TROPICAL CYCLONE ACTIVITY

For the period 1960-97, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued advisories on an average of approximately 18 typhoons, 10 tropical storms and 3 tropical depressions during the calendar year (for a total of 31 tropical cyclones of all intensities). During January through October 2004 the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Hawaii, numbered 28 tropical cyclones. Twenty-four of these reached tropical-storm intensity or higher. 19 became typhoons. 7 became super typhoons! Super Typhoon Dianmu (09W) and Super Typhoon Chaba were the most intense of the typhoons, with each peaking at an astounding 155 kts (nearly 180 mph with gusts over 200 mph) on June 15 and August 25, respectively.

Six of the typhoons so far during 2004 directly affected the islands of Micronesia. Substantial property damage, injuries, or fatalities occurred in association with three of these: Sudal, Tingting, and Chaba. On April 9, 2004 Typhoon Sudal hit Yap Island directly, causing much damage. Yap Island is still in the recovery process from the major damage inflicted by Typhoon Sudal. During the last week of June, Typhoon Tingting passed just over 200 miles to the northeast of Guam. This typhoon was responsible for an extreme rain event on Guam. Flooding was extensive, and caused much property damage. High surf generated by this tropical cyclone caused 7 deaths by drowning (all in the few days after the typhoon had moved away from Guam). On the night of August 22, 2004 the center of Typhoon Chaba passed within 20 miles of the island of Rota in the CNMI where a peak gust of 118 kt (136 mph) was recorded. Major damage to vegetation, property and infrastructure occurred on that island. Damage to property and infrastructure was also substantial on Tinian; On Saipan, several roofs were blown off, and some trees were blown down.

One of the biggest weather stories so far during 2004 is the record number of tropical cyclones that made landfall in the main islands of Japan. A total of 10 tropical cyclones of at least tropical storm intensity (39 mph maximum wind speed) made landfall there through October, some causing many deaths and injuries. The previous record of six tropical cyclones making landfall in one year occurred during 1990 and 1993 (recording period began in 1951). The most recent tropical cyclone to hit the Japan main islands was Typhoon Tokage (27W). Wind gusts as high as 124 kt were reported, and 24-hour rainfall of approximately 20 inches was measured at several stations. According to NHK TV news (22 October, 2004) Typhoon Tokage left 69 people dead, 17 missing, and hundreds of homes damaged by flooding and mud slides. Condolences go out from PEAC to the residents of Japan who have suffered during this very active typhoon season.