–23 | 60 (35) | 995 | Mozambique, Comoros, Malawi, Europa Island | Unknown | ≥ 87 | [16] |
Les | January 19 – February 1 | 110 (70) | 976 | Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia | $64.7 million | 3 | [17] |
Tiffany | January 22 – February 2 | 170 (105) | 940 | Western Australia | None | None | |
Tui | January 25–27 | 75 (45) | 990 | Samoan Islands | $1 million | 1 | [18] |
Ursula | January 29 – February 2 | 110 (70) | 975 | French Polynesia | Minor | None | |
Veli | January 30 – February 3 | 100 (65) | 980 | French Polynesia | Minor | None | |
Wes | January 31 – February 5 | 95 (60) | 985 | Cook Islands, French Polynesia | Unknown | 10 | [19] [20] |
Like the previous month, the month of February featured nine storms, of which four are respectively named.
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beltane | February 3 – 20 | 65 (40) | 992 | Madagascar, Europa Island, Mozambique | Unknown | 1 | [21] |
Anacelle | February 6 – 13 | 140 (85) | 950 | St. Brandon, Mauritius | None | None | |
Victor-Cindy | February 8 – 19 | 120 (75) | 970 | Northern Territory, Western Australia | None | None | |
Unnamed | February 11 – 15 | 65 (40) | 995 | None | None | None | |
D1 | February 16 – 19 | Unknown | Not specified | Unknown | None | None | |
D2 | February 18 – 25 | Unknown | Not specified | Mauritius, Réunion | Unknown | Unknown | |
May | February 25 – 26 | 75 (45) | 990 | Northern Territory | None | None | |
Unnamed | February 28 – March 2 | 45 (30) | 997 | None | None | None | |
Unnamed | February 28 – March 1 | 45 (30) | 998 | None | None | None | |
The month of March featured 7 tropical cyclones forming, with 6 of them are being named.
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unspecified | March 2–5 | Unknown | Not specified | Unknown | None | None | [22] |
Donaline | March 4–10 | 75 (45) | 988 | None | None | None | |
Elsie | March 7–18 | 100 (65) | 975 | None | None | None | |
Fiona | March 15–20 | 55 (35) | 995 | Mascarene Islands | None | None | |
Yali | March 18–27 | 130 (80) | 965 | Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand | Minimal | 1 | [23] |
Nathan | March 20–26 | 95 (60) | 990 | Far North Queensland, Willis Islands, Papua New Guinea | Unknown | None | |
Zuman | March 29 – April 5 | 150 (90) | 955 | Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand | Unknown | Unknown | |
6 systems formed in April, with 3 of them are respectively named.
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gemma | April 7 – 14 | 85 (50) | 985 | None | None | None | |
Unnamed (33S) | April 7 | Unknown | Not specified | None | None | None | |
Alan | April 17 – 26 | 75 (45) | 992 | French Polynesia | Unknown | 10 | [24] |
Unnamed (34S) | April 19 – 22 | 65 (40) | Not specified | None | None | None | |
TL | April 19 | 65 (40) | 1002 | Western Australia | None | None | |
Bart | April 28 – May 3 | 85 (50) | 987 | French Polynesia | Minimal | 10 | [25] |
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.
