Tropical cyclones in 1999 | |
---|---|
Year boundaries | |
First system | 05F |
Formed | January 1, 1999 |
Last system | Astride |
Dissipated | January 3, 2000 |
Strongest system | |
Name | Gwenda |
Lowest pressure | 900 mbar (hPa); 26.58 inHg |
Longest lasting system | |
Name | Dora |
Duration | 17 days |
Year statistics | |
Total systems | 142 |
Named systems | 72 |
Total fatalities | ≥ 17,491 |
Total damage | $5.334 billion (1999 USD) |
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 (220 km/h; 140 mph) 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 (seven basins combined), as calculated by Colorado State University was 606.4 units.
A strong La Niña was present for the whole year, which made the Atlantic and North Pacific waters warmer than usual.
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. The 1999 Atlantic hurricane season had five Category 4 hurricanes – the highest number recorded in a single season in the Atlantic basin, previously tied in 1961, and later tied in 2005 and 2020.
It was a fairly active season, mostly due to a persistent La Niña that developed in the latter half of 1998. The first storm, Arlene, formed on June 11 to the southeast of Bermuda. It meandered slowly for a week and caused no impact on land. Other tropical cyclones that did not affect land were Hurricane Cindy, Tropical Storm Emily, and Tropical Depression Twelve. Localized or otherwise minor damage occurred from Hurricanes Bret, Gert, and Jose, Tropical Storms Harvey and Katrina. The most significant storm of the season was Hurricane Floyd, a strong Category 4 hurricane that caused devastating flooding along the East Coast of the United States, especially in North Carolina. Damage from the storm totaled approximately $6.5 billion (1999 USD) and there were at least 77 fatalities, making it the deadliest hurricane in the United States since Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Flooding from Floyd in North Carolina followed Hurricane Dennis, a slow and erratic–moving storm that dropped heavy rainfall in the eastern portion of the state. Tropical Depression Eleven in October contributed to extreme flooding in Mexico, which left 636 people dead and caused $491.3 million in damage, though impact could not be distinguished from the storm itself. Hurricane Irene caused extensive flooding in Cuba and Florida, with lesser effects in the Bahamas and North Carolina. Irene was the second–costliest storm of the season, with about $800 million in damage. Hurricane Lenny was an unusual eastward–moving storm in the Caribbean Sea and a strong late–season storm. It caused extensive damage in the Lesser Antilles in the month of November.
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 fourteen tropical cyclones and nine named storms, which was well below the average of sixteen named storms per season; this was largely due to a strong La Niña taking over much of the Pacific.
However, the total of six hurricanes and two major hurricanes during the season was near the averages of eight and three, respectively. Although it remained offshore, Hurricane Adrian caused 6 deaths from flooding and rough surf in Mexico. Hurricane Dora was a long-lived and intense cyclone, which had the second-longest track of a Pacific hurricane on record. The storm brought minor impacts to the island of Hawaii; however, no deaths or damage was reported. The deadliest tropical cyclone, Hurricane Greg, killed 10 people from flooding in Mexico.
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. However, it was a very inactive season, featuring the lowest number of typhoons on record, five.
The 1999 Pacific typhoon season was the last Pacific typhoon season to use English names as storm names. In the season, there were 45 tropical depressions, in which 20 strengthened to tropical storms, of 5 further strengthening into a typhoon. Typhoon Bart was the only super typhoon of that year. Bart reached "super typhoon" status on September 22, when it grew to comprise winds containing a force of 260 km/h (160 mph).
The season produced an average number of storms but there was an above average number of intense cyclones. In May, a Category 3 cyclone struck Pakistan, leaving at 700 people dead or missing. In October, two very intense cyclones struck eastern India within two weeks of each other, leaving over 10,000 people dead and causing more than $4.5 billion (1999 USD) in damages.
A total of ten tropical cyclones were observed. The India Meteorological Department, the official Regional Specialized Meteorological Center of the North Indian Ocean basin, identified eight of them. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center unofficially tracked two additional cyclones, 03B and 31W, during the course of the season.
