1990 Pacific typhoon season
1990 Pacific Typhoon Season: An Overview
The 1990 Pacific typhoon season was marked by significant activity, recording a total of 31 named storms within the year. The season was notable for the formation of tropical cyclones primarily in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with most activity occurring between May and November. While officially there were no set bounds for this season, these months traditionally represent the peak period for such storms in this region. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) was responsible for naming tropical storms that formed in the west Pacific basin, while the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also assigned names to storms forming within its area of responsibility. This dual naming system often resulted in the same storm being known by different names depending on its location and jurisdiction.
Season Summary
Throughout 1990, a total of 41 tropical cyclones were reported to have formed in the Western Pacific, with 31 of these intensifying into tropical storms. Out of these storms, 19 reached typhoon strength, with four of them classified as super typhoons. This level of activity made 1990 one of the more active seasons in recent history.
Severe Tropical Storm Koryn
The season commenced with Severe Tropical Storm Koryn, which originated from a tropical depression identified on January 12. By January 13, Koryn had intensified into a tropical storm. The JTWC reported that Koryn achieved typhoon strength on January 15 before it began a rapid decline in intensity, ultimately transitioning to an extratropical system by January 17.
Tropical Storm Lewis
Following Koryn was Tropical Storm Lewis, which formed on April 26 near Chuuk. This storm struggled to maintain its strength due to unfavorable wind shear and dissipated by May 3 without causing significant impacts.
Typhoon Marian
Typhoon Marian developed on May 15 and made landfall in Taiwan on May 19 as a tropical storm. Despite its relatively weak status at landfall, Marian inflicted substantial agricultural damage in Taiwan, amounting to approximately NT$270 million (US$10 million). The storm’s remnants led to various impacts across southeastern China.
Significant Storms of the Season
Tropical Storm Nathan (Akang)
A significant weather event occurred with Severe Tropical Storm Nathan, which formed on June 14 and created widespread flooding throughout the Philippines. This resulted in substantial damages estimated at ₱200 million (US$8.4 million) and loss of life with approximately 64 fatalities reported.
Typhoon Ofelia (Bising)
Typhoon Ofelia formed shortly thereafter and impacted Taiwan directly on June 23. The storm caused severe agricultural damage estimated at NT$2.55 billion (US$93 million) and resulted in multiple fatalities as it moved through the region before merging with a frontal system near Korea.
Typhoon Percy (Klaring)
Another notable system was Typhoon Percy, which reached peak intensity of 130 mph before striking northern Luzon on July 27. Despite its strength, Percy caused relatively minor damage compared to other typhoons that season but still accounted for several fatalities and significant rainfall leading to localized flooding.
Late Season Activity
Typhoon Mike (Ruping)
The deadliest storm of the season was Super Typhoon Mike, which struck the central Philippines in mid-November. It caused catastrophic damage estimated at over $1.94 billion USD and resulted in more than 748 fatalities due to landslides and extensive flooding. The devastation from Mike prompted the retirement of its name due to the severity of its impact.
Typhoon Page (Tering)
Super Typhoon Page formed later in November and initially tracked westward before looping back towards Japan as a Category 5 typhoon. It made landfall in Japan as a weaker storm but still contributed to flooding issues across several regions.
Naming Conventions and Conclusion
The naming convention for tropical cyclones during this season involved contributions from both JTWC and PAGASA, highlighting differences in regional practices for naming storms. For instance, while JTWC utilized a specific list for names based on international guidelines, PAGASA followed a distinct naming scheme that reflected local culture and language.
The 1990 Pacific typhoon season exemplified the power and unpredictability of tropical systems, showcasing both the destructive capabilities of strong typhoons like Mike and the widespread impact that even weaker storms can generate through heavy rainfall and localized flooding. As such events underscore the importance of preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable areas throughout the Pacific region.
This season serves as a reminder of nature’s potential for destruction while also highlighting advancements in forecasting and tracking systems that aim to mitigate impacts from future storms.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).