Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | October 24,2024 |
Extratropical | November 1,2024 |
Dissipated | November 7,2024 |
Very strong typhoon | |
10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
Highest winds | 185 km/h (115 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 925 hPa (mbar);27.32 inHg |
Category 4-equivalent super typhoon | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 240 km/h (150 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 927 hPa (mbar);27.37 inHg |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 3 |
Injuries | 690 |
Missing | 1 |
Damage | $60.21 million (2024 USD) |
Areas affected |
|
Part of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season |
Typhoon Kong-rey, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Leon,was a powerful tropical cyclone that impacted Taiwan and the Philippines before later affecting East China,South Korea,and Japan in late October and early November 2024. Kong-rey was the first typhoon in Taiwan's history to make landfall after mid-October and the largest storm to strike since Typhoon Herb in 1996. Additionally,it was the second tropical cyclone in a series to impact the Philippines,following Tropical Storm Trami a few days earlier,and preceding Typhoons Yinxing,Toraji,Usagi,and Man-yi which would impact a few days later.
The twenty-first named storm and the third super typhoon of the annual typhoon season,Kong-rey developed from a weak exposed low-level circulation located west-northwest of Guam. On October 25,the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) upgraded the system to a tropical storm named Kong-rey,and on October 28,the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) classified it as a minimal typhoon before the JMA followed suit. On October 30,the JTWC reported that the system had peaked as a Category 4-equivalent super typhoon,with 1-minute sustained winds of 240 km/h (150 mph). The JMA noted that Kong-rey reached its maximum strength with 10-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a central pressure of 925 hPa (27.32 inHg). After reaching its peak intensity,Kong-rey began an eyewall replacement cycle,and satellite imagery showed a large eye and rapidly rotating features along the inner edge of the eyewall. The following day,Kong-rey completed the eyewall replacement cycle as it approached Taiwan from the southeast,and passed close to Batanes and the Orchid Island before making landfall in Chenggong,Taitung. It was later reemerged over the Taiwan Strait with a weakened convective structure,and its rapid movement across Taiwan may be attributed to a lee-side jump. It moved along the eastern coast of China as it interacted with a strong frontal system while beginning its extratropical transition. By November 1,the JMA reported that Kong-rey had transitioned into an extratropical low as it moved north-northeastward along the northwestern periphery of a mid-level subtropical high,quickly developing frontal characteristics with a weak cold front extending south from the center and a warm front extending east-northeastward. The extratropical storm crossed into Japan the next day and then emerged into the Pacific Ocean. Its remnants were last noted by the JMA on November 4 near the International Dateline;however,the Ocean Prediction Center reported that these remnants crossed the Central North Pacific Ocean,and were gradually moving toward the Alaskan coast. On November 7,Kong-rey's remnants were absorbed into another extratropical cyclone just south of Southwest Alaska.
Authorities advised evacuations in Batangas,which was devastated by Tropical Storm Trami the previous week. In Taiwan,classes were suspended in Taitung County,and multiple flights and trips were also canceled. Heavy rain advisories were issued by the Central Weather Administration,with torrential rain warnings in Yilan County and Hualien County. In East China,Kong-rey brought strong winds and heavy rains to the provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian,while on Jeju Island,South Korea,Hallasan recorded up to 268.5 mm (10.57 in) of rain,resulting in flooding that damaged buildings across the island. The JMA reported that warm,moist air from the storm was bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to western Japan. Overall,Kong-rey was responsible for three deaths and 690 injuries,causing approximately US$60.21 million in damages.
