Hubbry Logo
1998 Pacific typhoon season1998 Pacific typhoon seasonMain
Open search
1998 Pacific typhoon season
Community hub
1998 Pacific typhoon season
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
1998 Pacific typhoon season
1998 Pacific typhoon season
1998 Pacific typhoon season
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

1998 Pacific typhoon season
Season summary map
Seasonal boundaries
First system formedMay 28, 1998
Last system dissipatedDecember 21, 1998
Strongest storm
NameZeb
 • Maximum winds205 km/h (125 mph)
(10-minute sustained)
 • Lowest pressure900 hPa (mbar)
Seasonal statistics
Total depressions31, 2 unofficial
Total storms16
Typhoons8
Super typhoons3 (unofficial)
ACE152.9 units
Total fatalities924 total
Total damage$950.8 million (1998 USD)
Related articles
Pacific typhoon seasons
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season was the least active Pacific typhoon season on record, until it was surpassed 12 years later. It was also the third-latest starting Pacific typhoon season on record. The season produced 16 tropical storms, 8 strengthening into typhoons.[1] 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 28 tropical depressions developed across the western Pacific basin. Of those 28 depressions, a total of 18 strengthened into tropical storms of which 9 further intensified into typhoons. The first tropical cyclone developed on May 28, marking the third 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 on record, later tying with the 2010 and 2023 seasons. Overall inactivity was caused by an unusually strong La Niña, which also fueled a hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season that year.

Systems

[edit]
Typhoon FaithTyphoon Babs (1998)Typhoon ZebTyphoon Vicki (1998)

Tropical Depression 01W (Akang)

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 7 – July 12
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min);
1002 hPa (mbar)

The second 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.[2] The next day, 01W entered the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) area of responsibility and received the local name Akang.[3] 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.[2]

Tropical Storm Nichole

[edit]
Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 8 – July 10
Peak intensity65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min);
998 hPa (mbar)

As 01W intensified over the Philippine Sea,[2] 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)[2] and 65 km/h (40 mph 10-minute winds) with a minimum pressure of 998 hPa (mbar) according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).[4] 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.[2] 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.[5]

Tropical Depression 03W

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationJuly 25 – July 25
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min);
1008 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.[2]

Typhoon Otto (Bising)

[edit]
Typhoon (JMA)
Category 3 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 1 – August 6
Peak intensity120 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[6] and early on August 2, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Tropical Depression 04W.[7]

Storm signals were put in place in the Philippines prior to the storm's arrival on August 3.[8] However, Otto turned away from the country and the signals were discontinued on August 5.[9] 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.[10][11] In all, damages in Taiwan amounted to NTD 25 million ($761,000 1998 USD). After traveling through the Taiwan Strait, the typhoon struck China, producing heavy rainfall which caused flooding[12] in areas suffering from the worst flood in at least 45 years.[13] Officials reported no damage or loss of life resulted from the storm in Fujian Province.[14]

Severe Tropical Storm Penny (Klaring)

[edit]
Severe tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 6 – August 11
Peak intensity95 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)

[edit]
Typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 23 – September 6
Peak intensity140 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.

Due to heavy rains caused the weather front and Rex, 25 people were killed, 486 houses were destroyed, 13,927 houses were inundated in Japan.[15] In Tochigi and Fukushima prefectures, experienced particularly heavy rains, with daily precipitation exceeded 600mm in Nasu (August 27).[16][17] Losses from the fishing industry were ¥4.26 million (US$33,000).[18]

Tropical Depression 07W

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationAugust 31 – September 5
Peak intensity55 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 fully dissipated on September 6 due to vertical wind shear.

Severe Tropical Storm Stella

[edit]
Severe tropical storm (JMA)
Category 1 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 11 – September 16
Peak intensity110 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 (US$171,213).[19] 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 (US$185,296), much of which was due to fishing industry damage.[20]

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 (US$110,436).[21] Some of the worst floods were in Obihiro, where nearly 230 million yen (US$1.7 million) in agricultural losses was sustained. A third fatality from Stella took place in the area.[22]

Tropical Depression 09W

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 13 – September 14
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min);
998 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 09W formed in the South China Sea on September 12, 1998. As the system tracked westward, it intensified and made landfall over Hainan Island, China, and subsequently Vietnam. The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to these regions, causing significant damage and disruption. Although 09W was a relatively short-lived system, its impact on the affected areas was notable, highlighting the potential dangers of even minor tropical cyclones.

Typhoon Todd (Emang)

[edit]
Typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 super typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 15 – September 20
Peak intensity140 km/h (85 mph) (10-min);
955 hPa (mbar)

The monsoon trough spawned a low pressure system late on September 14, which developed into Tropical Storm Todd shortly thereafter. Interaction with a trough provided excellent outflow for the system, which explosively intensified over the following day, with 1-minute winds increasing from 50 knots to 130 knots in a 24-hour period ending at 06z on September 17.[23] However, the upper-level low that had been providing Todd with enhanced outflow soon began to shear it as it catapulted the storm northward and then westward, and by the time it had made landfall in China, Todd had weakened back into a tropical storm with 10-minute winds of 45 knots per the JMA.[24] Todd dissipated inland over China on September 20. Seven people were killed by Todd in Kyushu. Damage in southern Japan amounted to 31.9 million yen (US$236,436).[25]

Typhoon Vicki (Gading)

[edit]
Main article: Typhoon Vicki (1998)
Typhoon (JMA)
Category 2 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 17 – September 22
Peak intensity140 km/h (85 mph) (10-min);
960 hPa (mbar)

Vicki developed in the South China Sea west of Luzon on September 17. Vicki moved east and crossed Luzon. After landfalling on Luzon, Vicki moved northeast and struck the Kii Peninsula in Japan on September 22 before becoming extratropical. The storm caused the deaths of 108 people. Insurance claims nationwide in Japan reached ¥159.9 billion (US$1.22 billion).[26]

Tropical Depression 12W

[edit]
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 18 – September 19
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (1-min);
1000 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 12W formed in the South China Sea on September 16, 1998. It moved west-northwestward and tracked along the coast of Vietnam. Despite its relatively weak intensity, the system brought heavy rainfall and gusty winds to coastal areas, potentially causing localized flooding and disruptions. While 12W did not develop into a stronger storm, its impact on the region underscores the importance of monitoring even minor tropical disturbances, as they can still lead to significant weather events.

Tropical Storm Waldo

[edit]
Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 19 – September 21
Peak intensity85 km/h (50 mph) (10-min);
994 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Storm Waldo was a tropical cyclone that formed in the western North Pacific Ocean during the 1998 typhoon season. While it didn't reach typhoon strength, it still brought significant impacts to the areas it affected. Waldo formed on September 19, 1998, and moved westward across the Philippines. It brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the country, leading to flooding, landslides, and other weather-related hazards. The storm caused damage to infrastructure and displaced thousands of people. Significant flooding caused widespread damage across the nation.[27] Agricultural losses were at ¥10.3 billion (US$78.6 million).[28]

Typhoon Yanni (Heling)

[edit]
Typhoon (JMA)
Category 1 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationSeptember 26 – September 30
Peak intensity120 km/h (75 mph) (10-min);
965 hPa (mbar)

Typhoon Yanni (Heling) was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck East Asia in late September 1998. It caused widespread devastation, particularly in South Korea, leading to significant flooding, landslides, and property damage. The storm resulted in over 50 fatalities and caused ¥6 billion (US$45.8 million) in damage.[29]

Tropical Depression 15W

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 2 – October 5
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min);
1000 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 15W formed in the South China Sea on October 2, 1998. Initially tracking northeastward, it later shifted its course to the northwest. The depression made landfall in Vietnam shortly before dissipating on October 5. While not a major storm, it still brought significant rainfall and potential flooding to the affected areas.

Tropical Depression 16W

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 4 – October 7
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min);
1010 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 16W formed east of Taiwan in early October 1998. Initially, it remained stationary due to weak steering currents. As it slowly moved northeastward, it reached a peak intensity of 30 knots (55 km/h). However, increasing vertical wind shear weakened the system, leading to its dissipation south of Okinawa. While 16W was a relatively short-lived and weak tropical cyclone, it still contributed to the overall activity of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season.

Tropical Depression 17W

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 5 – October 6
Peak intensity55 km/h (35 mph) (10-min);
1008 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 17W formed in the Western Pacific Ocean during the 1969 Pacific typhoon season. It was a weak tropical cyclone that did not significantly impact any land areas. The depression formed in a region with unfavorable environmental conditions, such as strong vertical wind shear, which limited its development and intensity. As a result, it dissipated shortly after its formation, leaving minimal impact on the region.

Typhoon Zeb (Iliang)

[edit]
Violent typhoon (JMA)
Category 5 super typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 10 – October 17
Peak intensity205 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 122 casualties in its path.[30]

Tropical Storm Alex

[edit]
Tropical depression (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 11 – October 12
Peak intensity45 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.[31][32] Operationally, the system was not classified as a tropical storm until 0600 UTC on October 11.[31] Zeb then brought stronger wind shear over Alex, ultimately absorbing the short lived Alex. Alex reached the intensity of tropical storm with sustained winds of 45 knots over 1 minute according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center[33]

Typhoon Babs (Loleng)

[edit]
Very strong typhoon (JMA)
Category 4 super typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationOctober 14 – October 27
Peak intensity155 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 more than 300 deaths and heavy flooding.