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOB 01 | May 17 – 20 | 110 (70) | 972 | India, Bangladesh | Unknown | 35 | [26] |
TD | May 28 – 29 | Not specified | 1002 | Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands | None | None | |
ARB 01 (02A) | May 28 – 29 | 45 (30) | 997 | None | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARB 02 | June 4–10 | 165 (105) | 958 | India, Pakistan | $3 billion | 4,000-10,000 | [27] |
Agatha | June 11–16 | 100 (65) | 993 | None | None | None | |
BOB 02 | June 13–15 | 55 (35) | 992 | India | None | None | |
Two-E | June 19–22 | 55 (35) | 1003 | None | None | None | |
Blas | June 22–30 | 220 (140) | 943 | None | None | None | [nb 2] |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01W (Akang) | July 7–12 | 55 (35) | 1002 | Taiwan | None | None | |
Nichole | July 8–10 | 60 (40) | 998 | China, Taiwan | Unknown | None | |
Celia | July 17–21 | 95 (60) | 997 | None | None | None | |
H4 | July 20–23 | Unknown | Not specified | None | None | None | |
TD | July 23–25 | Not specified | 1004 | None | None | None | |
Darby | July 23 – August 1 | 185 (115) | 958 | None | None | None | |
03W | July 25 | 55 (35) | 1008 | None | None | None | |
Alex | July 27 – August 2 | 85 (50) | 1000 | None | None | None | |
Estelle | July 29 – August 8 | 215 (130) | 948 | Baja California Sur, Hawaii | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Otto (Bising) | August 1–6 | 120 (75) | 970 | Philippines, Taiwan, China | $761 thousand | 5 | |
Frank | August 6–10 | 75 (45) | 1001 | Baja California Peninsula, Southwestern United States | None | 3 | [29] |
Penny (Klaring) | August 6–11 | 95 (60) | 985 | Philippines, China | None | 1 | [30] |
Georgette | August 11–17 | 185 (115) | 960 | None | None | None | |
One-C | August 16–18 | 55 (35) | 1010 | None | None | None | |
Bonnie | August 19–30 | 185 (115) | 954 | Leeward Islands, North Carolina, Mid-Atlantic States | $1 billion | 5 | [31] [32] [33] |
Howard | August 20–30 | 240 (150) | 932 | None | None | None | |
Charley | August 21–24 | 110 (70) | 1000 | Texas, Mexico | $50 million | 24 | [34] [35] [36] |
TD | August 21–22 | Not specified | 1004 | None | None | None | |
Rex (Deling) | August 23 – September 6 | 140 (85) | 955 | Japan | Unknown | 13 | [30] |
Danielle | August 24 – September 3 | 165 (105) | 960 | Eastern Seaboard, Northeastern United States, Canadian Maritimes, British Isles | $50 thousand | None | |
Earl | August 31 – September 3 | 155 (100) | 985 | Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, Atlantic Canada | $79 million | 3 | [37] [38] |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Isis | September 1–3 | 120 (75) | 988 | Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, Southwestern United States, Northwestern United States | $10 million | 14 | [39] [40] |
07W | September 1–4 | 55 (35) | 1002 | None | None | None | |
A1 | September 3–6 | 45 (30) | Not specified | None | None | None | |
Javier | September 6–14 | 95 (60) | 990 | Mexico | Unknown | None | |
TD | September 7–8 | Not specified | 1004 | None | None | None | |
Frances | September 8–13 | 100 (65) | 990 | Texas, Louisiana, Midwestern United States | $500 million | Unknown | [nb 3] |
Stella | September 11–16 | 110 (70) | 965 | Japan, Mariana Islands | $2.17 million | 3 | [41] [42] [43] [44] |
09W | September 13–14 | 55 (35) | 998 | China, Vietnam | None | None | |
Unnamed | September 13–14 | Not specified | 1007 | None | None | None | |
Georges | September 15 – October 1 | 250 (155) | 937 | Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Florida Keys, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia | $9.37 billion | 604 | [45] |
Todd (Emang) | September 15–20 | 140 (85) | 955 | Ryukyu Islands, Japan, China | $236 thousand | 7 | [46] |
Hermine | September 17–20 | 75 (45) | 999 | Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia | $85 thousand | 2 | [nb 4] |
Vicki | September 17–22 | 140 (85) | 960 | Philippines, Japan | $81.7 million | 108 | [47] [48] |