The origins of Typhoon Kong-rey can be traced back to October 22, when the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) started monitoring a weak exposed low-level circulation at 14°54′N141°24′E / 14.9°N 141.4°E , about 394 km (245 mi) west-northwest of Guam. Satellite imagery revealed limited deep convection primarily in the eastern and northern quadrants, while two disturbances near 97W and 98W interacted within a complex steering environment, with 98W moving poleward and being absorbed by 97W. [1] The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) designated the disturbance as a low-pressure area the following day, [2] and on October 24, it was upgraded to a tropical depression. [3] At 03:00 UTC on the same day, the JTWC issued a tropical cyclone formation alert, indicating that the environment was generally favorable for tropical cyclogenesis, with warm sea surface temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F), low vertical wind shear, and good radial outflow. [4]
At 00:00 UTC on October 25, the JMA upgraded the system to a tropical storm named Kong-rey, [5] which the JTWC later designated as 23W, featuring a partially obscured circulation center and a deep band of convection on its eastern and northern sides. [6] Kong-rey exhibited a pronounced asymmetrical circulation with fragmented and disorganized convection as it moved northwestward along the southwestern edge of a mid-level subtropical high, [7] [8] while microwave imaging revealed curved convective bands concentrated in the western semicircle, with shallow bands tightly wrapping around a ragged circulation center. [9] At 19:30 PHT (11:30 UTC) on October 26, Kong-rey entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was given the name Leon by PAGASA. [10] Kong-rey exhibited a fully exposed circulation center surrounded by persistent convection in the southwestern quadrant, supported by moderate westward outflow, while spiral bands of deep convection were located to the north; [11] satellite imagery revealed two separate low-level circulation centers rotating around a central point at 16°42′N132°00′E / 16.7°N 132.0°E , which eventually merged into a single, better-organized low-level circulation center characterized by broad banding over the western semicircle. [12] As it moved west-southwestward along the southeastern periphery, the system displayed strong equatorward flow and improving poleward outflow, prompting the JMA to upgrade it to a severe tropical storm at 00:00 UTC on October 27. [13] [14] Early the next day, the JTWC upgraded the storm to a minimal typhoon before the JMA followed suit, [15] which noted an improved structure with convective banding fully wrapping around the circulation and achieving a more symmetric shape; [16] the typhoon also developed a large, ragged eye, characterized by a cloud-filled structure measuring 52 miles (83 km) in diameter. [17] [18]
On October 30, the JTWC reported that the system had peaked as a Category 4-equivalent super typhoon after Kong-rey attained 1-minute sustained winds of 240 km/h (150 mph), [19] while the JMA indicated that Kong-rey reached its peak intensity with 10-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a central pressure of 925 hPa (27.32 inHg). [20] After reaching its peak intensity, Kong-rey began an eyewall replacement cycle, [21] [22] with satellite imagery revealing a large eye and rapidly rotating features along the inner edge of the eyewall while it moved northwestward along its southwestern edge. [23] The typhoon had a distinct and highly symmetrical eye measuring 46 miles (74 km) in diameter, while microwave imaging reveals a double concentric eyewall structure. [24] Kong-rey completed the eyewall replacement cycle shortly afterward, [25] resulting in a ragged but relatively symmetrical eye feature as the typhoon approached Taiwan from the southeast and passed close to Batanes and the Orchid Island. [26] [27] The following day at 1:40 p.m. local time, Kong-rey made landfall in Chenggong, Taitung in eastern Taiwan. This made Kong-rey the first typhoon in Taiwan's history to make landfall after mid-October, [28] and it was the largest storm to hit since Typhoon Herb in 1996. [29] After making landfall, the eye quickly became cloud-filled, exhibiting deteriorating convective bands and eyewall structure, while surface observations from Taitung recorded sustained winds of 104 km/h (64 mph). [30] It was later reemerged over the Taiwan Strait with a weakened convective structure, and its rapid movement across Taiwan may be attributed to a lee-side jump. [31] It moved along the eastern coast of China as it interacted with a strong frontal system while beginning its extratropical transition. [32] By 12:00 UTC on November 1, the JMA reported that Kong-rey had transitioned into an extratropical low as it moved north-northeastward