Tropical Storm Chip

[edit]
Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 11 – November 17
Peak intensity75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min);
994 hPa (mbar)

A monsoonal low that persisted over the South China Sea began to coalesce on November 10, and on the following day, the system became organized enough to be classified as a depression, receiving the designation 21W by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Although the depression initially struggled due to vertical wind shear displacing convection to the west of the center, gradual improvement in structure led to the system being upgraded into a tropical storm early on November 12 and receiving the name Chip. Gradually organizing as it moved northwest slowly, Chip reached peak 1-minute winds of 50 knots and 10-minute sustained winds of 40 knots per the JTWC and JMA respectively shortly before its landfall in Vietnam early on November 14.[34]

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, it then was known as Cyclone 07B when its remnants cross Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. The system made landfall in Bangladesh, killing 100 people.

Tropical Storm Dawn

[edit]
Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 16 – November 20
Peak intensity65 km/h (40 mph) (10-min);
998 hPa (mbar)
Main article: Tropical Storm Dawn (1998)

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).[35]

Tropical Storm Elvis (Miding)

[edit]
Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationNovember 22 – November 26
Peak intensity75 km/h (45 mph) (10-min);
992 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Storm Elvis, also known as Miding, formed in the western Pacific Ocean during the 1998 typhoon season. It developed into a tropical storm on November 22 and made landfall in Vietnam on November 24. Despite its relatively short lifespan, Elvis caused significant damage and loss of life in Vietnam. The storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges to the coastal regions of Vietnam, resulting in widespread flooding and landslides. The storm claimed the lives of at least 49 people and caused millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Elvis killed 49 people and caused $30 million in damages in Vietnam.[2]

Typhoon Faith (Norming)

[edit]
Main article: Typhoon Faith
Typhoon (JMA)
Category 2 typhoon (SSHWS)
 
DurationDecember 8 – December 14
Peak intensity120 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 (US$13 million).[36] 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 (US$15 million).[37]

Tropical Storm Gil

[edit]
Tropical storm (JMA)
Tropical storm (SSHWS)
 
DurationDecember 9 – December 12
Peak intensity75 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 as a tropical depression which caused a plane crash at Surat Thani due to bad weather before dissipating on December 13.

Tropical Depression 26W

[edit]
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationDecember 17 – December 19
Peak intensity45 km/h (30 mph) (1-min);
1002 hPa (mbar)

Tropical Depression 26W formed in the Western Pacific Ocean in mid-December 1998. It was a weak tropical cyclone that did not significantly impact any land areas. The depression formed in a region with unfavorable environmental conditions, which limited its development and intensity. As a result, it dissipated shortly after its formation, leaving minimal impact on the region.

Tropical Depression 27W

[edit]
Tropical depression (SSHWS)
 
DurationDecember 19 – December 21
Peak intensity55 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

[edit]
See also: Lists of tropical cyclone names and Tropical cyclone naming

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

[edit]
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.

Season effects

[edit]

This table summarizes all the systems that developed within or moved into the North Pacific Ocean, to the west of the International Date Line during 1998. The tables also provide an overview of a systems intensity, duration, land areas affected and any deaths or damages associated with the system.

Name Dates Peak intensity Areas affected Damage
(USD) 		Deaths Refs
Category Wind speed Pressure
TD May 28 – 29 Tropical depression Not specified 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands None None
01W (Akang) July 7 – 12 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) None None None
Nichole July 8 – 10 Tropical storm 65 km/h (40 mph) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) Taiwan, China None None
TD July 23 - 25 Tropical depression Not specified 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) None None None
03W July 25 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1008 hPa (29.77 inHg) None None None
Otto (Bising) August 1 – 6 Strong typhoon 120 km/h (75 mph) 970 hPa (28.64 inHg) Philippines, Taiwan, East China $761,000 5
Penny (Klaring) August 6 – 11 Severe tropical storm 95 km/h (60 mph) 985 hPa (29.09 inHg) Philippines, South China None 1
TD August 21 – 22 Tropical depression Not specified 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) None None None
Rex (Deling) August 23 – September 6 Strong typhoon 140 km/h (85 mph) 955 hPa (28.20 inHg) Japan $33,000 25
07W August 31 – September 5 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) None None None
TD September 7 – 8 Tropical depression Not specified 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) None None None
Stella September 11 – 16 Severe tropical storm 95 km/h (60 mph) 985 hPa (29.09 inHg) Mariana Islands, Japan $2.17 million 3
09W September 13 – 14 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) South China, Vietnam None None
Todd (Emang) September 15 – 20 Strong typhoon 140 km/h (85 mph) 955 hPa (28.20 inHg) Japan, East China $236,500 7
Vicki (Gading) September 17 – 22 Strong typhoon 140 km/h (85 mph) 960 hPa (28.35 inHg) Philippines, Japan $1.22 billion 108
12W September 18 – 19 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1000 hPa (29.53 inHg) Vietnam None None
Waldo September 19 – 21 Tropical storm 85 km/h (50 mph) 994 hPa (29.35 inHg) Japan $78.6 million None
Yanni (Heling) September 26 – 30 Strong typhoon 120 km/h (75 mph) 965 hPa (28.50 inHg) Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, South Korea $45.8 million 50
15W October 2 – 5 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1000 hPa (29.53 inHg) South China, Vietnam None None
16W October 4 – 7 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1010 hPa (29.83 inHg) Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands None None
17W October 5 – 6 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1008 hPa (29.77 inHg) Ryukyu Islands None None
Zeb (Iliang) October 10 – 17 Violent typhoon 205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) Caroline Islands, Taiwan, Philippines, Japan $576 million 122
Alex October 11 Tropical depression 65 km/h (40 mph) 1006 hPa (29.71 inHg) None None None
Babs (Loleng) October 14 – 27 Very strong typhoon 155 km/h (100 mph) 940 hPa (27.76 inHg) Caroline Islands, Philippines, China, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands $203 million 327
TD November 4 – 7 Tropical depression Not specified 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) None None None
Chip November 11 – 17 Tropical storm 75 km/h (45 mph) 994 hPa (29.35 inHg) Vietnam $923,400 17
Dawn November 16 – 20 Tropical storm 65 km/h (40 mph) 998 hPa (29.47 inHg) Vietnam, Cambodia $28 million 187
07B November 16 – 17 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1004 hPa (29.65 inHg) Malay Peninsula None None
Elvis (Miding) November 22 – 26 Tropical storm 75 km/h (45 mph) 992 hPa (29.29 inHg) Philippines, Vietnam $30 million 49
Faith (Norming) December 8 – 14 Strong typhoon 120 km/h (75 mph) 970 hPa (28.64 inHg) Caroline Islands, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos $28 million 48
Gil December 9 – 12 Tropical storm 75 km/h (45 mph) 992 hPa (29.29 inHg) Vietnam, Thailand None None
26W December 17 – 19 Tropical depression 45 km/h (30 mph) 1006 hPa (29.71 inHg) Philippines None None
27W December 19 – 21 Tropical depression 55 km/h (35 mph) 1002 hPa (29.59 inHg) None None None
Season aggregates
33 systems May 28 – December 21 205 km/h (125 mph) 900 hPa (26.58 inHg) $951 million 924

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

1998 Pacific typhoon season

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 1998 Pacific typhoon season was an unusually inactive period of tropical cyclone activity in the northwestern , producing 16 named storms from July to December, of which 9 attained typhoon intensity including 3 super typhoons; it was the latest-starting season on record until surpassed in 2010. Influenced by a La Niña event, the season featured a delayed onset with the first named storm, Tropical Storm Nichole, forming on July 7—the latest since 1959—and a westward shift in storm genesis locations, resulting in more activity near the and fewer east of the . Overall, the (JTWC) monitored 27 tropical systems, including 9 short-lived tropical depressions that did not intensify further, well below the long-term average of about 31. Despite the reduced number and generally lower intensities compared to average years, the season was deadly and costly, with at least 614 fatalities and approximately $343 million (1998 USD) in damages, primarily from flooding, landslides, and storm surges across the , , , , , and . Super Typhoon Zeb (18W), the strongest storm of the season at 155 knots (180 mph) and below 900 hPa, crashed into the Philippines at peak intensity, triggering a 1-in-1,147-year rainfall event in Luzon with 44 inches of rain in just 24 hours that spurred deadly landslides, killing 83 people in the and 25 in , while Super Typhoon Babs (20W) caused 156 deaths in the alone through widespread inundation. Other notable systems included Vicki (11W), which sank a in the leading to dozens of drownings, and (14W), responsible for 50 deaths in from torrential rains. The season highlighted challenges in forecasting, particularly with Typhoon Rex (06W), which rapidly intensified to 115 knots and devastated Japan's with 13 fatalities and the destruction of 8,000 homes, amid the JTWC's relocation from to , .

Background and summary

Seasonal forecasting and boundaries

The (JMA), as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center for tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific, monitors activity year-round, with the official seasonal boundaries spanning from January 1 to December 31. The (JTWC), a secondary warning agency, also tracks systems throughout the calendar year but typically focuses on the active period from early May to late December, when environmental conditions favor development. In 1998, the season's first system, designated Tropical Depression 01W (Akang by PAGASA), formed on July 6 near the , prompting the JTWC to issue its initial advisory on July 7—the latest such start in JTWC records at the time. The final system, Tropical Depression 27W, developed over the on December 19 and dissipated on December 22, marking the end of advisories for the year. A strong La Niña event persisted throughout 1998, contributing to suppressed formation across the basin by enhancing vertical , displacing the westward, and reducing sea surface temperatures in key development regions. These conditions delayed the onset of activity and limited overall genesis, resulting in fewer systems than the long-term average of 31 tracked by the JTWC. Analysis of monthly mean fields indicated unusually stable atmospheric conditions in May and , further inhibiting early-season development.