Activity began late, with the first tropical storm – Alda – forming on January 16, the third latest ever recorded at the time. Alda formed in the Mozambique Channel, which was one of few favorable areas for tropical cyclogenesis in the season. It brought rainfall to southwestern Madagascar that alleviated previously dry conditions. The next five tropical storms either originated or crossed into the adjacent Australian basin, where storms were monitored by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). Both Tropical Storm Chikita and Tropical Cyclone Davina brought beneficial rainfall to the Mascarene Islands. The latter storm caused two drowning deaths on Réunion and caused some crop damage. The strongest storm – Evrina – peaked as a strong cyclone in the Australian but weakened upon crossing 90°E, with 10-minute maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph) in the basin. The final storm was unnamed, crossing from the Australian basin on April 21 as a minimal tropical storm before quickly dissipating. There were also several tropical disturbances or depressions, many short-lived. The first of these formed on September 3 in the northeastern portion of the basin, and there was a tropical depression in February in the Mozambique Channel that approached tropical storm status.
Despite the destructive nature of the season, it began later than usual. Cyclone Astride originated toward the end of December, bringing rainfall and gusty winds to northern Madagascar while in the region.
The season featured Cyclone Gwenda, the most intense tropical cyclone in the Australian Region (later tied with Inigo in 2003) . It was above average, with 14 tropical lows, with 9 further strengthening to a tropical cyclone, with 6 of those further becoming a severe tropical cyclone. The 1999 season started with Olinda forming on late January, exiting toward the South Pacific basin the next day. Damien, Rona, Elaine, Vance, Frederick, and Gwenda further strengthened to severe tropical cyclones. Hamish ended the season, exiting the basin to the South-West Indian Ocean on 21 April.
3 tropical cyclones formed on late 1999, with 2 of them further becoming tropical cyclones: A tropical low, Ilsa, and John. Ilsa and John briefly affected Western Australia. A tropical low near Brisbane existed from 2 – 3 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 and Dani were retired from the naming lists, after they had caused significant impacts to South Pacific islands.
5 tropical depressions formed throughout the year; however, they were all weak. A tropical depression existed from September and 4 more tropical depressions monitored by the FMS existed from November to early December.
2 medicanes were observed in March 19–21, 1999 and September 13, 1999.
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
05F | January 1–5 | Not specified | Not specified | Cook Islands | None | None | |
06F | January 3 | Not specified | Not specified | French Polynesia | None | None | |
A4 | January 3–5 | 55 (35) | 996 | Madagascar | None | None | |
Hilda (Auring) | January 3–8 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Malaysia | $1.3 million | 5 | [1] [2] |
Alda | January 14–19 | 105 (65) | 975 | Mozambique, Madagascar | Unknown | None | [3] |
Dani | January 15–22 | 175 (110) | 930 | Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji | $8.5 million | 12 | [4] [5] |
08F | January 16–20 | Unknown | Unknown | Fiji | $1.8 million | 6 | |
Olinda | January 20–23 | 100 (65) | 985 | New Caledonia | Unknown | None | |
Damien–Birenda | January 21–February 2 | 155 (100) | 950 | Cocos Islands | None | None | |
Pete | January 21–26 | 100 (65) | 985 | New Caledonia | Unknown | None | [6] |
16P | January 24–27 | 55 (35) | 993 | Northern Territory | Unknown | None | |
Chikita | January 29–February 4 | 65 (40) | 990 | Réunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues | Unknown | None | |
18S | January 31–February 14 | 75 (45) | 995 | Western Australia | Unknown | None | [7] |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOB 01 | February 2–5 | 95 (60) | 998 | Sri Lanka | None | None | |
11F | February | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
12F | February | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