along the northwestern periphery of a mid-level subtropical high, [33] [34] quickly developing frontal characteristics with a weak cold front extending south from the center and a warm front extending east-northeastward. [35] At 21:00 UTC on the same day, the JTWC discontinued warnings for the system as it had completed its extratropical transition. [36] The extratropical storm crossed into Japan the next day and emerged into the Pacific Ocean. [37] [38] Its remnants were last noted by the JMA on November 4 near the International Dateline; [39] however, the Ocean Prediction Center reported that these remnants crossed the Central North Pacific Ocean, [40] and were gradually moving toward the Alaskan coast. [41] On November 7, Kong-rey's remnants were absorbed into another extratropical cyclone just south of Southwest Alaska. [41]
PAGASA indicated that residents in the northern and northeastern parts of Luzon can expect rain on October 31 and November 1 due to the storm. [42] Early on October 27, PAGASA issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 to portions of Cagayan, Isabela, and Catanduanes. [43] The next day, PAGASA included the entirety of Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Apayao, and Kalinga. PAGASA also included the entirety of Cagayan (including Babuyan Islands); Camarines Norte; Ifugao; Isabela; La Union; Mountain Province; Nueva Vizcaya, with portions of Quirino; Aurora; Benguet; Albay; Camarines Sur; Sorsogon; Northern Samar; and Eastern Samar. [44] Later that evening, PAGASA included the entirety of Quirino and Aurora. [45] On October 29, the entirety of Benguet was included. [46] On the same day, PAGASA issued Signal No. 2 to Batanes; Babuyan Islands; and portions of Cagayan and Isabela. [47] PAGASA later included the entirety of Cagayan; Apayao; Ilocos Norte; portions of Kalinga; and Abra, though Eastern and Northern Samar was removed from Signal No. 1, ending signals initiated in Visayas. [48] Signal No. 2 was also granted to Mountain Province. [49] After Kong-rey was upgraded into a super typhoon, Signal No. 3 was raised over Batanes and parts of the Babuyan Islands the next day, [50] and a portion of mainland Cagayan six hours later. [51] [52]
Three hours later, Batanes was placed in Signal No. 4, [53] with more provinces getting placed in Signal No. 1. [54] [26] A few hours later, the northern and eastern parts of Batanes were upgraded to Signal No. 5, the highest warning level. [55] The next day, Batanes was later downgraded to Signal No. 4, wtih the Babuyan Islands being downgraded from Signal No. 4 to 3. [56] Three hours later, Batanes was downgraded to Signal No. 3, with Babuyan Islands also being downgraded to Signal No. 2. Multiple provinces were removed from Signal No. 1 and 2. [27] Gale warnings were issued for the coasts of northern and central Luzon. [57] Authorities ordered evacuations in Batangas, which was devastated by Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine) the previous week. [58] In Cagayan, more than 8,000 people were evacuated. [59] Several airline and shipping companies cancelled services. [60] [61] The Magat Dam left one of its spillways open as a precaution. [62] [63] The government of Albay also prepared for the possible impacts of Kong-rey. [64] The Office of Civil Defense estimated that between 2.5 million and 5 million people could be impacted by Kong-rey in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Calabarzon, and the Bicol Region. [65] Some local government units have announced that classes will be canceled on October 31 because of the storm. [66] Telecommunications company Smart prepared emergency supplies and personnel in areas where the storm was expected to approach. [67] According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, more than 500 travelers were affected by the canceled flights. [68]
The defence ministry placed 36,000 soldiers on standby for rescue efforts. [69] Some train services were cancelled. Concerts by Mayday and Andy Lau were postponed. [70] [71] More than 400 flights were cancelled while the entire ferry system was suspended. [72] On October 29, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) released its first sea warning for the storm covering southeastern Taiwan and the Bashi Channel, [73] [74] adding that Kong-rey could generate waves with a height ranging from 16–20 ft (5–6 m) [75] and rain measuring 20–31 in (500–800 mm). [76] Classes were suspended in Taitung County, with multiple flights and trips also cancelled. Local residents stocked up on vegetables, while fishermen gathered their boats. The National Fire Agency predicted trees to topple. [77] Two eastern islands, Orchid Island and Green Island, were closed by the local government. [78] The Soil and Water Conservation Bureau warned against potential threat of landslides, urging residents to be alert. Fishing communities added extra precaution measures. Agencies were prepared against damaged buildings, power lines, and flood rescues. Rescue personnel were also stationed across the country. [79] At least 11,588 people were evacuated. [80]