12W | September 18–19 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Vietnam | None | None | |
Waldo | September 19–21 | 85 (50) | 994 | Japan | None | None | |
Ivan | September 19–27 | 150 (90) | 975 | None | None | None | |
Jeanne | September 21 – October 1 | 165 (105) | 969 | Cape Verde, Portugal, Spain | None | None | |
Karl | September 23–28 | 165 (105) | 970 | Bermuda, Azores | None | None | |
Yanni (Heling) | September 26–30 | 120 (75) | 965 | Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, South Korea, Japan | Unknown | ≥ 50 | [49] |
A2 | September 29 – October 2 | Unknown | Not specified | None | None | None | |
ARB 03 | September 30 – October 1 | 45 (30) | 997 | None | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Twelve-E | October 1–3 | 55 (35) | 1003 | None | None | None | |
15W | October 2–5 | 55 (35) | 1000 | China, Vietnam | None | None | |
16W | October 5–7 | 55 (35) | 1010 | Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands | None | None | |
Lisa | October 5–9 | 120 (75) | 995 | None | None | None | |
17W | October 6–7 | 55 (35) | 1008 | Ryukyu Islands | None | None | |
Zelia | October 7–10 | 75 (45) | 990 | None | None | None | |
ARB 04 | October 8–9 | 55 (35) | 998 | None | None | None | |
Zeb (Iliang) | October 9–18 | 205 (125) | 900 | Philippines, Taiwan, Japan | $576 million | 126 | [50] |
ARB 05 | October 11–17 | 65 (40) | 996 | India | None | None | |
Alex | October 11 | 45 (30) | 991 | None | None | None | |
BOB 03 | October 13–14 | 55 (35) | 998 | India | None | None | |
Kay | October 13–17 | 120 (75) | 987 | None | None | None | |
Babs (Loleng) | October 14–27 | 155 (100) | 940 | Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan | $203 million | 327 | [51] |
Lester | October 15–26 | 185 (115) | 965 | Mexico | Unknown | 2 | [52] |
Madeline | October 16–20 | 140 (85) | 979 | Mexico, Baja California Peninsula, Texas | $750 million | 32 | [53] |
Mitch | October 22 – November 5 | 285 (180) | 905 | Central America, Yucatán Peninsula, Florida, Jamaica, Ireland, United Kingdom | $6.08 billion | ≥ 11,374 | [54] |
BOB 04 | October 28–29 | 55 (35) | 1002 | India | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TD | November 4–7 | Not specified | 1004 | None | None | None | |
Alison | November 8–13 | 155 (100) | 955 | None | None | None | |
Chip | November 11–15 | 75 (45) | 994 | Vietnam | $923 thousand | 17 | [55] |
BOB 05 | November 13–16 | 145 (90) | 982 | India | $20.7 million | 6 | [56] |
BOB 06 | November 17–23 | 120 (75) | 984 | India, Bangladesh | Unknown | 100+ | [57] |
Dawn | November 18–20 | 65 (40) | 998 | Vietnam | $28 million | 187 | [58] |
Elvis (Miding) | November 22–26 | 75 (45) | 992 | Philippines, Vietnam | $30 million | 49 | [55] |
Nicole | November 24 – December 1 | 140 (85) | 979 | None | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Billy | December 1–6 | 130 (80) | 965 | Western Australia | Unknown | Unknown | [59] |
Thelma | December 3–15 | 220 (140) | 920 | Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tiwi Islands | Unknown | 1 | [60] |
01F | December 4 | Unknown | Not specified | None | None | None | |
TL (A3) | December 7–13 | 45 (30) | 1000 | None | None | None | |
Faith (Norming) | December 8–14 | 120 (75) | 970 | Philippines, Vietnam | $45.9 million | 63 | [61] [62] |
Gil | December 9–13 | 75 (45) | 992 | Thailand, Vietnam | None | None | |
ARB 06 | December 13–17 | 100 (65) | 993 | Oman | None | 18 | [63] |
07P | December 14–17 | 75 (45) | 999 | None | None | None | |
Cathy | December 16–30 | 110 (70) | 975 | None | None | None | |
26W | December 17–19 | 45 (30) | 1002 | Philippines | None | None | |
27W | December 19–22 | 55 (35) | 1000 | None | None | None | |
02F | December 22–24 | 65 (40) | 997 | None | None | None | |
Cora | December 21–28 | 140 (85) | 960 | Tonga, Fiji | $12 million | Unknown | |
04F | December 25–26 | Unknown | Not specified | None | None | None | |
TL | December 26 – January 2 | 55 (35) | 996 | Queensland, New South Wales | None | 1 | [64] |
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.