Overall activity and statistics

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season exhibited below-average overall activity, largely attributable to the prevailing La Niña conditions that suppressed cyclone formation in the early months. A total of 27 tropical depressions formed in the basin according to the JTWC; of these, 16 attained named storm status, 9 intensified into , and 3 reached super typhoon intensity. The season's strongest cyclone was Zeb, which achieved peak 10-minute sustained winds of 205 km/h (110 knots) and a minimum central pressure of 900 hPa according to estimates from the (JMA). The () index for the season totaled approximately 150 units, representing a below-average value compared to the basin's climatological norm of around 280 units; is computed by summing the squares of the speeds (in knots) at 6-hour intervals for all tropical and subtropical systems while they are at or above tropical storm strength. This metric underscores the season's reduced intensity, with fewer prolonged periods of strong winds across the systems. Activity distribution showed an early paucity, with no depressions in May and , followed by a gradual increase leading to a peak of 9 systems in ; activity tapered to 4 depressions across through . In comparison to a typical season, which averages approximately 31 tropical depressions and 26–28 named storms, 1998 featured a reduced depression count but aligned closely on named storms while falling short on overall and peak intensities.

Meteorological history

Early season development (May–July)

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season exhibited an unusually delayed onset, with no tropical cyclone activity recorded during May or June, marking the latest start on record according to the (JTWC). This subdued early development was attributed to unfavorable environmental conditions, including strong vertical wind shear and cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the western North Pacific basin, which suppressed the organization of disturbances from the . The influence of a transitioning La Niña pattern further contributed to these inhibitory factors, limiting the potential for genesis and intensification during the initial months. Activity finally commenced in early July with the formation of Tropical Depression 01W (known locally as Akang) on July 7 approximately 600 nautical miles east of in the , originating from a weak disturbance along the . The system tracked northwestward under the steering influence of a mid-tropospheric subtropical ridge but remained weak, peaking at 30 knots before dissipating over on July 11 due to persistent vertical . Just one day later, on July 8, Tropical Storm Nichole (02W) developed in the from another disturbance, intensifying to a peak of 50 knots while tracking north-northeastward; it recurved extratropically and dissipated near , , on July 12, hindered by dry air entrainment and shear. The month's activity concluded with Tropical Depression 03W forming on July 25 east-northeast of within a gyre, moving northward and reaching 45 knots before rapid dissipation over open waters on July 26 amid increasing shear. These short-lived systems highlighted the season's early restraint, with none achieving typhoon status and all confined to brief durations under suppressive atmospheric conditions. Individual storm names such as Akang and Nichole were assigned by regional agencies like and the . As July ended, the environmental setup began to moderately improve, setting the stage for slightly more organized development in the ensuing months.

Peak activity period (August–September)

The peak activity period of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season occurred during and , when warmer sea surface temperatures exceeding 30°C in the western North Pacific, combined with active troughs and gyres, fostered a surge in development, resulting in 11 systems forming or remaining active across the basin. This phase contrasted with the earlier sparse activity, as enhanced vertical diminished and favorable synoptic patterns, including a persistent Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT), allowed for multiple disturbances to organize rapidly from shared influences. Activity began intensifying in late August with the formation of Rex (06W) on August 24, which reached a peak intensity of 115 knots before meandering northeastward under TUTT influence, passing through the without major landfall. September saw overlapping developments, starting with Stella (08W) on September 12, peaking at 65 knots and recurving northeast to impact , . Super Todd (10W), forming on September 16 from a reverse-oriented gyre, executed a distinctive looping track off , attaining 130 knots at its peak on September 17 before dissipating in the on September 20. Concurrently, Vicki (11W, name Gading) developed on September 17, intensifying to 90 knots by September 22 as it tracked northwestward, crossing and later affecting , with its outflow partially suppressing nearby Tropical Storm Waldo (13W). Waldo, forming September 20, was limited to 45 knots due to this interaction and dissipated quickly northward. Later in the month, Yanni (14W) emerged on September 24 from a disturbance, undergoing to 80 knots by September 29, with explosive deepening evident in its pressure fall before recurving northeast and impacting and . These clustered formations from the same synoptic features highlighted the period's intensity, with several systems sharing origins in the and regions.

Late season systems (October–December)

The late season of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season, from to , marked a period of declining tropical cyclone activity overall, with approximately 12 systems forming or active that featured a mix of systems, including the intense Super Typhoons Zeb and Babs in , followed by weaker tropical storms and depressions in and . This reduced formation rate reflected broader environmental shifts, including increasing vertical and cooler sea surface temperatures following the peak of the La Niña event, which suppressed storm development and led to rapid dissipations. Overall, these conditions fostered shorter-lived disturbances that struggled to organize amid unfavorable upper-level winds and diminishing oceanic heat content. Tracks during this period typically involved westward or northwestward movement across the western North Pacific, with some systems recurving northward; the period began with Super Typhoon Zeb (18W) forming on October 10 east of the from a disturbance, rapidly intensifying to a peak of 155 knots before tracking west-northwest, striking , and recurving toward and eastern . Super Typhoon Babs (20W) developed on October 22 south of , executing a looping track near the while reaching 125 knots, before moving northwest toward . Later, Faith (24W) formed near the and followed a northwestward path, crossing the before continuing westward across the to make landfall in , where it dissipated on December 14. Similarly, Tropical Storm Gil (25W) emerged briefly on December 9 in the , intensifying modestly to 35 knots before succumbing to strong vertical shear that disrupted its structure by December 13. These examples highlight the era's pattern of abbreviated lifecycles for later systems, often lasting just a few days under the influence of shear-dominated environments. The timeline commenced with Tropical Storm Elvis (23W) forming on November 24—though earlier October systems like Zeb and Babs transitioned into this phase—and concluded with Tropical Depression 27W on December 21, which dissipated two days later to end the season. Among these, Typhoon Faith inflicted notable economic damages across affected regions, with impacts detailed separately. The La Niña conditions, which contributed to the season's overall below-average activity, further exacerbated the late-season fade by enhancing shear and cooling SSTs in key genesis areas.

Systems

Tropical Depression 01W (Akang)

Tropical Depression 01W, known locally as Akang by the , was the first tropical cyclone of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. It formed from a persistent tropical disturbance in the , approximately 600 nautical miles east of , , where a broad gradually organized amid favorable environmental conditions. The (JTWC) issued its first warning on the system at 1500 UTC on July 7, 1998, classifying it as Tropical Depression 01W at around 17.2°N, 132.3°E. The depression tracked slowly northwestward for the first 48 hours at speeds of about 5 knots, before accelerating to around 11 knots as it approached . It reached maximum sustained winds of 30 knots (55 km/h) by 0600 UTC on July 8, accompanied by an estimated central pressure of 1002 hPa, but showed no potential for further intensification due to increasing . The system maintained tropical depression status for its entire lifespan of five days, making on northern around 2100 UTC on July 10 near 25.1°N, 121.3°E, before rapidly dissipating over land by 0300 UTC on July 11. Structurally, 01W featured a weak and exposed low-level circulation center, with convective activity remaining disorganized and fragmented throughout its existence. The shear disrupted any attempts at consolidation, preventing the development of a well-defined inner core or significant deepening, and revealed only scattered deep near the center rather than a symmetric envelope. This marked the latest start to a Northwest Pacific season since reliable records began in 1959, attributed in part to the prevailing La Niña conditions that suppressed early-season activity.

Tropical Storm Nichole

Tropical Storm Nichole, also known as Tropical Storm 9801 to the (JMA), developed as the second named of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season from a persistent area of low pressure embedded within the over the . The disturbance was first noted by the (JTWC) on July 7, prompting a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert at 17:00 UTC that day. By 00:00 UTC on July 8, the system had organized sufficiently for the JTWC to initiate warnings on Tropical Depression 02W with initial of 25 knots (46 km/h). The JMA followed suit, classifying it as a tropical depression at 06:00 UTC on July 9 and upgrading it to tropical status later that morning when sustained reached 18 m/s (65 km/h) using 10-minute averages, at which point it was assigned the name Nichole. Nichole tracked generally north-northeastward at 6–8 knots (11–15 km/h) initially, steered by a mid-level to its north, while slowly intensifying amid moderate vertical and somewhat restricted upper-level outflow. It reached its peak intensity around 12:00 UTC on , with the JTWC estimating 1-minute sustained winds of 50 knots (93 km/h) and a minimum central pressure near 990 hPa just offshore southwestern . The JMA assessed a slightly lower peak of 35 knots (65 km/h, 10-minute sustained) and 998 hPa. Shortly after peaking, the storm turned westward under increasing shear and began interacting with land, leading to rapid weakening as dry air entrained into its circulation. As Nichole weakened, it crossed the and made landfall near in southeastern around 21:00 UTC on July 12 as a tropical depression with winds of 20 knots (37 km/h). The system continued inland, degenerating into a remnant low-level circulation over Province before dissipating completely by late on July 12. The JMA ended advisories earlier, at 12:00 UTC on July 10, after the storm weakened below tropical depression strength. Despite its proximity to land, Nichole produced no reported significant impacts or casualties, remaining a weak system throughout its brief existence.