The CWA later released its first land warning for the storm on October 30, covering Taitung County and the Hengchun Peninsula. [81] The warnings were later expanded that day to cover the entirety of Taiwan. [82] Heavy rain advisories were also issued by the CWA, with extremely torrential rain warnings in Yilan County, Hualien County, Hsinchu County, and Taichung. Torrential rain warnings in Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei City, and Nantou County. Extremely heavy rain warnings in Taoyuan, Miaoli County, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung County, and heavy rain warnings in Yunlin County, Chiayi, Chiayi County, and Tainan. [83] Typhoon warnings were issued all around the country. [84] Multiple large wave warnings and a singular surge warnings were issued, all in the eastern coast of Taiwan. [85] All offices and schools in Taiwan were closed on October 31. [86] A group of 27 visitors at Wuling Farm, Taichung, were told to stay while descending, with the tourists being provided food and water. Another group of 26 tourists were told to stay put in a guesthouse at Mount Li . Another group of 24 tourists were also forced to return to a mountain after trying to leave the mountain. [87] 134 emergency shelters were established, accommodating 2,620 individuals, [80] while stock trading was suspended due to the storm. [88]
In anticipation of the storm's effects, railway and maritime authorities in China suspended several train services and canceled 71 coastal passenger ferry routes. The National Meteorological Center of CMA issued an orange alert for the storm, warning that it was expected to bring torrential rains to eastern areas, including Fujian, Zhejiang, Jiangsu provinces, and Shanghai. [89] In Zhejiang, 280,000 people were evacuated while 10,000 emergency shelters were opened. [90] The Ministry of Water Resources initiated a Level-IV emergency response to manage the risk of flooding and the impacts of the storm expected to hit Shanghai. [91] Kong-rey was not predicted to hit the Korean Peninsula, but it is expected to bring significant rainfall to the southern regions due to its moisture. The Jeju Regional Meteorological Administration issued alerts for heavy rain and strong winds across all land areas of Jeju Island. [92] The storm was also predicted to hit Japan. Residents were warned in Okinawa Prefecture against the high winds and rains. Authorities are urging people to monitor the storm. [93]
The trough or extension of Kong-rey impacted the Visayas and various regions in Luzon and Mindanao. [94] The Office of Civil Defense reported that Kong-rey caused the most extensive destruction in the island province of Batanes. [95] At least 545 families consisting of approximately 1,575 individuals were evacuated in Batanes following the onslaught of the typhoon. [96] Kong-rey triggered storm surges that flooded several houses in Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, [97] and Batanes, displacing about 100 families and causing significant destruction, [98] including the historic Itbayat Church, the oldest church in Itbayat, Batanes. [99] Two seaports in the town also sustained damage. [100] Rockslides took place in Ivana and Sabtang, [101] causing nearly 1,500 houses to be destroyed in Batanes. [102] The air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were ready to airlift relief goods and other supplies to areas affected by Kong-rey. [103] At least twelve electric cooperatives were impacted by the damage caused by the storm. [104] The Department of Social Welfare and Development is set to provide 14,000 family food packs to the island province of Batanes. [105]
On November 1, a C-295 transport aircraft of the Philippine Air Force carrying the said aid skidded off the runway of Basco Airport during landing, causing one of its tires to detach and leading to the closure of the airport until November 3. [106] The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Gabriela Silang was dispatched to Batanes to deliver additional aid after it had been forced to shelter due to bad weather in Sual, Pangasinan. [107] The Department of Education announced that it will roll out the Dynamic Learning Program in November to address learning loss caused by class disruptions from Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine) and Kong-rey. [108] During the 11th anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), President Bongbong Marcos emphasized the importance of avoiding complacency in disaster preparedness, noting that the country is still recovering from Trami and Kong-rey. [109] The South Korean government provided aid valued at ₱30 million ( US$ 609,137.06) through the World Food Programme to assist those affected by Tropical Storm Trami (Kristine) and other recent storms, including Typhoon Kong-rey (Leon), Typhoon Yinxing (Marce), Typhoon Usagi (Ofel), and Typhoon Toraji (Nika). [110] Although the NDRRMC did not provide specific details on the number of deaths caused by Kong-rey, the combined effects of Trami and Kong-rey led to at least 162 fatalities, with many others still unaccounted for. [111]