13F | February | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
Rona | February 9–12 | 140 (85) | 970 | Queensland | None | None | |
TD | February 9–10 | Not specified | 1004 | None | None | None | |
Ella | February 9–13 | 85 (50) | 985 | Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia | None | None | |
15F | February | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
D1 | February 11–17 | 55 (35) | 994 | Mozambique, Madagascar | None | None | |
Iris (Bebeng) | February 14–19 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Chuuk, Palau | None | None | |
Frank | February 16–21 | 150 (90) | 955 | Eastern Australia, New Caledonia | $150 million | 7 | |
17F | February 17–19 | 75 (45) | 995 | Fiji | None | None | |
D2-E1 | February 23–March 6 | 45 (30) | 1000 | Mozambique, Madagascar | None | None | |
Gita | February 27–March 2 | 85 (50) | 990 | Cook Islands | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Davina | March 2–19 | 165 (105) | 930 | Rodrigues | Minor | 2 | |
TL | March 7–14 | 65 (40) | 1000 | Unknown | None | None | |
E2 | March 8–20 | Unknown | Unknown | Mauritius | None | None | |
E3 | March 11–21 | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
Hali | March 11–18 | 120 (75) | 970 | Cook Islands | None | None | |
20F | March 13–18 | 65 (40) | 998 | None | None | None | |
Elaine | March 15–20 | 165 (105) | 945 | Western Australia | Unknown | Unknown | |
Vance | March 15–24 | 215 (130) | 910 | Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania | $100 million | None | |
TL | March 20–21 | ≤ 65 (40) | 996 | Unknown | None | None | |
Frederick-Evrina | March 25 – April 10 | 205 (125) | 920 | None | None | None | |
21F | March 28 | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gwenda | April 2–8 | 220 (140) | 900 | Western Australia | Minimal | None | |
Jacob (Katring) | April 6–9 | 55 (35) | 1006 | Philippines | None | None | |
22F | April 9 | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
TL | April 16 – 19 | 80 (50) | 999 | Unknown | None | None | [nb 1] |
Hamish | April 19–21 | 100 (65) | 980 | None | None | None | [nb 2] |
F1 | April 21–24 | 65 (40) | 992 | None | None | None | [nb 3] |
23F | April 21 | Unknown | Unknown | None | None | None | |
Kate (Diding) | April 21–28 | 100 (65) | 980 | Philippines | None | None | |
Leo | April 27 – May 2 | 120 (75) | 970 | China | Unknown | Unknown | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARB 01 | May 16–22 | 195 (120) | 946 | India, Pakistan | $6 million | 6,400 | |
26F | May 20–26 | 75 (45) | 995 | Queensland, New Zealand | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maggie (Etang) | June 1–9 | 140 (85) | 955 | Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, China | $168 million | 9 | [8] [9] |
TD | June 1–2 | Not specified | 1004 | None | None | None | [10] |
Gening | June 3–6 | 55 (35) | 996 | None | None | None | |
03B | June 8–11 | 65 (40) | 997 | India | None | None | |
TD | June 9–15 | 55 (35) | 996 | Japan | None | None | |
Arlene | June 11–18 | 95 (60) | 1006 | Bermuda | None | None | |
BOB 02 | June 17 | 55 (35) | 986 | India | None | None | |
Adrian | June 18–22 | 155 (100) | 973 | Mexico | None | 6 | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Two | July 2–3 | 55 (35) | 1003 | Mexico | None | None | |
Beatriz | July 9–17 | 195 (120) | 955 | None | None | None | |
TD | July 9–15 | 55 (35) | 996 | Japan | None | None | |
Three-E | July 14–15 | 55 (35) | 1007 | Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua | None | None | |
07W | July 14–18 | 65 (40) | 996 | None | None | None | |
08W | July 19–23 | 55 (35) | 1004 | Japan, South Korea | None | None | |
Neil (Helming) | July 22–28 | 95 (60) | 980 | Japan, Korea, Ryukyu Islands | Unknown | ≥ 8 | [11] [12] |
Four-E | July 23–25 | 55 (35) | 1007 | None | None | None | |
10W | July 23–28 | 75 (45) | 985 | China | None | None | |
Calvin | July 25–27 | 65 (40) | 1005 | None | None | None | |
Six-E | July 26–28 | 55 (35) | 1005 | None | None | None | |
BOB 03 | July 27–28 | 55 (35) | 990 | India | Unknown | Unknown | |
Olga | July 29 – August 3 | 120 (75) | 970 | Caroline Islands, Ryukyu Islands, Korea | $657 million | 106 | [13] [14] [15] |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paul | August 3–9 | 85 (50) | 980 | Japan, China, Mariana Islands, Korea | Unknown | None | [16] |
