1998 Pacific typhoon season

1998 Pacific typhoon season
Season summary map
First system formed July 6, 1998 (record latest)
Last system dissipated December 22, 1998
Strongest storm1 Zeb – 900 hPa (mbar), 205 km/h (125 mph)
Total depressions 22 official, 5 unofficial
Total storms 15 official, 3 unofficial
Typhoons 8 official, 1 unofficial
Super typhoons 3 unofficial
Total fatalities ≥691
Total damage ~ $4.8 billion (1998 USD)
1Strongest storm is determined by lowest pressure
Pacific typhoon seasons
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season was one of the least active seasons on record, behind 2010.[1] These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

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 1998 season was very weak compared to the 1997 season; this was due to the strong El Niño in the previous season. During the 1998 season, a total of 27 tropical depressions developed across the western Pacific basin. Of those 27 depressions, a total of 18 strengthened into tropical storms of which 9 further intensified into typhoons. The first tropical cyclone developed on July 6, marking the 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.[2]

Storms

Tropical Depression 01W (Akang)

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration July 6 – July 11
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min)  1002 hPa (mbar)

The first tropical depression of the season developed out of a tropical disturbance which was first noted 1,080 km (670 mi) north-northwest of Palau on July 6. The disturbance gradually became better organized and was classified as Tropical Depression 01W at 1500 UTC on July 7. Upon becoming a depression, it marked the latest start for a Pacific typhoon season since reliable records began in 1959.[3] The next day, 01W entered the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) area of responsibility and received the local name Akang.[4] Slowly moving towards the northwest, the depression neared Taiwan. However, increasing vertical wind shear caused the convection associated with the depression to become displaced from the center of circulation. With the center exposed, 01W weakened. At 2100 UTC on July 10, the depression made landfall in northern Taiwan and dissipated shortly after. No known damage was caused by the depression.[3]

Tropical Storm Nichole

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration July 8 – July 10
Peak intensity 65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min)  998 hPa (mbar)

As 01W intensified over the Philippine Sea,[3] a broad area of low pressure developed in the South China Sea. The low slowly intensified as it moved towards the north-northeast and was declared Tropical Depression 02W early on July 8. Tropical Depression 02W slowly strengthened as northerly outflow was constricted. By late on July 8, the depression was upgraded to a tropical storm and given the name Nichole. The storm reached its peak intensity while just offshore southern Taiwan with winds of 95 km/h (60 mph 1-minute winds) according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)[3] and 65 km/h (40 mph 10-minute winds) with a minimum pressure of 998 hPa (mbar) according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).[5] The combination of dry air, strong wind shear, and the storm's proximity to land caused Nichole to quickly weaken to a tropical depression twelve hours after reaching its peak intensity. The exposed remnants of Nichole executed a clockwise-loop offshore Taiwan before traveling north into mainland China and dissipating.[3] Rough seas produced by the storm caused four container ships to run aground in Taiwans' Kaohsiung Harbor, none of the crew members were injured. Heavy rains in Taiwan flooded an estimated 2,500 acres (10 km2) of crops.[6]

Tropical Depression 03W

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration July 22 – July 26
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min)  1004 hPa (mbar)

Operationally considered to have only been a tropical depression, Tropical Storm 03W developed out of a tropical disturbance along the eastern edge of a monsoon gyre on July 22. Tracking in a gradual northwest to northeast curve, the disturbance gradually intensified and was classified as a tropical depression while located 790 km (490 mi) east-northeast of Iwo Jima on July 25. The depression briefly intensified into a tropical storm, with a peak intensity of 85 km/h (50 mph 1-minute winds) as convection wrapped around the entire center of circulation. However, strong wind shear quickly blew away the associated convection, causing 03W to weaken to a tropical depression. Early on July 26, 03W degenerated into an exposed low before dissipating.[3]

Typhoon Otto (Bising)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 3 typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration August 1 – August 5
Peak intensity 120 km/h (75 mph) (10-min)  970 hPa (mbar)

The first typhoon of the season developed out of a tropical low from a mesoscale disturbance in early August. Persistent convection developed around the low[7] and early on August 2, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Tropical Depression 04W.[8]