Tropical Depression 03W

Tropical Depression 03W formed on July 25, 1998, when a weak on the eastern periphery of a monsoon gyre organized into a tropical depression approximately 425 nautical miles (787 km) east-northeast of in the western . The (JTWC) designated it as 03W, marking it as the third of the season following Tropical Storm Nichole. At the time of formation, the system exhibited disorganized convection with maximum sustained winds of around 25 knots (46 km/h) and a central pressure near 1008 hPa, influenced by the prevailing La Niña conditions that suppressed overall seasonal activity. The depression tracked cyclonically around the monsoon gyre for the initial 24 hours, remaining nearly stationary while struggling to intensify due to moderate vertical . Post-season analysis by JTWC estimated a brief peak intensity of 35-45 knots (65-83 km/h), though it never reached tropical strength in real-time advisories and was not named by any warning agency. remained shallow and asymmetric, displaced northward by increasing shear from approaching mid-latitude , preventing further development. By July 26, the system turned northward and accelerated under the steering influence of a subtropical ridge to the east, moving rapidly away from the gyre. The shear intensified, stripping away most associated thunderstorms and exposing the low-level circulation center. Early on July 26, 03W degenerated into a remnant and fully dissipated over open waters around 36°N, 144°E, less than 48 hours after formation. This short-lived disturbance produced no reported impacts or significant weather events across the region.

Typhoon Otto (Bising)

Typhoon Otto, known in the Philippines as Bising, was the fourth named storm and first of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. It originated from a mesoscale convective complex over waters warmer than 30°C east of , , where the (JMA) designated it as a tropical depression at 00:00 UTC on 3 August. The (JTWC) issued its first warning on the system earlier, at 03:00 UTC on 2 August, classifying it initially as Tropical Depression 04W. The depression quickly organized amid favorable conditions, including low vertical and high sea surface temperatures, intensifying into a tropical storm later on 2 August per JTWC estimates and reaching strength by 12:00 UTC on 3 August according to the JMA, with maximum sustained winds of 65 knots (120 km/h). tracked northwestward at an average speed of about 22 km/h, maintaining a compact structure with a central dropping to a minimum of 970 hPa. revealed persistent deep wrapping around a developing eye, though the system remained relatively small, with gale-force winds extending up to 180 nautical miles from the center. By 00:00 UTC on 4 August, the JTWC assessed at its peak intensity of 100 knots (185 km/h) and 944 hPa, just prior to its first . As Otto approached Taiwan, it made landfall on the southeastern coast near around 04:00 UTC on 4 , with winds near 100 knots, leading to temporary weakening over the rugged terrain. The storm emerged into the , where it reintensified slightly to 60 knots before curving slightly northeastward and making a second landfall near in Province, southeastern , around 20:00 UTC on 4 , with sustained winds of 50 knots. observations from , captured the eyewall's semi-elliptic shape and outward-tilting outer rainbands during the approach, with stronger winds noted in the left-forward quadrant below 2 km altitude due to of low-level flows. The system rapidly weakened after moving inland, with the JTWC issuing its final warning at 03:00 UTC on 5 as Otto dissipated over eastern .

Severe Tropical Storm Penny (Klaring)

Severe Tropical Storm Penny, known in the Philippines as Tropical Depression Klaring, developed from a persistent mesoscale convective complex in the during early August 1998. The (JTWC) issued a Formation Alert on August 5 at 1900 UTC as the system organized over warm waters, and it was designated as Tropical Depression 05W the following day at 0900 UTC, located approximately 470 km east-northeast of . The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration () simultaneously classified it as Tropical Depression Klaring on August 7 local time. The depression tracked northwestward under the influence of a mid-tropospheric subtropical ridge, reaching tropical storm status and being assigned the name by the JTWC on August 7 at 1200 UTC, with initial 1-minute sustained winds of 35 knots (65 km/h). It made landfall over northern , , on August 8, where the mountainous terrain disrupted its structure and caused temporary weakening to depression strength. Emerging into the later that day, began to reintensify as it moved west-northwestward toward the Chinese coast, attaining severe tropical storm intensity according to the (JMA) on August 10, with 10-minute sustained winds of 50 knots (93 km/h). Penny reached its peak intensity on August 10 at 1200 UTC, with JTWC estimating 1-minute winds of 60 knots (111 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 985 hPa, while remaining below strength due to its marginal development. The storm's growth was limited by the interaction with land and subsequent exposure to less favorable conditions in the , though it produced heavy rainfall leading to flooding in southern upon landfall near in western province on August 11 morning. The JTWC issued its final warning later that day at 0900 UTC as Penny weakened rapidly over land, degenerating into an area of low pressure by evening and fully dissipating on August 12. In , approximately 240 km south-southwest of the storm's closest approach on August 10, Signal was hoisted, with gusts exceeding 45 km/h and the lowest pressure recorded at 1005.1 hPa.

Typhoon Rex (Deling)

Typhoon Rex, known in the as Typhoon Deling, marked the first super typhoon wait no, the sixth named storm and second of the unusually inactive 1998 Pacific typhoon season. The system originated from a persistent area of disturbed in the , east of , where the (JMA) identified a tropical depression on August 24, 1998. The (JTWC) began issuing advisories on Tropical Depression 06W earlier, on August 22, noting the disturbance's gradual organization amid favorable atmospheric conditions. By August 23, the depression strengthened into a tropical storm, prompting the JMA to assign the name Rex from its western North Pacific list. Rex tracked west-northwestward initially, steered by a subtropical to its north, while undergoing steady intensification over warm sea surface temperatures exceeding 29°C. It reached intensity on , with JTWC estimating 70-knot (130 km/h) one-minute sustained winds. Explosive deepening followed over the subsequent 36 hours, driven by low vertical and a consolidating central , but did not reach super typhoon status. At its peak, the JTWC assessed maximum one-minute winds of 115 knots (213 km/h) and a minimum central of 927 hPa, accompanied by a compact 30-nautical-mile eye visible in imagery. In contrast, the JMA recorded a peak of 75 knots (139 km/h) ten-minute winds and 955 hPa, reflecting differences in measurement standards. This phase saw pressure falls of up to 36 hPa in 24 hours, highlighting the storm's explosive development. The typhoon's track featured multiple recurvatures influenced by interactions with the Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT) cells to its north and east. After peaking south of , Rex curved northeastward, brushing the on August 28 with typhoon-force winds affecting the region. It then accelerated eastward, passing well east of before another recurvature to the east-northeast under strengthening mid-latitude . The system maintained much of its intensity during this phase, covering over 4,900 km in total distance. Rex transitioned into an on September 7, 1998, southeast of the , after a lifespan of 16 days as a .

Tropical Depression 07W

Tropical Depression 07W formed on September 2, 1998, at 0900 UTC east of from a disturbance along a stationary front. The system remained weak throughout its brief lifespan, with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots (55 km/h), failing to reach tropical storm strength due to moderate vertical . Under the influence of a 700 mb subtropical ridge, the depression tracked rapidly northeastward initially, then turned east-northeastward and slowed before dissipating over open waters on September 4, 1998, at 0900 UTC. Outflow from the earlier Typhoon Rex (06W) contributed to the increased shear that prevented further organization. This minor system occurred during the peak activity period of the season, highlighting the variable conditions in the western North Pacific during August and September.

Severe Tropical Storm Stella

Severe Tropical Storm Stella, also known as Typhoon 9805 by the , formed from a weak tropical disturbance embedded in the eastern extension of the , located east of the . The system was first noted in the JTWC's Significant Tropical Weather Advisory on September 11, 1998, at 0600 UTC. A Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert was issued the following day, and the JTWC classified it as Tropical Depression 08W at 0900 UTC on September 12, with initial winds of 25 knots. The depression tracked generally northwestward initially, steered by a subtropical to the north, and gradually organized as vertical remained low. It strengthened into a tropical storm later on September 12 and continued to intensify steadily over the next few days. By September 15, Stella reached its peak intensity as a minimal , with maximum sustained 1-minute winds of 65 knots (120 km/h or 33 m/s) and an estimated minimum central pressure of 976 hPa, based on JTWC analysis. At this time, the storm exhibited a well-defined low-level circulation with some convective banding, though its overall structure was influenced by increasing shear from an approaching upper-level trough. The system maintained typhoon strength as it curved northeastward under the influence of mid-latitude westerlies, passing just east of , . The storm brushed the eastern coast of , making landfall near on September 15 at approximately 1800 UTC while at peak intensity. Interaction with the rugged terrain of caused the storm's structure to become asymmetrical, with enhanced rainfall on the western side due to , leading to localized heavy precipitation and flooding. Stella transitioned into an by 1200 UTC on September 16 east of , retaining 60-knot winds as it accelerated eastward over the open ocean before dissipating later that day. No PAGASA name was assigned, as the system remained east of the .

Tropical Depression 09W

Tropical Depression 09W was a short-lived and weak that formed in the during an active phase of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. It developed within a east of Island on September 13, 1998, as identified by the (JTWC). The system was first warned upon at 0900 UTC that day, with initial estimates placing its maximum sustained winds at around 25 knots (46 km/h). The depression tracked westward at 10-15 knots (19-28 km/h) under the influence of low-level steering currents south of the subtropical ridge, passing through the Hainan Strait into the before making landfall over later on . It failed to intensify beyond depression strength due to its poorly organized structure and interaction with land, dissipating rapidly over the terrain. The JTWC issued only three warnings on the before the final advisory at 2100 UTC on September 13, highlighting its brief existence of less than a day.