Rachel | August 5–11 | 65 (40) | 992 | Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, China | None | None | |
BOB 04 | August 6–9 | 45 (30) | 992 | India | None | None | [17] |
Dora | August 6–23 | 220 (140) | 943 | Hawaii, Johnston Atoll | Minimal | None | [18] |
Eugene | August 6–15 | 175 (110) | 964 | Hawaii | None | None | |
14W | August 8–10 | 45 (30) | 1000 | Japan | None | None | |
TD | August 9–11 | Not specified | 1000 | None | None | None | |
TD | August 11 | Not specified | 1000 | None | None | None | |
TD | August 11–16 | Not specified | 1000 | Japan | None | None | |
Nine-E | August 13–15 | 55 (35) | 1005 | None | None | None | |
15W | August 16–18 | 45 (30) | 1002 | Korea, Japan | None | None | |
TD | August 16–17 | Not specified | 1010 | None | None | None | |
Fernanda | August 17–22 | 100 (65) | 994 | None | None | None | |
Sam | August 17–24 | 100 (65) | 980 | Philippines, China | $35 million | 20 | [19] [20] |
Bret | August 18–25 | 230 (145) | 944 | Texas, Mexico | $15 million | 7 | [21] [22] |
Cindy | August 19–31 | 220 (140) | 942 | Cape Verde, Bermuda | None | 1 | [23] [24] |
Tanya | August 19–24 | 95 (60) | 1000 | None | None | None | |
18W | August 21–24 | 55 (35) | 1000 | None | None | None | |
Eleven-E | August 23–24 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Baja California Peninsula | None | None | |
Virgil | August 23–29 | 95 (60) | 994 | None | None | None | |
Dennis | August 24 – September 9 | 165 (105) | 962 | The Bahamas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Ontario, Quebec | $157 million | 6 | [25] [26] |
Emily | August 24–28 | 85 (50) | 1004 | None | None | None | |
Wendy (Mameng) | August 29 – September 4 | 65 (40) | 995 | Philippines, China | $309.4 million | 133 | [27] |
TD | August 30 | Not specified | 1008 | None | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Greg | September 5–9 | 120 (75) | 986 | Mexico, Baja California Peninsula | Moderate | 10 | [28] |
Seven-E | September 5–7 | 55 (35) | 1006 | Mexico, Texas | Unknown | None | [29] |
TD | September 5–6 | 65 (40) | 1000 | None | None | None | [30] |
Floyd | September 7–19 | 250 (155) | 921 | The Bahamas, East Coast of the United States, Atlantic Canada | $6.5 billion | 85 | [31] [32] [33] |
York (Neneng) | September 10–17 | 100 (65) | 980 | Philippines, China | $34 million | 35 | [34] [35] [36] |
Gert | September 11–23 | 240 (150) | 930 | Bermuda, Maine, Atlantic Canada | $1.9 million | 2 | [37] |
Zia | September 11–15 | 85 (50) | 985 | Japan | Unknown | 9 | [38] |
Ann | September 14–19 | 95 (60) | 985 | Taiwan, China, Korea, Ryukyu Islands | Unknown | None | [39] [40] |
Hillary | September 17–21 | 120 (75) | 987 | Baja California Peninsula | None | None | [41] |
Bart (Oniang) | September 17–30 | 165 (105) | 930 | Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Russia | $5.75 billion | 36 | [42] [43] |
Harvey | September 19–22 | 95 (60) | 994 | Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Atlantic Canada | ≥ $22.6 million | None | [44] |
TD | September 21 | Not specified | 1008 | None | None | None | |
Cam | September 22–26 | 85 (50) | 992 | China | Unknown | 1 | [45] |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dan (Pepang) | October 2–10 | 150 (90) | 955 | South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, China | $242 million | 44 | |
Eleven | October 4–6 | 55 (35) | 1002 | Mexico | Unknown | Unknown | |
Twelve | October 6–8 | 55 (35) | 1007 | None | None | None | |
Irwin | October 8–11 | 95 (60) | 996 | Southwestern Mexico, Guerrero | Minimal | None | |
Irene | October 12–19 | 175 (110) | 958 | Cuba, Bahamas, Southeastern United States | $800 million | 18 | |
Eve (Rening) | October 15–20 | 85 (50) | 990 | Philippines, Vietnam | $235 million | 590 | |
BOB 05 | October 15–19 | 165 (105) | 968 | India, Myanmar | Unknown | 80 | |
Jose | October 17–25 | 155 (100) | 979 | Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico | $5 million | 3 | |
TD | October 23–24 | Not specified | 1004 | Vietnam, Thailand | None | None | |
BOB 06 | October 25–31 | 260 (160) | 912 | India, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh | $4.44 billion | 9,887 | |