Storm signals were put in place in the Philippines prior to the storm's arrival on August 3.[9] However, Otto turned away from the country and the signals were discontinued on August 5.[10] Typhoon Otto produced heavy rains, amounting to at least 400 mm (15.7 in) in mountainous areas of Taiwan, caused flooding which killed five people.[11][12] In all, damages in Taiwan amounted to NTD 25 million ($761,000 1998 USD). After traveling through the Taiwan Strait, the typhoon stuck China, producing heavy rainfall which caused flooding[13] in areas suffering from the worst flood in at least 45 years.[14] Officials reported no damage or loss of life resulted from the storm in Fujian Province.[15]

Severe Tropical Storm Penny (Klaring)

Severe tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration August 6 – August 11
Peak intensity 95 km/h (60 mph) (10-min)  985 hPa (mbar)

A tropical disturbance formed on August 2 and strengthened into a tropical depression east of the Philippines. As Penny strengthened into a tropical storm, it made landfall over Northern Luzon, on August 7, and drifted into the South China sea on the same day. Strong vertical wind shear on August 8 caused Penny's convection to be displaced to south of the storm, and even exposed the level circulation center for a few hours. Penny was only located 165 kilometers from Hong Kong when it was at its closest distance to Hong Kong, and killed one person in Hong Kong. Penny soon made landfall over Maoming on August 11, and dissipated the next day.

Typhoon Rex (Deling)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration August 24 – September 6
Peak intensity 140 km/h (85 mph) (10-min)  955 hPa (mbar)

An active Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough allowed for the development of Tropical Depression 6W on August 22, east of Luzon. It moved westward initially, but as the trough weakened a ridge to the east, it moved northeastward where it became a tropical storm on the 23rd. Rex slowly intensified to become a typhoon on the 26th, followed by reaching a peak of 135 mph (217 km/h) winds on the 28th south of Japan. As it moved northward, it brought heavy flooding to Honshū, Japan, amounting to 13 deaths and moderate damage from mudslides across the island. Another trough pulled the storm eastward, saving Japan from a direct hit, and Rex continued northeastward to an unusually high latitude near 50°, when it became extratropical on the 9th near the Aleutian Islands, east of the International Date Line.

Tropical Depression 07W

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration August 31 – September 6
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min)  1002 hPa (mbar)

On August 26, a monsoonal trough formed over central China and drifted south. On August 29, the trough spawned an embedded low over Taiwan, and strengthened into a tropical depression on September 1. Tropical Depression 07W dissipated on September 6 due to vertical wind shear.

Severe Tropical Storm Stella

Severe tropical storm (JMA)
Category 1 typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration September 12 – September 16
Peak intensity 110 km/h (70 mph) (10-min)  965 hPa (mbar)

In northern Japan, near Wakkanai, Hokkaidō, severe damage to many homes took place. One person in the region was killed after being blown off his roof while trying to repair it and twelve homes were destroyed. Several rivers overflowed their banks after rainfall exceeding 200 mm (7.9 in) fell across Hokkaidō. Throughout Sōya Subprefecture, agricultural and fishing industry losses amounted to 23.1 million yen ($171,213 USD).[16] Severe flooding took place in nearby Abashiri Subprefecture where hundreds of homes were inundated after rivers broke their banks. Over 6,200 ha (15,000 acres) of farmland was lost. Large sections of roadways were washed away, including 14 bridges. Total losses in Abashiri reached 25 million yen ($185,296 USD), much of which was due to fishing industry damage.[17]

Severe damage was sustained in Iwamizawa, Hokkaidō after torrential rains triggered widespread flooding. One person was killed in the city and 29 buildings were destroyed. Agricultural losses in the area amounted to 14.9 million yen ($110,436 USD).[18] Some of the worst floods were in Obihiro, where nearly 230 million yen ($1.7 million USD) in agricultural losses was sustained. A third fatality from Stella took place in the area.[19]

Tropical Depression 09W

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration September 13 – September 14
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min)  998 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 09W developed in the South China Sea on September 12. It moved westward and struck Hainan and Vietnam before dissipating on September 14.