A study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) in December 2024 examined the impact of six consecutive typhoons that had affected Luzon between late October and November, including Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoons Kong-rey, Yinxing, Toraji and Usagi, Man-yi (Pepito). The WWA reported, "to assess whether climate change has increased the likelihood of at least three major typhoons making landfall in the Philippines in a single year." Using statistical modeling, the scientists hypothesized that "with a 1.3 °C (34.3 °F) rise in sea surface temperatures, such an event was expected to occur once every 15 years and was projected to happen every 12 years." [112]
In Taiwan, two people were killed in Taipei, including one when an electrical pole fell over. [113] A woman also died when a tree fell into her car in Nantou County. [29] At least 690 people were injured, and four who were initially missing were later found and rescued across the island due to the storm. [114] [115] Major precipitation was measured in Hualien, with 119.5 millimetres (4.70 inches) falling in a single hour. [116] 965,342 houses lost power, while 63,016 others lost access to water [117] according to the Central Emergency Operation Center, which also counted 10,831 cases of damage, [118] ten roads blocked and 108 areas flooded. [80] Mudslides and landslides happened across the country, with overflowing rivers, blocked roads, and a destroyed bridge in Fuli Township. [87] In Hualien City and Zhuoxi, more than 300 mm (12 in) of rain fell in a 24-hour period, resulting in mudslides that obstructed roads and damaged infrastructure. [119] The National Fire Agency counted at least 34 mudslides, 162 buildings damaged and 366 fallen trees due to the storm. [120] The estimated loss of agricultural products and private facilities was NT$1.93401 billion (US$60.21 million). [121] The cargo vessel Yu Zhou Qi Hang, carrying three cranes and 284 tonnes of fuel, ran aground on the Yehliu Geopark, raising concerns of an oil spill. All 17 crew were rescued. [122]
Several indigenous communities along the Central Cross-Island Highway in Taroko National Park were isolated by landslides, prompting the National Airborne Service Corps to airdrop humanitarian supplies to those affected. [123] The Silks Place Taroko hotel, the park's only five-star accommodation, was forced to close until 15 January 2025 after its water and electricity supplies were cut. The closure occurred more than a month after the hotel reopened following extensive repairs in the aftermath of the 2024 Hualien earthquake in April. [124]
After making landfall in East China, Kong-rey brought strong winds and heavy rains to the provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian, [125] with Zhejiang recording an average of 70.7 mm (2.78 in) of rainfall. [126] In Putian, solar panels on the roof of a residential building were blown away. [127] On Jeju Island, South Korea, up to 268.5 mm (10.57 in) of rain was recorded in Hallasan, resulting in flooding which caused damage to buildings across the island. [128]
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that warm, moist air from the storm was bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to western Japan, causing Matsuyama to issue a highest-level alert that called for the evacuation of 189,552 residents. [114] Rains caused a suspension of Shinkansen services between Tokyo and Fukuoka. [129] Overall, flooding damaged 56 structures across the country, and left one person missing in Hiroshima Prefecture. [130]
The 2012 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly above average season that produced 25 named storms, fourteen typhoons, and four intense typhoons. It was a destructive and the second consecutive year to be the deadliest season, primarily due to Typhoon Bopha which killed 1,901 people in the Philippines. It was an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation, in which tropical cyclones form in the western Pacific Ocean. The season ran throughout 2012, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Pakhar, developed on March 28, while the season's last named storm, Wukong, dissipated on December 29. The season's first typhoon, Guchol, reached typhoon status on June 15, and became the first super typhoon of the year on June 17.