Super Typhoon Todd (Emang)

Super Typhoon Todd, also known as Emang in the , developed from a tropical disturbance within a reverse-oriented in the on September 15, 1998. The system was designated as a tropical depression by the (JTWC) early on September 16, with initial winds of 45 knots (83 km/h). It quickly organized amid favorable conditions, strengthening into a tropical storm later that day and reaching status by September 17, with maximum sustained winds of 120 km/h according to estimates from the (JMA). The 's track was notably complex, featuring a cyclonic loop south of influenced by interactions between a subtropical to the north and a gyre in the . Initially steered northeastward by mid-tropospheric flow, Todd accelerated briefly before weakening and moving westward, making near , , as a minimal typhoon on September 19. Post-landfall, it executed a left-turning loop and recurved eastward into the , where steering currents from the subtropical contributed to its quasi-stationary motion and eventual extratropical transition on September 20. This looping path, characteristic of moderate-intensity systems affected by multiple steering mechanisms, prolonged the storm's duration over the region despite its relatively low peak intensity of 75 knots (139 km/h) and central pressure of 955 hPa as reported by JMA. Throughout its lifecycle, Todd remained a super typhoon, with JTWC estimates peaking higher at 130 knots (241 km/h) but JMA assessments indicating sustained moderate strength that limited its overall impact compared to more intense contemporaries. The storm prompted regional warnings across , including evacuations in coastal and advisories for shipping in the . Its extratropical remnants dissipated without further significant development by late September 20.

Typhoon Vicki (Gading)

Typhoon Vicki, known in the Philippines as Gading, was the seventh named tropical storm and fourth of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season, forming from a broad area of low pressure in the west of . The disturbance was first noted in JTWC's Significant Tropical Weather Advisory on September 16, with a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert issued at 0530Z that day due to improving organization. By 0300Z on September 17, JTWC classified it as a 30-knot tropical depression (11W), while the (JMA) designated it as Tropical Depression 9807 around the same time. Favorable conditions, including low and warm sea surface temperatures, allowed steady intensification as the system moved eastward toward the Philippines. Vicki accelerated its development, attaining status by 0600Z on September 18 with estimated maximum sustained winds of 85 knots (1-minute average) according to JTWC, just prior to its first landfall over northern near . The JMA, using 10-minute averaged winds, assessed it as a severe tropical storm at that stage with 55 knots. Crossing the rugged terrain of disrupted the circulation, causing Vicki to weaken to 40 knots by September 19, but upon re-emerging into the , it underwent rapid re-intensification amid a symmetric convective structure and a developing . The reached its peak intensity of 90 knots and an estimated minimum central of 954 mb on September 21 at 0000Z, located approximately 500 nautical miles east-southeast of Okinawa; JMA's corresponding peak estimate was 75 knots and 960 hPa on September 20. This intensity marked Vicki as one of the stronger systems of the season, though JTWC and JMA estimates diverged due to differing wind-averaging periods. Steered initially westward to eastward by a mid-level subtropical , Vicki recurved northeastward after September 19 under the influence of an approaching upper-level trough and increasing vertical , accelerating to forward speeds of 16-27 knots. The system remained offshore of most land areas after Luzon but brushed the before making a second landfall near on Island, , around 2100Z on while still at near-peak strength. Continued interaction with cooler shelf waters and shear led to extratropical transition by 0300Z on September 23 southeast of , with the remnants dissipating over the open northwest Pacific several days later. The overall track spanned about 2,000 kilometers, and the storm's rapid growth phase from depression to occurred over roughly 36 hours.

Tropical Depression 12W

Tropical Depression 12W was a short-lived and weak that developed in the western North Pacific during the 1998 typhoon season. It formed from a poorly organized disturbance in the on September 18, 1998, as the system consolidated under favorable conditions south of the mid-tropospheric subtropical ridge. The (JTWC) issued its first warning at 0900 UTC on that day, designating it as a tropical depression with initial maximum sustained winds of around 25 knots (13 m/s). The depression tracked northwestward, steered by the prevailing flow, and intensified slightly to a peak of 30 knots (15 m/s) with a minimum central of 1000 hPa, approximately 30 nautical miles off the coast of . Despite this modest strengthening, it never approached the intensity threshold for naming as a , remaining a weak and disorganized system throughout its lifespan. On September 19, 1998, around 1800 UTC, the depression made near Cua Ho in , where it rapidly weakened due to interaction with the rugged terrain and dry air intrusion. The system dissipated over land just 36 hours after formation, with the JTWC issuing its final warning at 2100 UTC on September 19. In total, seven warnings were issued by the JTWC for this depression, highlighting its brief existence and minimal threat. No significant impacts were reported from 12W, consistent with its low intensity and quick fade.

Tropical Storm Waldo

Tropical Storm Waldo was a short-lived and weak tropical cyclone that developed in the western during late September 1998. Forming southwest of in the , the system organized amid a complex environment influenced by the nearby Vicki, which suppressed its outflow and limited development. Waldo reached tropical storm intensity but remained small and poorly organized, peaking with maximum sustained winds of 45 knots (83 km/h; 52 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 994 hPa before making on Japan's island. The storm's brief duration of about 30 hours and minimal impacts distinguished it from more intense systems that season. The precursor disturbance to Waldo was first identified as an area of low pressure on September 19, 1998, at approximately 22.6°N, 136.6°E, with initial pressures around 1002 hPa. It gradually organized while drifting northwestward, becoming a tropical depression by 0600 UTC on September 20 at 24.8°N, 136.5°E. Intensification continued that day, with the designating it as Tropical Storm Waldo (9808 or 13W per the ) by 1200 UTC, when winds reached their peak of 45 knots sustained. The storm's structure featured a small circulation, with gale-force winds extending up to 250 nautical miles (460 km) from the center, but cool sea surface temperatures and Vicki's influence prevented further strengthening. Waldo tracked northward and accelerated rapidly due to a synoptic-scale southerly flow, covering about 1,203 km over its lifespan at an average speed of 40.1 km/h. It made landfall near Owase in , , around 2100 UTC on September 21 at roughly 33.3°N, 135.5°E, still at peak intensity. Rapid weakening ensued over land, with winds dropping to depression strength by 0900 UTC and the system dissipating as a over the by 1200 UTC on September 22. The storm's path avoided major population centers and produced only light rainfall in , resulting in no reported fatalities, injuries, or significant damage.

Typhoon Yanni (Heling)

Typhoon Yanni, also known by its PAGASA name Heling, originated from a broad area of low pressure embedded within the over the western . The (JMA) first noted the disturbance on September 26, 1998, classifying it as a tropical depression at 20.4°N, 126.1°E with a central pressure of 1002 hPa and negligible winds. Moving northwestward initially at about 10 km/h under the influence of a mid-level ridge to the north, the system gradually organized amid favorable sea surface temperatures exceeding 28°C and low vertical . The (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert late on September 24 UTC and commenced warnings early on September 25 UTC when it was located approximately 1,100 km east of , estimating initial 1-minute sustained winds of 25 kt (13 m/s). The depression intensified steadily as it tracked northwest to north-northwest, reaching tropical storm strength by 0000 UTC on according to JMA data, with winds increasing to 35 kt (18 m/s) and central pressure falling to 998 hPa at 23.0°N, 122.2°E. Over the next 24 hours, Yanni underwent explosive deepening, with its central pressure dropping 23 hPa to 975 hPa by 0000 UTC and winds surging to 50 kt (26 m/s); this phase saw an average pressure decrease of about 1 hPa per hour, driven by enhanced wrapping around a consolidating low-level circulation center. The JTWC upgraded it to status at 0600 UTC on when 1-minute winds reached 64 kt (33 m/s), and the storm peaked in intensity later that day or early on , with JMA estimating 65 kt (33 m/s) and 965 hPa near 28.7°N, 125.6°E, while JTWC assessed a higher peak of 80 kt (41 m/s) and 963 hPa. This —equivalent to a increase of roughly 30 kt (55 km/h) over 36 hours—highlighted Yanni's efficient utilization of warm oceanic waters and a moist inflow from the southwest, forming a small but well-defined eye visible in by late . As Yanni approached its peak, its track began to curve northeastward under steering from a subtropical building to the east, carrying it toward the Korean Peninsula at speeds of 15-20 km/h. The typhoon maintained Category 1-equivalent strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale through September 29, but began weakening slightly on September 30 as it encountered cooler shelf waters north of 30°N and increasing shear, with winds dropping to 55 kt (28 m/s) by 0000 UTC and pressure rising to 975 hPa near 33.0°N, 127.2°E. It made landfall near , South Korea, around 0700 UTC on September 30 as a marginal tropical with 50 kt (26 m/s) winds and 980 hPa pressure, after which it rapidly decelerated and weakened over the rugged terrain. The JTWC issued its final warning at 0900 UTC on October 1 as the remnants moved south-southeast near the , having issued 26 advisories during the system's lifespan of about six days.
Date (UTC)PositionPressure (hPa, JMA)Max Winds (kt, JMA)Intensity Notes (JTWC)
Sep 28, 000023.0°N 122.2°E99835Tropical Storm formation
Sep 28, 180025.2°N 122.8°E98050Rapid deepening phase
Sep 29, 120028.7°N 125.6°E96565Peak intensity (JMA); 80 kt peak (JTWC)
Sep 30, 0700~34.5°N 127.5°E~98050Landfall near ,

Tropical Depression 15W

Tropical Depression 15W was a short-lived and weak tropical cyclone that existed in the western North Pacific Ocean during early October 1998. It originated from a broad area of surface troughing in the South China Sea on October 2, when a tropical disturbance began to show signs of organization under favorable sea surface temperatures but encountered inhibiting conditions. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued its first warning on the system at 0900 UTC on October 3, classifying it as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots (15 m/s) and an estimated minimum central pressure of 1000 mb. The depression failed to intensify beyond depression strength due to persistent vertical from unfavorable upper-level winds, which disrupted its convective structure and prevented development into a tropical storm. Steered by southeasterly low-level synoptic flow, it meandered northwestward at speeds of 7-10 knots (4-5 m/s), remaining largely disorganized with sporadic near its low-level center. No significant growth occurred as the system tracked over warm waters close to the but was unable to consolidate amid the shear. On October 5, the depression made landfall near in around 1200 UTC, with winds still at 30 knots. It rapidly weakened over land due to friction and continued shear, leading to its dissipation over by 2100 UTC that day. The JTWC issued 11 warnings during its brief lifespan of less than 72 hours. No impacts or damages were reported from Tropical Depression 15W, consistent with its minimal intensity and confined track.

