Overview of Tropical Cyclones in December 2019

Two tropical cyclones occurred over the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in December 2019.

Kammuri formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 830 km east-southeast of Guam on the early morning of 26 November. It moved west-northwest and intensified gradually. Kammuri developed into a typhoon on 29 November and moved west towards the sea areas east of the Philippines. Kammuri further developed into a super typhoon on the night of 2 December and reached its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 185 km/h near its centre. It moved across the central part of the Philippines and entered the South China Sea on 3 December, and then weakened rapidly. Kammuri turned to move southwestwards on 5 December and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the southern part of the South China Sea that night.

According to press reports, Kammuri brought torrential rain and squalls to the Philippines, leading to at least 17 deaths, two missing and 322 injuries. Under the influence of Kammuri, there was widespread power outage across the southeastern part of Luzon. Manila Airport was also closed with over 500 flights cancelled.

Phanfone formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 410 km southeast of Yap on the early morning of 22 December. It moved west-northwest and intensified gradually. Phanfone intensified into a typhoon on the afternoon of 24 December and crossed the central part of the Philippines. It reached its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 145 km/h near its centre in the next afternoon. After entering the South China Sea, Phanfone slowed down on 27 December and weakened rapidly over the central part of the South China Sea under the influence of the dry northeast monsoon. Phanfone finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the central part of the South China Sea on the afternoon of 28 December.

According to press reports, Phanfone brought torrential rain and squalls to the Philippines during its passage, leading to at least 57 deaths, six missing and 369 injuries, with more than 3.2 million people affected and over 530 000 houses damaged.