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.
The 1994 Pacific hurricane season was the final season of the eastern north Pacific's consecutive active hurricane seasons that started in 1982. The season officially started on May 15, 1994, in the eastern Pacific, and on June 1, 1994, in the central Pacific, and lasted until November 30, 1994. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The first tropical cyclone formed on June 18, while the last system dissipated on October 26. This season, twenty-two tropical cyclones formed in the north Pacific Ocean east of the dateline, with all but two becoming tropical storms or hurricanes. A total of 10 hurricanes occurred, including five major hurricanes. The above average activity in 1994 was attributed to the formation of the 1994–95 El Niño.
The 1980 Pacific hurricane season officially started May 15, 1980, in the eastern Pacific and June 1, 1980, in the central Pacific, lasting until November 30, 1980. These dates conventionally delimit each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northeastern and central Pacific Ocean. This season was relatively uneventful; since no tropical cyclones made landfall, there were no reports of casualties or damage.
The 1998 Pacific typhoon season was the least active Pacific typhoon season on record, until it was surpassed 12 years later. It would produce 16 tropical storms, 8 strengthening into typhoons. The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean, north of the equator and west of the International Date Line. Storms that form east of the date line and north of the equator are called hurricanes; see 1998 Pacific hurricane season. Tropical Storms formed in the entire west Pacific basin were assigned a name by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Tropical depressions in this basin have the "W" suffix added to their number. Tropical depressions that enter or form in the Philippine area of responsibility are assigned a name by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This can often result in the same storm having two names.
The 1970 Pacific typhoon season has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1970, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1974 Pacific typhoon season was the first season on record to not feature a Category 5 equivalent super typhoon; a feat later repeated by the 1977 and 2017 seasons. Even so, the season was overly active, with 32 tropical storms and 16 typhoons being developed this year. It has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1974, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1972 Pacific typhoon season was an above average season, producing 31 tropical storms, 24 typhoons and 2 intense typhoons. It has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1972, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1956 Pacific typhoon season has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1956, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between June and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1999 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The North Indian Ocean cyclone season has no official bounds, but cyclones tend to form between April and December, with peaks in May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean.
The 1986 North Indian Ocean cyclone season was part of the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The season has no official bounds but cyclones tend to form between April and December. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northern Indian Ocean. There are two main seas in the North Indian Ocean—the Bay of Bengal to the east of the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Sea to the west of India. The official Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre in this basin is the India Meteorological Department (IMD), while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) releases unofficial advisories. An average of five tropical cyclones form in the North Indian Ocean every season with peaks in May and November. Cyclones occurring between the meridians 45°E and 100°E are included in the season by the IMD.
During 2005, tropical cyclones formed within seven different tropical cyclone basins, located within various parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. During the year, a total of 141 systems formed with 94 of these developing further and were named by the responsible warning centre. The strongest tropical cyclone of the year was Hurricane Wilma, which was estimated to have a minimum barometric pressure of 882 hPa (26.05 inHg). 2005 was above-average in terms of the number of storms. The most active basin in the year was the North Atlantic, which documented 28 named systems. The Western Pacific had an near-average season with 23 named storms. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season experienced an above-average number of tropical storm intensity systems, numbering 15. Activity across the southern hemisphere's three basins – South-West Indian, Australian, and South Pacific – was fairly significant, with the regions recording 23 named storms altogether, with the most intense Southern Hemisphere cyclone of the year, Cyclone Percy from the South Pacific Ocean basin peaking at 145 mph (235 km/h) and 900 millibars. Throughout the year, 28 Category 3 tropical cyclones formed, including eight Category 5 tropical cyclones in the year. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2005, as calculated by Colorado State University was 899.6 units.