Typhoon Todd (Emang)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 super typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration September 16 – September 20
Peak intensity 140 km/h (85 mph) (10-min)  955 hPa (mbar)

Seven people were killed by Todd in Kyushu. Damage in southern Japan amounted to 31.9 million yen ($236,436 USD).[20]

Typhoon Vicki (Gading)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 2 typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration September 17 – September 22
Peak intensity 140 km/h (85 mph) (10-min)  960 hPa (mbar)

100 mph (160 km/h) Typhoon Vicki, while moving eastward through northern Luzon, dropped torrential rainfall, killing 9 people and affecting more than 300,000 people. The ferry "MV Princess of the Orient" sunk during the storm's onslaught, killing 70 and leaving 80 others missing and presumed dead. Vicki continued northeastward, and hit southern Japan, disrupting train and passenger service and canceling over 60 domestic flights in the country.

In all, 108 people were killed and 10 others were listed as missing. Damages from the storm amounted to $81.7 million.

Tropical Depression 12W

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration September 18 – September 19
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (1-min)  1000 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 12W developed in the South China Sea on September 16. It moved west-northwestward and moved along the coast of Vietnam. The depression made landfall in that country before dissipating on September 19.

Tropical Storm Waldo

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration September 19 – September 21
Peak intensity 85 km/h (50 mph) (10-min)  994 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Storm Waldo developed on September 18. It moved northward and struck Japan before dissipating on September 21.

Typhoon Yanni (Heling)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 1 typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration September 26 – September 30
Peak intensity 120 km/h (75 mph) (10-min)  965 hPa (mbar)

Yanni killed 50 people in South Korea.

Tropical Depression 15W

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration October 2 – October 5
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min)  1000 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 15W developed in the South China Sea on October 2. It initially moved northeastward, before later curving northwestward. The depression made landfall in Vietnam shortly before dissipating on October 5.

Tropical Depression 16W

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration October 5 – October 7
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min)  1008 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 16W developed near Taiwan on October 4. It lasted three days before dissipating on October 7.

Tropical Depression 17W

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration October 6 – October 7
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (1-min)  1000 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 17W developed near the Ryukuyu Island on October 5. It headed north-northeastward and dissipated on October 7.

Typhoon Zeb (Iliang)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 5 super typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration October 10 – October 17
Peak intensity 205 km/h (125 mph) (10-min)  900 hPa (mbar)
Main article: Typhoon Zeb

The monsoon trough near Guam developed a tropical depression on October 7. It moved westward, strengthening to a tropical storm on the 10th. The large inflow of the storm developed another tropical storm on the 10th; Tropical Storm Alex. The two moved westward, and as Zeb strengthened to a typhoon on the 11th, it absorbed the short-lived Tropical Storm Alex. It continued west-northwestward, rapidly intensifying to a 180 mph (290 km/h) super typhoon on the 13th with an official minimum central pressure of 900 millibars and an unofficial minimum central pressure of 872 millibars, which would tie for the second lowest on record. Zeb maintained this intensity until hitting Luzon in the Philippines on the 14th. After weakening over the archipelago Zeb moved northward to hit Taiwan as a minimal typhoon on the 15th. It maintained this intensity until hitting Japan on the 17th, after which it became extratropical on the 18th. Zeb was responsible for 99 casualties in its path.[21]

Tropical Storm Alex

Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration October 11 – October 12
Peak intensity 45 km/h (30 mph) (10-min)  991 hPa (mbar)

On October 10, a small area of low pressure developed within the outflow of Typhoon Zeb. The low maintained an area of deep convection and quickly strengthened into a tropical storm.[22][23] Operationally, the system was not classified as a tropical storm until 0600 UTC on October 11.[22] Zeb then brought stronger wind shear over Alex, ultimately absorbing Alex.