Katrina | October 28–November 1 | 65 (40) | 999 | Central America, Mexico | $9,000 | None |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TD | November 5 | Not specified | 1002 | Vietnam | None | None | |
28W | November 5–6 | 55 (35) | 1000 | None | None | None | |
Frankie (Sendang) | November 6–10 | 55 (35) | 996 | Philippines | None | None | |
Lenny | November 13–23 | 250 (155) | 933 | Colombia, Puerto Rico, Leeward Islands | $785.8 million | 17 | |
Gloria (Trining) | November 13–16 | 95 (60) | 980 | None | None | None | |
Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths | Refs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
31W | December 1–5 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Thailand, Vietnam | None | None | |
03F | December 1–3 | 55 (35) | 1006 | None | None | None | |
TL | December 2–3 | 55 (35) | 1002 | Queensland | None | None | |
04F | December 5–7 | 65 (40) | 1003 | None | None | None | |
BOB 07 | December 8–10 | 45 (30) | 998 | India, Sri Lanka | None | None | |
Ilsa | December 9–17 | 100 (65) | 980 | Christmas Island, Western Australia | Unknown | None | |
32W | December 9–11 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Vietnam, Cambodia | None | None | |
John | December 9–16 | 205 (125) | 915 | Western Australia | Unknown | None | |
33W | December 14–16 | 55 (35) | 1000 | Vietnam | Unknown | None | |
Astride | December 23 – January 3 | 95 (60) | 985 | Réunion, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rodrigues | Minor | None | |
2 Only systems that formed either on or after January 1, 1999 are counted in the seasonal totals.
3 Only systems that formed either before or on December 31, 1999 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 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 1995 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly below average season in terms of named storms, ending a 6-year stretch of above average activity. It occurred all year round, though most tropical cyclones formed between May and November.
The 1992 Pacific typhoon season is the fourth consecutive above-average season, producing 31 tropical storms, 16 typhoons and five super typhoons. It had no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1992. Despite this, most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
The 1991 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly above-average season with 29 tropical storms, 17 typhoons and five super typhoons forming. It was quite a catastrophic season – Typhoon Yunya impacted the Philippines in mid June while in the same time experiencing a volcanic eruption, Typhoon Mireille severely impacting Japan, which became known for being the costliest typhoon on record with US$10 billion worths of damages, and Tropical Storm Thelma on November which became one of the deadliest storms to strike the Philippines, killing at least over 5,000 people.
The 1990 Pacific typhoon season was another active season. It has no official bounds; it ran year-round in 1990, but most tropical cyclones tend to form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean between May and November. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
Tropical cyclones are ranked on one of five tropical cyclone intensity scales, according to their maximum sustained winds and which tropical cyclone basins they are located in. Only a few scales of classifications are used officially by the meteorological agencies monitoring the tropical cyclones, but other scales also exist, such as accumulated cyclone energy, the Power Dissipation Index, the Integrated Kinetic Energy Index, and the Hurricane Severity Index.
Traditionally, areas of tropical cyclone formation are divided into seven basins. These include the north Atlantic Ocean, the eastern and western parts of the northern Pacific Ocean, the southwestern Pacific, the southwestern and southeastern Indian Oceans, and the northern Indian Ocean. The western Pacific is the most active and the north Indian the least active. An average of 86 tropical cyclones of tropical storm intensity form annually worldwide, with 47 reaching hurricane/typhoon strength, and 20 becoming intense tropical cyclones, super typhoons, or major hurricanes.