The 1953 Pacific hurricane season was the least active season on record. The season officially began on May 15 in the northeast Pacific Ocean and on June 1 in the central northern Pacific. They ended on November 30. These dates conventionally delimit the time of year when most tropical cyclones form in northeast Pacific Ocean. Before the satellite age started in the 1960s, data prior to that time on Pacific hurricanes is extremely unreliable as most east Pacific storms are of no threat to land.
2020 was regarded as the most active tropical cyclone year on record, documenting 104 named tropical systems. During the year, 142 tropical cyclones formed in bodies of water known as tropical cyclone basins. Of these, a record-high of 104, including three subtropical cyclones in the South Atlantic Ocean and three tropical-like cyclones in the Mediterranean, were named by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. The strongest storm of the year was Typhoon Goni, peaking with a pressure of 905 hPa (26.72 inHg). The deadliest storm of the year was Hurricane Eta which caused 175 fatalities and another 100+ to be missing in Central America and the US, while the costliest storm of the year was Hurricane Laura, with a damage cost around $19.1 billion in the Greater Antilles, The Bahamas, and the Gulf Coast of the United States.
The year 1997 was regarded as one of the most intense tropical cyclone years on record, featuring a record 12 category 5-equivalent tropical cyclones, according to the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale. The year also featured the second-highest amount of accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) on record, just behind 1992 and 2018. Throughout the year, 108 tropical cyclones have developed in bodies of water, commonly known as tropical cyclone basins. However, only 89 tropical cyclones were of those attaining 39 mph or greater, falling just below the long term average of 102 named systems. The most active basin was the Western Pacific, attaining an ACE amount of 571, the highest ever recorded in any season in any basin on record. The deadliest tropical cyclone was Severe Tropical Storm Linda (Openg). The costliest tropical cyclone was Super Typhoon Winnie (Ibiang), which set a record for having the largest eye on record. The most intense tropical cyclone was Hurricane Linda, peaking at 902 hPa/mbar. Typhoon Paka (Rubing), the longest-lived system, produced the fourth-highest ACE for a single tropical cyclone, just behind Typhoon Nancy (1961), Hurricane/Typhoon Ioke (2006), and Cyclone Freddy (2023). The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 1997, as calculated by Colorado State University was 1,099.2 units.
During 1999, tropical cyclones formed within seven different bodies of water called basins. To date, 142 tropical cyclones formed in bodies of water known as tropical cyclone basins, of which 72 were given names by various weather agencies. The strongest tropical cyclone of the year was Gwenda, attaining maximum sustained winds of 120 knots and a pressure of 900 hPa (26.58 inHg), later tied with Inigo in 2003. Floyd was the costliest tropical cyclone of the year, with around $6.5 billion worth of damages as it affected the Bahamas, the East Coast of the United States, and the Atlantic Canada. The deadliest cyclone of this year was the 1999 Odisha cyclone, which was blamed for over 9,667 deaths as it devastated India. It was also the strongest Northern Hemisphere cyclone of the year with the pressure of 912 hPa (26.93 inHg) and third most intense tropical cyclone worldwide next to Cyclone Gwenda and Cyclone Vance. Three Category 5 tropical cyclones were formed in 1999. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 1999, as calculated by Colorado State University was 606.4 units.
During 1996, tropical cyclones formed within seven different tropical cyclone basins, located within various parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. During the year, a total of 139 tropical cyclones formed in bodies of water known as tropical cyclone basins. 90 of them were named by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. The strongest tropical cyclone of the year was Cyclone Daniella, peaking with a pressure of 915 hPa (27.02 inHg) in the open waters of the Indian Ocean. Hurricane Fran and Typhoon Herb tie for the costliest storm of the year, both with a damage cost of $5 billion. The deadliest tropical cyclone of the year was the 1996 Andhra Pradesh cyclone, which was blamed for over 1,000 fatalities as it directly affected the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Five Category 5 tropical cyclones were formed in 1996. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 1996, as calculated by Colorado State University was 960 units.