Typhoon Babs (Loleng)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 super typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration October 14 – October 27
Peak intensity 155 km/h (100 mph) (10-min)  940 hPa (mbar)
Main article: Typhoon Babs (1998)

A tropical disturbance in association with the TUTT (Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough) formed into a tropical depression on October 11 near Guam. It moved westward under the influence of the Subtropical Ridge, and became a tropical storm on the 15th. Babs slowly intensified due to little upper level outflow, but when the outflow became more pronounced, it strengthened to a typhoon on the 19th and a super typhoon with a peak of 155 mph (249 km/h) winds on the 20th. Babs hit the central Philippines as a Category 4, and flooded an area just hit by another super typhoon, Zeb, only 7 days before. Babs weakened over the islands, and turned north where upper level shear caused it to dissipate on the 27th. Super Typhoon Babs caused heavy mudslides in the Philippines, resulting in 156 deaths and heavy flooding.

Tropical Storm Chip

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration November 11 – November 14
Peak intensity 75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min)  994 hPa (mbar)

Chip killed at least 17 people and caused VND 16.2 billion ($923,400 1998 USD) in Vietnam. The remnants of Chip regenerated into a tropical cyclone over the Bay of Bengal. Peaking as a strong Category 1 cyclone, 07B made landfall in Bangladesh, killing 100 people.

Tropical Storm Dawn

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration November 16 – November 19
Peak intensity 65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min)  998 hPa (mbar)

Though a weak tropical storm, torrential rains from Dawn triggered catastrophic flooding in Vietnam, killing at least 187 people. Regarded as the worst cyclone to hit the region in three decades, 500,000 homes flooded, an additional 7,000 were destroyed and an estimated 2 million people were left homeless. Damage was estimated at VND 400 billion (US$28 million).[24]

Tropical Storm Elvis (Miding)

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration November 22 – November 26
Peak intensity 75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min)  992 hPa (mbar)

Elvis killed 49 people and caused $30 million in damages in Vietnam.

Typhoon Faith (Norming)

Typhoon (JMA)
Category 2 typhoon (SSHWS)
Duration December 8 – December 14
Peak intensity 120 km/h (75 mph) (10-min)  970 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Storm Faith moved westward across the northwestern Pacific. It strengthened to a typhoon just as it crossed over the Philippines, an area hit by several typhoons this season. After reaching a peak of 100 mph (160 km/h) winds over the South China Sea, Faith weakened to a tropical storm on December 14 just before making landfall on eastern Vietnam. It dissipated later that day.

In the Philippines, a total of eight people were killed and 17 others were reported as missing. Throughout the country, 51,785 people were displaced and another 20,419 were evacuated. Damages amounted to PHP 513.95 million ($13 million USD).[25] In Vietnam, 40 people were killed and three others were left missing. A total of 602 homes were destroyed, another 16,327 were damaged, and 58,487 ha of rice fields were inundated. Damages in the country amounted to VND 204 billion ($15 million USD).[26]

Tropical Storm Gil

Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
Duration December 9 – December 12
Peak intensity 75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min)  992 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Storm Gil developed in the South China Sea on December 8. It moved westward and peaked with winds of 75 km/h (45 mph). Gil made landfall in Thailand before dissipating on December 13.

Tropical Depression 26W

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration December 17 – December 19
Peak intensity 45 km/h (30 mph) (1-min)  1002 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 26W developed over the Philliphines on December 17. It moved north-northwestward and dissipated near northern Luzon on December 19.

Tropical Depression 27W

Tropical depression (SSHWS)
Duration December 19 – December 22
Peak intensity 55 km/h (35 mph) (1-min)  1000 hPa (mbar)

The final tropical depression of the season developed from a poorly organized tropical disturbance on December 18 over the South China Sea. Situated within an unfavorable environment, the system struggled to maintain deep convection; however, the following day, it was classified as Tropical Depression 27W by the JTWC. Operationally, 27W was regarded as a tropical storm, with maximum winds of 75 km/h (45 mph) but in post-season analysis, the intensity was lowered to 55 km/h (35 mph).

Storm names

During the season 17 named tropical cyclones developed in the Western Pacific and were named by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, when it was determined that they had become tropical storms. These names were contributed to a revised list which started on 1996.