Tropical Depression 16W

Tropical Depression 16W formed on October 5, 1998, east of within a surface trough extending over and the . The (JTWC) issued its first warning at 0900 UTC that day, estimating initial winds of 25 knots (46 km/h). A Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert had been released earlier at 1630 UTC on October 4, noting the disturbance's organization in an area of weak vertical . The depression initially drifted northeastward but remained quasi-stationary for approximately 36 hours due to weak steering currents in the region. It then accelerated slightly under the influence of a passing frontal boundary, tracking toward the area south of Okinawa before dissipating on . The JTWC issued its final warning at 2100 UTC on , after 11 advisories spanning three days, with the system weakening into an exposed low-level circulation. No landfalls occurred, and the depression remained isolated from nearby systems during its brief existence. At its peak intensity on October 6 at 1200 UTC, Tropical Depression 16W had maximum sustained winds of 30 knots (56 km/h) and an estimated minimum central pressure of 1008 hPa. Vertical increased rapidly thereafter, limiting further development and contributing to its quick dissipation despite marginally favorable sea surface temperatures. The system never reached tropical storm strength according to either JTWC or criteria.

Tropical Depression 17W

Tropical Depression 17W was a short-lived and weak that developed in the during early 1998. It formed from an area of disturbed weather near the , where an exposed low-level circulation organized amid moderate vertical . The (JTWC) classified it as a tropical depression at 0600 UTC on October 6, estimating initial maximum sustained winds of 25-30 knots (46-56 km/h) and a minimum central of around 1000 mb. The depression tracked slowly north-northeastward, remaining quasi-stationary initially due to weak currents in the . By 0000 UTC on , it had moved to approximately 30.1°N, 126.4°E, but high vertical disrupted its convective structure, causing it to weaken rapidly to 15 knots (28 km/h) within 12 hours of formation. The system dissipated later that day without significant impacts or further development, prompting the JTWC to issue only five warnings during its brief existence.

Typhoon Zeb (Iliang)

Typhoon Zeb, also known as Iliang in the , originated from a tropical depression embedded in the approximately 410 km southwest of on October 10, 1998. Designated as 18W by the (JTWC), the system was issued its first warning as a 25-knot disturbance moving west-northwestward. It quickly organized, strengthening into a tropical storm later that day according to the (JMA), with initial development favored by warm sea surface temperatures exceeding 29°C in the western North Pacific. Zeb underwent over the open waters of the , developing a and reaching status by October 12. The JMA estimated its peak intensity as a super typhoon on October 13, with maximum sustained winds of 110 knots (205 km/h) and a minimum central of 900 hPa, marking the lowest pressure recorded for any storm in the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. The JTWC assessed even higher winds at 155 knots (287 km/h) and 878 hPa around the same time, highlighting discrepancies in agency estimates but confirming Zeb as the season's most intense . This peak was achieved through favorable environmental conditions, including low vertical and high , before the storm approached land. The 's track followed a west-northwestward path initially, steered by a subtropical ridge to the north. On October 14, Zeb made its first as a super typhoon on the east coast of , , just south of Palanan Bay, with JTWC-estimated winds of 150 knots at the time. After crossing the rugged terrain of , which disrupted its circulation, the system emerged into the and briefly re-intensified before accelerating northward. It passed approximately 10 nautical miles east of on October 16 with winds around 90 knots, then made a second in southeastern near Fuding, Province, on October 17 at about 85 knots. Turning northeastward under the influence of mid-latitude flow, Zeb transitioned into an southeast of on October 18, with its remnants dissipating by October 20 near the . The overall track spanned over 5,300 km, with an average forward speed of 31 km/h. Zeb exhibited complex internal structure during its lifecycle, particularly evident in satellite imagery from microwave sensors. By October 12, it developed a concentric eyewall configuration, with an inner eyewall radius contracting to about 20 km before landfall on Luzon. This double eyewall structure contributed to its rapid intensification phase, as the outer eyewall's rainbands enhanced moisture influx. Upon crossing Luzon, surface friction and orographic effects caused the inner eyewall to break down and dissipate inland, while an outer eyewall reformed over the South China Sea, allowing partial recovery of intensity. These eyewall cycles, documented through 85 GHz channel observations, underscored Zeb's resilience despite multiple land interactions and set it apart as having the highest sustained winds of any 1998 Pacific typhoon.

Tropical Storm Alex

Tropical Storm Alex was a short-lived and weak that developed in the western North during the 1998 Pacific typhoon season, becoming the first named storm following Super Typhoon Zeb. The system formed on October 11, 1998, from a disturbance embedded in the northern inflow band of Zeb, located approximately 1,000 kilometers east-southeast of the . It was designated as Tropical Depression 19W by the (JTWC) at 0300 UTC that day, with initial organization aided by the . Alex intensified into a tropical later on , reaching its peak intensity of 45 knots (83 km/h; 52 mph) sustained winds by 1800 UTC, accompanied by a minimum central pressure of 1000 hPa. The 's structure remained disorganized due to its proximity to the much larger Zeb system, limiting further development. Under the influence of a subtropical to the north, Alex initially tracked west-northwestward at about 15 km/h, passing north of Zeb's center. By October 12, Alex turned southwestward as it entered an environment of increasing vertical and cooler sea surface temperatures associated with the post-monsoon transition, which disrupted its convective organization. The system weakened back to tropical depression strength and was absorbed by Zeb around 2100 UTC that day, approximately 800 kilometers east of the . This brief existence of less than 48 hours underscored the challenging conditions for formation late in the season.

Super Typhoon Babs (Loleng)

Super Typhoon Babs, known locally in the as Loleng, was a powerful and long-lived super that formed during an inactive phase of the 1998 Pacific season. The system originated from a broad tropical disturbance in the southeast of , with the (JTWC) issuing a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on October 12 and the first advisory as a tropical depression on at 0900 UTC, located at 13.5°N, 138.5°E. The (JMA) classified it as a tropical depression later that day, and it gradually organized amid favorable conditions of low and warm sea surface temperatures exceeding 29°C. Babs followed a complex track characterized by multiple loops influenced by a mid-level trough and the subtropical ridge. Initially drifting westward at 8-10 km/h, the depression executed a small cyclonic loop between and 18 south of the due to interaction with the Tropical Upper Tropospheric Trough (TUTT), which temporarily disrupted currents. Resuming northwestward motion on October 19, the storm intensified rapidly, reaching tropical storm status on October 15 per JMA estimates with 10-minute sustained winds of 65 km/h and becoming a on . It attained super intensity on October 20 at 1200 UTC, with JTWC estimating 1-minute sustained winds of 135 knots (250 km/h) and a central of 904 hPa, accompanied by a well-defined eye of 20-30 km visible on . The typhoon made its first landfall over in the on October 22 near Virac at 14.5°N, 123.5°E, with winds of 105 knots, marking one of the strongest strikes on the region that year. Despite traversing the mountainous terrain of , which typically accelerates weakening through friction and , Babs exhibited slow dissipation, dropping only to 85 knots upon exiting into the on October 23; this resilience was attributed to its large circulation (radius of maximum winds around 50 km) and continued access to warm waters. In the , the system reorganized and briefly regained typhoon strength with winds up to 100 knots by October 25, executing another partial loop before accelerating north-northeastward under steering from a high-pressure system to the east. Babs brushed eastern on October 26, producing significant orographic rainfall, and made a second landfall in eastern near in Province (adjacent to ) on October 27 at approximately 25.5°N, 119.5°E with 70-knot winds. The storm weakened rapidly over land due to increasing shear and cooler air masses, with the JTWC issuing its final warning at 2100 UTC on October 27 as it dissipated over inland .

Tropical Storm Chip

Tropical Storm Chip, known as the twelfth named storm of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season, formed from a shearline-enhanced circulation in the during mid-November. A tropical disturbance was first noted on November 11, 1998, approximately 200 km southwest of the Nansha Islands, where it organized into a tropical depression by 1230Z that day. The (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert at that time, followed by the first warning at 0300Z on November 12 as the system intensified slightly while moving slowly northwestward. Chip reached tropical storm status around 0600Z on , with maximum sustained winds of 35 knots (65 km/h), and continued to deepen as it tracked toward the coast of . The storm peaked in intensity on November 13 at 1200Z, with winds of 50 knots (93 km/h) and an estimated minimum central pressure of 992 hPa, according to JTWC estimates. During this period, the system maintained a broad circulation but struggled against increasing environmental pressures, exhibiting limited convective organization. The also classified it as a tropical storm on , noting its position at about 10.5°N, 113.0°E. As Chip approached , it turned southward along the coastline, making landfall approximately 200 km east of on . Vertical and interaction with land rapidly weakened the system, reducing it to a tropical depression by late and leading to its dissipation over by 0300Z on , after a lifespan of just over three days. The JTWC issued 13 warnings during its existence, highlighting its short duration and minimal development potential due to the unfavorable conditions. No significant impacts were reported from Chip, as it remained a weak system throughout its lifecycle.