The 2013 Pacific typhoon season was a devastating and catastrophic season that was the most active since 2004, and the deadliest since 1975. It featured Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms in history, as well as one of the strongest to make landfall on record. It featured 31 named storms, 13 typhoons, and five super typhoons. The season's first named storm, Sonamu, developed on January 4 while the season's last named storm, Podul, dissipated on November 15. Collectively, the storms caused 6,829 fatalities, while total damage amounted to at least $26.41 billion (USD), making it, at the time, the costliest Pacific typhoon season on record, until it was surpassed five years later. As of 2024, it is currently ranked as the fifth-costliest typhoon season.
The 2015 Pacific typhoon season was a slightly above average season that produced twenty-seven tropical storms, eighteen typhoons, and nine super typhoons. The season ran throughout 2015, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and November. The season's first named storm, Mekkhala, developed on January 15, while the season's last named storm, Melor, dissipated on December 17. The season saw at least one named tropical system forming in each of every month, the first time since 1965. Similar to the previous season, this season saw a high number of super typhoons. Accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) during 2015 was extremely high, the third highest since 1970, and the 2015 ACE has been attributed in part to anthropogenic warming, and also the 2014-16 El Niño event, that led to similarly high ACE values in the East Pacific.
The 2016 Pacific typhoon season is considered to have been the fourth-latest start for a Pacific typhoon season since reliable records began. It was an average season, with a total of 26 named storms, 13 typhoons, and six super typhoons. The season ran throughout 2016, though typically most tropical cyclones develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Nepartak, developed on July 3, while the season's last named storm, Nock-ten, dissipated on December 28.
The 2018 Pacific typhoon season was at the time, the costliest Pacific typhoon season on record, until the record was beaten by the following year. The season was well above-average, producing twenty-nine storms, thirteen typhoons, seven super typhoons and six Category 5 tropical cyclones. The season ran throughout 2018, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Bolaven, developed on January 3, while the season's last named storm, Man-yi, dissipated on November 28. The season's first typhoon, Jelawat, reached typhoon status on March 29, and became the first super typhoon of the year on the next day.
The 2020 Pacific typhoon season was the first of a series of four below average Pacific typhoon seasons, and became the first with below-average tropical cyclone activity since 2014, with 23 named storms, 10 of which became typhoons and only 2 became super typhoons. This low activity was a consequence of La Niña that persisted from the summer of the year. It had the sixth-latest start in the basin on record, slightly behind 1973, and was the first to start that late since 2016. The first half of the season was unusually inactive, with only four systems, two named storms and one typhoon at the end of July. Additionally, the JTWC recorded no tropical cyclone development in the month of July, the first such occurrence since reliable records began. Despite that, this season featured Super Typhoon Goni, which made the strongest landfall worldwide in terms of 1-minute wind speed. The season's first named tropical cyclone, Vongfong, developed on May 8, while the season's last named tropical cyclone, Krovanh, dissipated on December 24. However, the season's last system was an unnamed tropical depression which dissipated on December 29.
Typhoon Usagi, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Odette, was a tropical cyclone which affected Taiwan, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong in September 2013. Usagi, which refers to the constellation Lepus in Japanese, was the fourth typhoon and the nineteenth tropical storm in the basin. Developing into a tropical storm east of the Philippines late on September 16, Usagi began explosive intensification on September 19 and ultimately became a violent and large typhoon. Afterwards, the system weakened slowly, crossed the Bashi Channel on September 21, and made landfall over Guangdong, China on September 22.
This timeline documents all of the events of the 2012 Pacific typhoon season. The scope of this article is limited to the Pacific Ocean, north of the equator between 100°E and the International Date Line. During the season, 34 systems were designated as tropical depressions by either the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), or other National Meteorological and Hydrological Services such as the China Meteorological Administration and the Hong Kong Observatory. Since the JMA runs the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for the Western Pacific, they assigned names to tropical depressions which developed into tropical storms in the basin. PAGASA also assigned local names to systems which are active in their area of responsibility; however, these names are not in common use outside of the Philippines.
Typhoon Hagupit known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Ruby, was the second most intense tropical cyclone in 2014. Hagupit particularly impacted the Philippines in early December while gradually weakening, killing 18 people and causing $114 million of damage in the country. Prior to making landfall, Hagupit was considered the worst threat to the Philippines in 2014, but it was significantly smaller than 2013's Typhoon Haiyan.