Nichole Otto Penny Rex Stella Todd Vicki Waldo Yanni
Zeb Alex Babs Chip Dawn Elvis Faith Gil

Philippines

Akang Bising Klaring Deling Emang
Gading Heling Iliang Loleng Miding
Norming Oyang (unused) Pasing (unused) Ritang (unused) Susang (unused)
Tering (unused) Uding (unused) Weling (unused) Yaning (unused)
Auxiliary list
Aning (unused)
Bidang (unused) Katring (unused) Delang (unused) Esang (unused) Garding (unused)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration uses its own naming scheme for tropical cyclones in their area of responsibility. PAGASA assigns names to tropical depressions that form within their area of responsibility and any tropical cyclone that might move into their area of responsibility. Should the list of names for a given year prove to be insufficient, names are taken from an auxiliary list, the first 10 of which are published each year before the season starts. This is the same list used for the 1994 season. PAGASA uses its own naming scheme that starts in the Filipino alphabet, with names of Filipino female names ending with "ng" (A, B, K, D, etc.). Because PAGASA started a new naming scheme in 2001, therefore, this naming list was not used in the 2002 season. Names that were not assigned/going to use are marked in gray.

See also

References

  1. http://www.typhoon2000.ph/garyp_mgtcs/may03sum.txt Archived 19 December 2010 at WebCite
  2. "Most and least annual average number of tropical cyclone occurrence in the PAR". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. Retrieved 2012-10-30.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "1998 Annual Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  4. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (July 13, 1998). "Tropical Depression 'Akang' PAGASA track". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  5. "JMA Best Tracks for 1998". Japan Meteorological Agency. 1999. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  6. Staff Writer (July 23, 1998). "Science File / An exploration of issues and trends affecting science, medicine and the environment; Ongoing Eruption". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 10, 2009.
  7. Gray Padgett (September 25, 1998). "Gary Padgett August 1998 Summary". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
  8. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (1999). "Typhoon Otto Tropical Cyclone Report" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
  9. Sol Jose Vanzi (August 3, 1998). "Typhoon Bising Headed For Northern Luzon". Philippine Headline News. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  10. Sol Jose Vanzi (August 5, 1998). "Typhoon Veers Away From RP". Philippine Headline News. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  11. Staff Writer (August 5, 1998). "Taiwan: Typhoon leaves four dead, heads for China". Taipei Central News Agency. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  12. Reuters (August 5, 1998). "Typhoon slams China as rains swell Yangtze". ReliefWeb. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  13. William J. Kyle (1999). "1998 Pacific typhoon season" (PDF). University of Hong Kong. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  14. Mary Kay Magistad (August 5, 1998). "China Flooding". NPR. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  15. Reuters (August 6, 1998). "Typhoon Otto Adds To Flood-stricken China's Miseries". New Straits Times. Retrieved September 1, 2009.
  16. "Extratropical Storm Stella (9805) Damage report for Sōya Subprefecture" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 1998. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  17. "Extratropical Storm Stella (9805) Damage report for Abashiri Subprefecture" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 1998. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  18. "Extratropical Storm Stella (9805) Damage report for Iwamizawa, Hokkaidō" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 1998. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  19. "Extratropical Storm Stella (9805) Damage report for Obihiro, Hokkaidō" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 1998. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  20. "Typhoon Todd (9806) Damage report for Kagoshima Prefecture" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 1998. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  21. Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Super Typhoon Zeb. Retrieved on 2007-01-07.
  22. 1 2 Gary Padgett (November 29, 1998). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for October 1998". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved April 10, 2009.
  23. "Tropical Storm Alex Best Track". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 1999. Retrieved April 10, 2009.
  24. "At least 187 killed after Typhoon Dawn in central Vietnam". Agence France-Presse. ReliefWeb. November 27, 1998. Retrieved July 9, 2011.
  25. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (December 17, 1998). "Philippines —Typhoon Faith OCHA Situation Report No.1". Disaster Information Center. Archived from the original on March 17, 2005. Retrieved March 26, 2009.
  26. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (December 18, 1998). "Vietnam —Storms and Floods OCHA Situation Report No.3". Disaster Information Center. Archived from the original on March 17, 2005. Retrieved March 26, 2009.

External links

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