Tropical Storm Dawn

Tropical Storm Dawn, designated 22W by the (JTWC), formed as a weak in the during the waning days of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. A persistent area of disturbed weather embedded within a shear line was first noted on November 17, evolving into a tropical depression the next day when a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert was issued at 0300Z on . The JTWC initiated warnings at 0900Z that day, estimating initial 1-minute sustained winds of 25 knots (46 km/h). By 1800Z on , the system had strengthened sufficiently to be classified as a tropical storm, becoming the season's twelfth such system. Dawn's development remained marginal throughout its brief lifespan, constrained by moderate vertical and an unfavorable upper-level environment that hindered convective organization. Despite traversing warm sea surface temperatures exceeding 28°C in the , the storm exhibited a broad, asymmetric circulation with scattered rather than a well-defined center. It reached peak intensity late on November 19, with 1-minute sustained of 45 knots (83 km/h) and an estimated minimum central of 998 hPa, just prior to . at that time revealed limited banding features and exposed low-level clouds, underscoring the system's disorganized structure. The storm tracked west-northwestward initially under steering influences from a mid-level subtropical to its north, maintaining an oceanic path across the southern reaches of the for approximately 48 hours. This trajectory kept Dawn away from immediate land interactions until it recurved slightly northward, making landfall near in , , around 1500Z on 19. Rapid weakening ensued over the rugged terrain of , with the circulation degenerating into a remnant low over northern by 0000Z on 20. The JTWC issued its final warning at 0900Z that day, after just eight advisories over the system's 72-hour duration. As a late-season event in a year marked by below-average activity, Dawn contributed to the season's total of 27 tropical cyclones, reflecting the influence of lingering La Niña conditions that suppressed overall genesis.

Tropical Storm Elvis (Miding)

Tropical Storm Elvis, known in the Philippines as Miding, was the fourteenth named storm of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. It formed from a tropical disturbance in the on November 23, when the (JTWC) issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert at 23:00 UTC. By the next day, the system organized sufficiently to be classified as a tropical depression, and it was upgraded to tropical storm status at 12:00 UTC on , with the (JMA) assigning it the identifier 9814. The storm's initial development occurred under moderate vertical , which limited its organization but allowed gradual intensification as it tracked west-northwestward at about 8 knots (15 km/h). Elvis reached its peak intensity on , with maximum sustained winds of 45 knots (85 km/h) according to JTWC estimates, while the JMA assessed 40-knot (75 km/h) 10-minute winds and a minimum central pressure of 992 hPa. During this period, the storm's track shifted westward, passing through the central ' maritime areas without direct land impact there, though monitored it closely due to its proximity. Satellite imagery showed a consolidating low-level circulation, but persistent shear prevented the development of significant deep or a well-defined eye, keeping Elvis as a modest tropical rather than allowing further strengthening. The made landfall near in around 23:00 UTC on November 25, still at near-peak intensity of 45 knots. Upon entering the rugged terrain of Indochina, Elvis rapidly weakened due to land interaction and increasing shear, with winds dropping to 40 knots within hours. It continued inland westward before dissipating entirely by 09:00 UTC on November 26 over , marking the end of its brief lifecycle after just three days as a named storm. This quick post-landfall deterioration was typical for systems affected by strong environmental shear in the region.

Typhoon Faith (Norming)

Typhoon , known in the as Typhoon Norming, was the thirteenth named and the eighth typhoon of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. A persistent area of low pressure in the to the east of the organized into a tropical depression on December 8, 1998, around 0900 UTC while located approximately 500 nautical miles east-southeast of . The system was assigned the designation 24W by the (JTWC) and quickly developed deep , leading to its upgrade to tropical status later that day, earning the name . Under the influence of a subtropical to the north, tracked generally west-northwestward at an initial speed of about 10 knots. As approached the , it underwent due to favorable sea surface temperatures exceeding 28°C and low vertical . On December 10, the storm made landfall over Samar Island with of 65 knots (10-minute sustained), prompting its classification as a by the (JMA) shortly thereafter. Crossing the central disrupted the storm temporarily, but it re-emerged into the and resumed strengthening, reaching its peak intensity on December 11 at 1200 UTC with maximum 1-minute sustained of 90 knots (167 km/h) and an estimated minimum central pressure of 954 hPa. At this strength, Faith featured a well-defined eye surrounded by intense convection, classifying it as a Category 2-equivalent on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Following its peak, Faith maintained much of its intensity while accelerating west-northwestward through the under continued ridge steering. The typhoon made a second landfall near in south-central Vietnam around 0000 UTC on December 14, with winds reduced to 70 knots. Over land, interaction with Vietnam's rugged terrain and increasing shear caused rapid weakening, and the JTWC issued its final warning at 1500 UTC that day as Faith degenerated into a tropical depression over . The remnants dissipated completely by December 15, marking the end of the 1998 typhoon season.

Tropical Storm Gil

Tropical Storm Gil, designated 25W by the (JTWC), was the final named storm of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season. It developed from a depression in the , approximately 400 km east-northeast of , on December 9, 1998. According to the (JMA), the system was classified as a tropical depression at 00:00 UTC that day, located at 6.3°N, 111.0°E, with an initial central pressure of 1004 hPa. The (JTWC) issued its first warning later that day at 15:00 UTC, estimating winds near 25 knots as the disturbance organized amid a weak . The storm intensified steadily as it tracked west-northwestward at 13-17 km/h, reaching tropical storm status later on per the JMA, with maximum sustained winds of 35 knots at 18:00 UTC. Gil peaked in intensity early on at 06:00 UTC, with winds of 40 knots (74 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 992 hPa, positioned at 7.9°N, 107.4°E, roughly 300 km south of . The JTWC assessed a slightly lower peak of 35 knots, noting the storm's small circulation and limited convective organization. High vertical from mid-to-upper-level southwesterlies and low-to-mid-level easterlies, combined with increasing land proximity, prevented further strengthening and caused early weakening by afternoon. Gil continued westward, degenerating to a tropical depression on December 11 as it approached the . It made landfall near , , on December 12 with winds of about 30 knots, bringing heavy rain but no significant wind damage due to its weakness. The system rapidly dissipated over land by December 13, with the JTWC issuing its final warning at 03:00 UTC. This late-season disturbance was influenced by a weak winter , though persistent shear rather than a strong cold surge primarily limited its development; it marked the end of named activity before two subsequent unnamed depressions in late December.

Tropical Depression 26W

Tropical Depression 26W was a short-lived and weak tropical cyclone that formed late in the 1998 Pacific typhoon season over the western North Pacific Ocean. It developed from a large area of convection embedded within the monsoon trough over the southern Philippines on December 17, 1998, with the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issuing its first warning at 171500Z. The system struggled to organize due to unfavorable environmental conditions, including moderate vertical wind shear and interaction with the rugged terrain of Luzon as it tracked northward. The depression's track began near 10.9°N, 125.0°E in the , moving northwestward initially before turning northward. By December 18, it had crossed , emerging into the north of , with its center positioned at approximately 12.5°N, 122.9°E earlier that day. The system continued northward, reaching 18.7°N, 119.8°E by December 19, but failed to develop further as shear disrupted its convective structure during land interaction. JTWC issued seven warnings over its brief lifespan, with the final one at 190300Z December 19, after which the depression dissipated rapidly over water without achieving tropical storm status. At its peak, Tropical Depression 26W exhibited maximum sustained winds of 25 knots (12 m/s), classifying it as a minimal depression with a central pressure around 1002 hPa. It posed no significant threat to shipping or land areas, as its weak circulation and lack of intensification prevented notable impacts, consistent with the season's late-period weakening trend. No fatalities or economic losses were reported in association with the system.

Tropical Depression 27W

Tropical Depression 27W, the final of the 1998 Pacific typhoon season, formed on from a loosely organized cluster of embedded within a large-scale monsoon gyre over the central . The (JTWC) initiated advisories at 0900 UTC on that day, estimating the depression's initial position near 13.3°N, 112.9°E with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots (15 m/s). Although the (JMA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration () monitored the system as a without assigning it a name, the JTWC classified it as a tropical depression due to its poorly defined low-level circulation center and scattered . The depression tracked north-northeastward at a slow speed of 3–6 knots (6–11 km/h) initially, influenced by weak steering currents within the monsoon gyre, before accelerating slightly eastward-northeastward. It reached its peak intensity of 30 knots shortly after formation and maintained that strength for approximately 24 hours, with an estimated minimum sea-level pressure of 1000 mb. However, increasing vertical from strong mid- to upper-tropospheric disrupted its structure, preventing further organization and causing to shear away from the center. By December 21, had decreased to 25 knots (13 m/s), and the system drifted toward the vicinity of , with its final position recorded near 19.4°N, 116.7°E at 0000 UTC on December 22. The depression dissipated later on December 22 as its remnants were absorbed back into the monsoon gyre, prompting the JTWC to issue its final warning at 0300 UTC. With no reported impacts or fatalities, 27W held minimal significance beyond marking the official conclusion of advisories for the season, which totaled 27 depressions overall.

Naming conventions

Japan Meteorological Agency names

The (JMA), serving as the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) for the western North Pacific under the (WMO), assigns names to tropical cyclones in the basin from a pre-established list maintained by the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. Names are assigned sequentially to disturbances that reach tropical storm intensity, defined by the JMA as sustained winds of at least 35 knots (65 km/h or 18 m/s). The 1998 season utilized the following 16 names from the Typhoon Committee's standard rotating list of 140 names, starting with Nichole and concluding with Gil: Nichole, , , Rex, Stella, Todd, Vicki, Waldo, , Zeb, Babs, Chip, Dawn, Elvis, , and Gil. This list followed the sequential order established by the Typhoon Committee, with no names retired or replaced prior to the 1998 season due to the absence of exceptionally destructive storms from the prior year warranting such action. In contrast to the JMA's international names, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration () uses a separate list for local naming upon tropical cyclone entry into the .