Typhoon Meranti, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Ferdie, was one of the most intense tropical cyclones on record. Impacting the Batanes in the Philippines, Taiwan, as well as Fujian Province in September 2016, Meranti formed as a tropical depression on September 8 near the island of Guam. Tracking to the west northwest, Meranti gradually intensified until September 11, at which point it began a period of rapid intensification. Continuing to rapidly intensify, it became a super typhoon early on September 12, as it passed through the Luzon Strait, ultimately reaching its peak intensity on September 13 with 1-minute sustained winds of 315 km/h (195 mph). Shortly afterwards, it passed directly over the island of Itbayat. Meranti passed to the south of Taiwan as a super typhoon, and began weakening steadily as a result of land interaction. By September 15, it struck Fujian Province as a Category 2-equivalent typhoon, becoming the strongest typhoon on record to impact the province. Upon moving inland, rapid weakening ensued and Meranti became extratropical the next day, dissipating shortly afterwards after it passed to the south of the Korean Peninsula.
Typhoon Haima, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Lawin, was the third most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 2016. It was the twenty-second named storm and the eleventh typhoon of the annual typhoon season. Impacting the Philippines less than 3 days after Typhoon Sarika, Haima formed out of a tropical disturbance southwest of Chuuk on October 14, it developed into a tropical storm the next day. Steady strengthening occurred over the next day or two as it tracked westward towards the Philippines. After forming an eye shortly after it was upgraded to a typhoon, Haima began to rapidly strengthen and eventually became a super typhoon on October 18. It later attained its peak intensity as a Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone before weakening slightly. Haima later made landfall in Peñablanca, Cagayan late on October 19 as a Category 4-equivalent storm. Rapid weakening occurred as it interacted with the landmasses until it entered the Southern China Sea as a weak typhoon. It formed a large ragged eye once again and remained steady in intensity until making landfall in China on October 21. It weakened below typhoon intensity and became extratropical on October 22. The cyclone drifted northeastwards and later eastwards before emerging over water again, but eventually dissipated by October 26.
The 2021 Pacific typhoon season was the second consecutive season to have below average tropical cyclone activity, with twenty-two named storms, and was the least active since 2011. Nine became typhoons, and five of those intensified into super typhoons. This low activity was caused by a strong La Niña that had persisted from the previous year. The season's first named storm, Dujuan, developed on February 16, while the last named storm, Rai, dissipated on December 21. The season's first typhoon, Surigae, reached typhoon status on April 16. It became the first super typhoon of the year on the next day, also becoming the strongest tropical cyclone in 2021. Surigae was also the most powerful tropical cyclone on record in the Northern Hemisphere for the month of April. Typhoons In-fa and Rai are responsible for more than half of the total damage this season, adding up to a combined total of $2.02 billion.
The 2022 Pacific typhoon season was the third consecutive season to have below average tropical cyclone activity, with twenty-five named storms forming. Of the tropical storms, ten became typhoons, and three would intensify into super typhoons. The season saw near-average activity by named storm count, although many of the storms were weak and short-lived, particularly towards the end of the season. This low activity was caused by an unusually strong La Niña that had persisted from 2020. The season's first named storm, Malakas, developed on April 6, while the last named storm, Pakhar, dissipated on December 12. The season's first typhoon, Malakas, reached typhoon status on April 12. The season ran throughout 2022, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. Tropical storms Megi and Nalgae were responsible for more than half of the casualties, while typhoons Hinnamnor and Nanmadol both caused $1 billion in damages.
Typhoon Kong-rey, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Queenie, was a large and powerful typhoon that was tied with Typhoon Yutu as the most powerful tropical cyclone worldwide in 2018. The twenty-fifth tropical storm, eleventh typhoon and 6th super typhoon of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season, Kong-rey originated from a tropical disturbance in the open Pacific. For a couple days, it went westward, organizing into a tropical depression on September 27. Then it intensified into a powerful Category 5 super typhoon early on October 2. Kong-rey underwent an eyewall replacement cycle after its peak intensity, causing it to weaken into a Category 3 typhoon under unfavorable conditions. Kong-rey then struck South Korea on October 6 as a tropical storm. Kong-rey transitioned into an extratropical cyclone later that day while impacting Japan.