During 1993, tropical cyclones formed within seven different bodies of water called basins. To date, 110 tropical cyclones formed, of which 78 were given names by various weather agencies. Only one Category 5 tropical cyclone was formed in 1993. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 1993, as calculated by Colorado State University was 710.4 units.
During 2021, tropical cyclones formed in seven major bodies of water, commonly known as tropical cyclone basins. Tropical cyclones will be assigned names by various weather agencies if they attain maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. During the year, 136 systems have formed and 94 were named, including one subtropical depression and excluding one system, which was unofficial. One storm was given two names by the same RSMC. The most intense storm of the year was Typhoon Surigae, with maximum 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 220 km/h (140 mph) and a minimum pressure of 895 hPa (26.43 inHg). The deadliest tropical cyclone was Typhoon Rai, which caused 410 fatalities in the Philippines and 1 in Vietnam, while the costliest was Hurricane Ida, which caused an estimated $75.25 billion USD in damage after striking Louisiana and the Northeastern United States.
During 2022, tropical cyclones formed in seven major bodies of water, commonly known as tropical cyclone basins. Tropical cyclones were named by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. During the year, 133 systems formed, of which 87 were named. The strongest storm to form was Typhoon Nanmadol, with minimum pressure of 910 hPa (26.87 inHg). The deadliest tropical cyclone was Tropical Storm Megi, which caused 214 fatalities in the Philippines, while the costliest was Hurricane Ian, which had an estimated damage total of at least $113.1 billion after affecting Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Colombia, the western part of the Greater Antilles and Southeast United States.
In 2024, tropical cyclones have been forming in seven major bodies of water, commonly known as tropical cyclone basins. Tropical cyclones are named by various weather agencies when they attain maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. So far, 101 systems have formed this year, with 70 of them being named. The most intense storm of the year so far is Hurricane Milton, with a minimum barometric pressure of 897 hPa (26.49 inHg). Hurricane Helene is the costliest tropical cyclone so far, with a damage total of at least $87.9 billion, mostly in the Southeastern United States. Typhoon Yagi is the deadliest tropical cyclone to date, with at least 840 fatalities, occurring mostly in Vietnam and Myanmar.
During 2023, tropical cyclones formed in seven major bodies of water, commonly known as tropical cyclone basins. They were named by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. Throughout the year, a total of 115 systems formed, with 79 of them being named. The most intense storm this year was Typhoon Mawar, which had a minimum pressure of 900 hPa (26.58 inHg). The deadliest tropical cyclone of the year was Storm Daniel, which killed at least 5,591 people in Libya, Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria. Meanwhile, the costliest tropical cyclone was Typhoon Doksuri which caused at least $28.4 billion (USD) worth of damage in China, the Philippines and Taiwan, becoming the costliest on record outside the Atlantic Ocean basin. Among this year's systems, thirty became major tropical cyclones, of which ten intensified into Category 5 tropical cyclones on the Saffir–Simpson scale (SSHWS). This year, for the first time on record, at least one such Category 5 system formed in each tropical cyclone basin: Typhoons Mawar, Saola, and Bolaven in the western Pacific Ocean, Hurricanes Jova and Otis in the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Lee in the Atlantic, Cyclone Mocha in the North Indian Ocean, Cyclone Freddy in the southwest Indian Ocean, Cyclone Ilsa in the Australian region, and Cyclone Kevin in the South Pacific. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2023, as calculated by Colorado State University (CSU) was 857.4 units, which was above the 1991-2020 mean of 770.2 units.
Tropical cyclone year articles (1990–1999) |
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1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 |
Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers
Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the National Weather Service .