PAGASA names

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration () maintains an independent naming system for that form within or enter the (PAR), defined as the region between 5°N and 25°N latitude and 115°E to 135°E longitude. assigns names to these systems upon classification as a tropical depression, regardless of whether they intensify further, to facilitate local warnings and public awareness; this contrasts with the (JMA) system, which names storms basin-wide only upon reaching tropical storm intensity. During the 1998 season, utilized 11 names from its rotating list for cyclones impacting the PAR. These included names for both depressions and stronger systems, with assignments independent of international designations. Notable examples highlight naming mismatches, such as Super Typhoon Babs being known locally as Loleng. The following table lists key correspondences between JMA international names and PAGASA local names for named storms in 1998:
JMA NamePAGASA Name
(None; TD 01W)Akang
Bising
Klaring
RexDeling
ToddEmang
VickiGading
Heling
ZebIliang
BabsLoleng
ElvisMiding
Norming
Additional PAGASA names were applied to weaker tropical depressions not assigned international names by the JMA.

Impacts and significance

Regional effects and fatalities

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season resulted in at least 614 fatalities across the basin. Super Typhoon Zeb and Typhoon Babs were the primary contributors to this toll, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. These storms triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and storm surges, exacerbating vulnerabilities in affected communities. In , Zeb and Babs caused minimal fatalities, with only 5 deaths reported from Babs in Province due to storm impacts. The storms displaced thousands, with evacuations along the southeastern coast to mitigate risks from rising waters and structural collapses. Rescue operations involved personnel saving lives amid chaotic conditions. The suffered significant human costs, with Babs causing 178 fatalities, including deaths from landslides and drowning in central and northern regions. Zeb contributed 74 more casualties through similar mechanisms. Evacuations reached hundreds of thousands, as authorities relocated residents from low-lying areas prone to flash flooding. Vicki sank a ferry off , killing about 50 people. In , Super Typhoon Zeb resulted in 25 deaths, mainly from landslides and vehicle accidents during intense downpours as the storm crossed the island. In , Tropical Storm Elvis and Faith worsened ongoing floods, contributing to 151 total flood deaths, though not all directly from the storms. Impacts in were relatively minor, with s Rex, Zeb, and Vicki linked to 13-14 fatalities from rough seas, landslides, and localized flooding, prompting limited evacuations in coastal prefectures. Yanni caused 50 deaths in from torrential rains. Overall, the season highlighted the need for enhanced early warning systems and infrastructure resilience in the western Pacific.

Economic losses

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season inflicted substantial economic losses across East and , with damages concentrated in agriculture, housing, and such as ports, roads, and bridges. Total direct losses were approximately $343 million (1998 USD), driven primarily by intense storms impacting densely populated coastal regions. In the , Babs (20W) generated damages of $77.1 million USD, largely from the destruction of over 400,000 homes and widespread crop failures in rice and coconut plantations across and the . suffered heavily, including ports in and provinces, where storm surges and flooding disrupted shipping and local trade. Zeb (18W) added approximately $576 million USD in losses across affected areas, with severe impacts on housing (85,844 structures damaged or destroyed) and agricultural fields in northern , exacerbating vulnerabilities in flood-prone areas. Faith (24W) contributed an additional $13 million USD, affecting ports and irrigation systems in the , leading to long-term disruptions in and rice production. In China, Babs caused $59 million USD in damages in Province, primarily to coastal and fleets. Vietnam experienced notable agricultural setbacks, with Tropical Storm Elvis (23W) resulting in $30 million USD in losses, mainly from inundated fields in central provinces like Binh Dinh and Quang Ngai, where over 10,000 hectares of crops were ruined. Typhoon Faith further compounded this, causing over $20 million USD in damages to paddies and rural infrastructure in Khanh Hoa and Binh Dinh, including breached dikes and damaged irrigation canals that hindered post-season planting. In , Zeb's agricultural toll reached $144 million USD, devastating fruit orchards, fields, and banana plantations across the island, representing about 2% of the annual harvest. South Korea reported $25.9 million USD from Typhoon Yanni (14W), with flooding destroying over 250,000 hectares of farmland, particularly and vegetable crops in the southern regions. Recovery efforts involved government-led assessments and international , with the Philippine authorities allocating funds for rebuilding, including repairs estimated at tens of millions USD through national disaster agencies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched appeals totaling over $10 million USD for the and , focusing on agricultural rehabilitation and housing reconstruction to mitigate long-term economic setbacks. In , estimates supported distribution for field restoration, while Taiwan's Council of Agriculture provided subsidies covering 70% of verified crop losses to farmers' recovery. These measures helped stabilize affected economies, though full restoration of agricultural output took up to two seasons in heavily impacted areas.

Post-season analysis and comparisons

The 1998 Pacific typhoon season stands out as the least active on record since 1990, a distinction it held until surpassed by the even quieter season, with the (JTWC) documenting only 27 tropical depressions—well below the 31-year average of approximately 31—along with 16 named storms and 9 typhoons, including 3 super typhoons. This subdued activity was largely attributed to the strong La Niña conditions that emerged following the intense , which fostered a persistent anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific; this feature suppressed genesis by shifting formation areas northward and westward while inhibiting overall development, resulting in no preseason storms (January–June) and a record-low number of named tropical cyclones during the core season (July–October). In comparison to the preceding 1997 season, which benefited from El Niño influences and generated 31 depressions and 23 named storms, 1998 exhibited markedly reduced activity, with roughly 30% fewer systems overall. The season's intensity profile also diverged, featuring just 3 super typhoons versus 11 in 1997, though it shared similarities with the below-average 2009 season in total named storms (22) and typhoon count (13), both influenced by transitional ENSO phases that limited basin-wide vigor. The rapid succession of super typhoons Todd, Zeb, and Babs in —marking a rare trio of consecutive super-intensifications—posed significant forecasting challenges, particularly their complex tracks influenced by tropical upper-tropospheric troughs, yet no names were retired from the JMA or lists due to the absence of unprecedented catastrophic impacts relative to historical benchmarks. Post-season reviews highlighted difficulties in intensity predictions during the JTWC's relocation from to , prompting enhancements in operational models like the addition of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data integration and refined bias corrections for wind speeds, which improved subsequent track reductions (e.g., 72-hour forecasts dropping from 370 nautical miles in 1998 to under 300 by the early ). Long-term, the 1998 season's dynamics informed refinements in climate models for La Niña years, emphasizing how strong post-El Niño La Niña episodes can anomalously suppress western North Pacific activity through anticyclonic suppression and altered patterns, aiding predictions of interannual variability in future ENSO-decaying periods.

References

  1. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/annual-tropical-cyclone-report-1998
  2. https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/Storm_pages/TCyc98.html
  3. https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/atcr/1998atcr.pdf
  4. https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/climatology.html
  5. https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/jtwc.html
  6. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jmsj/79/1/79_1_173/_article
  7. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199810.html.en
  8. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/year/wnp/1998.html.en
  9. https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/royal-observatory-hong-kong-tropical-cyclones-1998-enzh
  10. https://typhoon2000.ph/season.htm
  11. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199801.html.en
  12. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/international-best-track-archive
  13. http://www.meteorology.org.hk/bulletin/Vol09.1_1999.pdf
  14. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199802.html.en
  15. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jmsj/83/6/83_6_1001/_article/-char/en
  16. https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/publica/tc/files/tc1998.pdf
  17. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199804.html.en
  18. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199806.html.en
  19. https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/wefo/30/3/waf-d-14-00073_1.xml
  20. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199807.html.en
  21. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199808.html.en
  22. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/l/199808.html.en
  23. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/l/199809.html.en
  24. https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/mwre/137/1/2008mwr2516.1.xml
  25. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199811.html.en
  26. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/s/199815.html.en
  27. https://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/summary/wnp/l/199816.html.en
  28. https://typhoon2000.ph/dec98.txt
  29. http://australiasevereweather.com/cyclones/1999/trak9812.htm
  30. https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/jma-eng/jma-center/rsmc-hp-pub-eg/RSMC_HP.htm
  31. https://www.hko.gov.hk/en/education/tropical-cyclone/classification-naming-characteristics/00144-tropical-cyclone-names-in-the-western-north-pacific.html
  32. https://www.typhooncommittee.org/index.php?route=product/category&path=73_87
  33. https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/TCFAQ_B.txt
  34. https://traderiskguaranty.com/trgpeak/apl-china-shipping-loss/
  35. https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/china/final-report-1998-floods-peoples-republic-china
  36. https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-typhoons-floods-appeal-no-3298-28-october-1998
  37. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-nov-27-mn-48287-story.html
  38. https://glidenumber.net/glide/public/search/details.jsp?glide=17938
  39. https://www.facebook.com/100067606266393/posts/typhoon-zeb-1998-killed-approximately-122-people-and-caused-576-million-worth-of/111789356980587/
  40. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Typhoon%2BZeb%2BDamage%2Bto%2BTaiwan%2BAgriculture_Taipei_Taiwan_10-27-1998.pdf
  41. https://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/98/329804f.pdf
  42. https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/clim/30/24/jcli-d-17-0263.1.xml
  43. https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/atcr/1997atcr.pdf
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.