The 2024 Pacific typhoon season is an ongoing event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the fifth-latest starting Pacific typhoon season on record, as well as the deadliest since 2013, and the fifth-costliest Pacific typhoon season on record, mostly due to Yagi. This season also saw the most active November on record, with 4 storms active at the same time. The season runs throughout 2024, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The season's first named storm, Ewiniar, developed on May 25, and eventually intensified into the first typhoon of the season.
Typhoon Chanthu, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Kiko, was the second most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 2021 after Typhoon Surigae in April. It impacted the Cagayan Valley region of the Philippines and became the strongest typhoon to affect the Batanes province since Typhoon Meranti in 2016. The twenty-ninth tropical depression, fourteenth named storm and fourth typhoon of the 2021 Pacific typhoon season, Chanthu originated from a disturbance well east of the Philippine islands on September 5 which organized into a tropical depression later that day. By the next day, the depression had formed into a mature tropical storm which began to explosively intensify by September 7, featuring a pinhole eye on satellite, characteristic of rapidly intensifying storms. Chanthu became a Category 5-equivalent super typhoon by September 8, the highest category on the Saffir–Simpson scale. Subsequent eyewall replacement cycles caused intensity fluctuations, but on September 10, Chanthu peaked with 1-minute sustained winds of 285 km/h (180 mph) just northeast of extreme northeastern Luzon. The typhoon passed very near the Babuyan Islands before passing directly over Ivana, Batanes as a weakening but still powerful Category 5-equivalent super typhoon. Chanthu continued steadily weakening as it passed just east of Taiwan and eventually stalled just east of Shanghai, China. The storm eventually made its second and final landfall near Ikitsuki, Nagasaki in Japan, before crossing the country's mountainous terrain and becoming an extratropical cyclone on September 18. Chanthu then continued eastward and curved southward, before dissipating on September 20. According to Aon Benfield, economic losses totaled US$30 million.
Typhoon Krathon, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Julian, was a powerful and erratic tropical cyclone which impacted Taiwan and the Philippines in late September and early October 2024. Krathon, which refers to the santol fruit, was the first storm to make landfall on Taiwan's densely populated western plains since Typhoon Thelma in 1977. It was also the first storm to hit Kaohsiung in October and the first since Tropical Storm Trami in 2001 to weaken into a tropical depression over Taiwan. Additionally, it was the wettest tropical cyclone in Basco, Batanes, bringing more than two months' worth of rainfall for September and surpassing the previous record set by Typhoon Ruth in 1991.
Severe Tropical Storm Trami, known in the Philippines as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, was a very large, devastating, and deadly tropical cyclone that wreaked havoc across the Philippines and later impacted Vietnam, Thailand, and China in October 2024. It was also the first tropical cyclone in a series to impact the Philippines in late 2024, before Typhoons Kong-rey, Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi.
Typhoon Yinxing, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Marce, was a powerful tropical cyclone that impacted the Philippines before later affecting Vietnam in early November 2024. It was the third tropical cyclone in a series to impact the Philippines, following Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoon Kong-rey a few days earlier, and Typhoons Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi only a few days after. Additionally, it was also part of the four tropical cyclones to simultaneously exist in the Western Pacific during the month of November, the first occurrence since records began in 1951; the other three were Toraji, Usagi and Man-yi.
Typhoon Usagi, known in the Philippines as Super Typhoon Ofel, was a powerful tropical cyclone that impacted the Philippines before later affecting Taiwan in early November 2024. It was the fifth of six consecutive tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines within a span of four weeks, following Tropical Storm Trami and Typhoons Kong-rey, Yinxing, and Toraji, and preceding the stronger Typhoon Man-yi. Additionally, Usagi was also part of the four tropical cyclones to simultaneously exist in the Western Pacific during the month of November, the first time since records began in 1951; the other three were Yinxing, Toraji and Man-yi.