The 2007–08 South Pacific cyclone season was one of the least active South Pacific tropical cyclone seasons on record, with only four tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific basin to the east of 160°E. The season officially ran from November 1, 2007, until April 30, 2008, although the first cyclone, Tropical Depression 01F, developed on October 17. The most intense tropical cyclone of the season was Severe Tropical Cyclone Daman, which reached a minimum pressure of 925 hPa (27.32 inHg) as it affected Fiji. After the season had ended, the names Daman, Funa, and Gene were retired from the tropical cyclone naming lists.
In the south-west Indian Ocean, tropical cyclones form south of the equator and west of 90° E to the coast of Africa.
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 1998–99 Australian region cyclone season was an above average tropical cyclone season that featured Gwenda, the most intense tropical cyclone in the Australian Region. It began on 1 November 1998 and ended on 30 April 1999. The regional tropical cyclone operational plan also defines a tropical cyclone year separately from a tropical cyclone season, which runs from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999.
The 1984–85 South Pacific cyclone season was an above-average tropical cyclone season, with nine tropical cyclones occurring within the basin between 160°E and 120°W. The season ran from November 1, 1984, to April 30, 1985, with tropical cyclones officially monitored by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and New Zealand's MetService. The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and other national meteorological services including Météo-France and NOAA also monitored the basin during the season. During the season there was nine tropical cyclones occurring within the basin, including three that moved into the basin from the Australian region. The BoM, MetService and RSMC Nadi all estimated sustained wind speeds over a period of 10-minutes, which are subsequently compared to the Australian tropical cyclone intensity scale, while the JTWC estimated sustained winds over a 1-minute period, which are subsequently compared to the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale (SSHWS).
During 2015, 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, one hundred thirty-four systems have formed and ninety-two were named. The most intense storm of the year was Hurricane Patricia, with maximum 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 345 km/h (215 mph) and a minimum pressure of 872 hPa (25.75 inHg). The deadliest tropical cyclone was Cyclone Komen, which caused 280 fatalities in Southeast India and Bangladesh, while the costliest was Typhoon Mujigae, which caused an estimated $4.25 billion USD in damage after striking China. Forty Category 3 tropical cyclones formed, including nine Category 5 tropical cyclones in the year. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2015, as calculated by Colorado State University (CSU) was 1047 units.
Tropical cyclones in 2002 were spread out across seven different areas called basins. To date, 123 tropical cyclones formed in 2002. 80 tropical cyclones had been named by either a Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) or a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC). The strongest system was Cyclone Zoe, with a central pressure of 890 hectopascals (26 inHg). The costliest and deadliest tropical cyclone of the year was Typhoon Rusa, killing 233 in South Korea and causing $4.2 billion in damages. 26 Category 3 tropical cyclones, including eight Category 5 tropical cyclones formed in 2002. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2002, as calculated by Colorado State University was 812 units.
During 2003, 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 129 systems formed with 85 of these developing further and were named by the responsible warning centre. The strongest tropical cyclone of the year was Cyclone Inigo, which was estimated to have a minimum barometric pressure of 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) and was tied with Cyclone Gwenda for being the most intense recorded cyclone in the Australian region in terms of pressure, with the possible exception of Cyclone Mahina. So far, 26 Category 3 tropical cyclones formed, including six Category 5 tropical cyclones formed in 2003, tying 2021. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2003, as calculated by Colorado State University was 833 units.
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 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. 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, as calculated by Colorado State University was 773.1 units.
Throughout 2008, 124 tropical cyclones have formed in bodies of water known as tropical cyclone basins. Of these, 83 have been named, by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35 knots. The strongest storm of the year was Typhoon Jangmi in the Western Pacific Ocean. The deadliest storm of the year was Cyclone Nargis, which caused devastating and castatrophic destruction in Myanmar with 138,373 fatalities. The costliest storm of the year was Hurricane Ike, which wreaked havoc thorough Cuba and Texas, with $38 billion in damage. Throughout the year, 24 Category 3 tropical cyclones formed, including one Category 5 tropical cyclone in the year. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2008, as calculated by Colorado State University was 613.9 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 .