Tropical Cyclones in 2019 > Review of tropical cyclones in 2019

2.1 Review of tropical cyclones in 2019

2.1.1 Tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific (including the South China Sea)

In 2019, a total of 28 tropical cyclones occurred over the western North Pacific (WNP) and the South China Sea (SCS) bounded by the Equator, 45°N, 100°E and 180°, less than the long-term (1961 - 2010) average figure of around 30. During the year, 16 of the tropical cyclones attained typhoon intensity or above, slightly more than the long-term average (1961 - 2010) of about 15, with seven of them reaching super typhoon intensity (maximum 10-minute wind speed of 185 km/h or above near the centre).

Figure 2.1 shows the monthly frequencies of the occurrence of tropical cyclones in WNP and SCS in 2019.

During the year, six tropical cyclones made landfall over China, with one of them crossing the south China coast within 300 km of Hong Kong and one crossing Taiwan. Four tropical cyclones made landfall over the Korean Peninsula, five made landfall over Japan, four traversed the Philippines and six made landfall over Vietnam. With an estimated maximum sustained wind speed of 250 km/h and a minimum sea-level pressure of 905 hPa near the centre (Table 4.1), Super Typhoon Halong (1923) in November (Figure 2.3) was the most intense tropical cyclone over the WNP and the SCS in 2019.

2.1.2 Tropical cyclones in Hong Kong's area of responsibility

Amongst the 28 tropical cyclones in 2019, 15 of them occurred inside Hong Kong’s area of responsibility (i.e. the area bounded by 10°N, 30°N, 105°E and 125°E), slightly less than the long-term annual average figure of around 16 (Table 2.1). Five of them developed within Hong Kong’s area of responsibility. Altogether, 349 tropical cyclone warnings to ships and vessels were issued by the Hong Kong Observatory in 2019 (Table 4.2).

2.1.3 Tropical cyclones over the South China Sea

Nine tropical cyclones affected SCS bounded by 10°N, 25°N, 105°E and 120°E in 2019, less than the long-term annual average of around 12. Five of them formed within SCS.

2.1.4 Tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong

In 2019, the typhoon season in Hong Kong started on 2 July when Tropical Depression Mun (1904) formed in the northern part of the South China Sea, necessitating the issuance of the Standby Signal No. 1. The typhoon season ended with the cancellation of all tropical cyclone warning signals on 3 September when Tropical Depression Kajiki (1914) moved away from Hong Kong and local winds were weakened that day. Five tropical cyclones affected Hong Kong during 2019 (Figure 2.2), slightly less than the long-term (1961-2010) average of about six in a year (Table 2.2). They were Tropical Depression Mun (1904) in July, Tropical Storm Wipha (1907) in July to August, Severe Tropical Storm Bailu (1911) and Tropical Storm Podul (1912) in August, and Tropical Depression Kajiki (1914) in September. Wipha necessitated the issuance of the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal on 31 July which was the highest tropical cyclone warning signal issued in 2019. Wipha is also the farthest tropical storm necessitating the issuance of the No.8 Gale or Storm Signal in Hong Kong since 1961. Tropical Depression Kajiki necessitated the issuance of the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 in Hong Kong.

2.1.5 Tropical cyclone rainfall

Tropical cyclone rainfall (total rainfall recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters from the time when a tropical cyclone comes within 600 km of Hong Kong to 72 hours after it has dissipated or moved more than 600 km away from Hong Kong) in 2019 was 856.9 mm (Table 4.8.1). This accounted for approximately 35.8 % of the year’s total rainfall of 2396.2 mm and was about 18 % above the 1961-2010 long-term average of 728.8 mm.

Severe Tropical Storm Bailu (1911) brought 269.6 mm of rainfall to the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters (Table 4.8.1) and was the wettest tropical cyclone in 2019.

2.2 Monthly overview

A monthly overview of tropical cyclones in 2019 is given in this section. Detailed reports on tropical cyclones affecting Hong Kong, including reports of damage, are presented in Section 3.

No tropical cyclone formed over the western North Pacific and the South China Sea in January 2019. For the overview of tropical cyclone Pabuk (1901), please refer to the tropical cyclone annual report 2018.

Wutip (1902) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 810 km east-southeast of Guam on 19 February. It intensified rapidly when drifting westwards. Wutip turned to move northwestwards on 21 February and developed into a super typhoon two days later. Wutip reached its peak intensity on 25 February with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 210 km/h near its centre, which is the most intense tropical cyclone over the western North Pacific in February since 1961. Wutip then turned to track northwards slowly and started to weaken, before finally degenerating into an area of low pressure over the western North Pacific on 28 February.

No tropical cyclone formed over the western North Pacific and the South China Sea from March to May 2019.

Sepat (1903) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 400 km south-southwest of Osaka on 27 June. It moved east-northeastwards with an estimated sustained wind of 55 km/h near its centre. Sepat evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the seas east of Japan on 28 June.

According to press reports, the territorial rain associated with Sepat severely affected the land and air traffic of Kyushu in Japan.

Mun (1904) formed as a tropical depression over the northern part of the South China Sea about 240 km southeast of Haikou on the afternoon of 2 July and moved generally westwards. After moving across Hainan Island on the morning of 3 July, Mun entered Beibu Wan and intensified slightly, reaching its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 55 km/h near its centre. Moving northwestwards across Beibu Wan, Mun weakened into an area of low pressure over the northern part of Vietnam on the morning of 4 July.

According to press reports, Mun disrupted sea, land, air transportation in Hainan Island.

Danas (1905) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 120 km east-northeast of Manila and moved westwards at first. It turned to move north-northeastwards on 17 July. Danas intensified into a tropical storm on the morning of 18 July, reaching its peak intensity next day with an estimated sustained wind of 85 km/h near its centre. It continued to track north-northeastwards across the Korean Peninsula on 20 July and weakened gradually. Danas finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the sea areas east of the Korean Peninsula on 21 July.

According to press reports, the torrential rain associated with Danas caused at least four deaths in the Philippines.

Nari (1906) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 430 km west-southwest of Iwo Jima on the morning of 24 July and moved generally northwards. It intensified into a tropical storm on the morning of 26 July, reaching its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre. Nari then weakened gradually and degenerated into an area of low pressure over Honshu of Japan on the afternoon of 27 July.

Wipha (1907) formed as a tropical depression over the northern part of the South China Sea about 510 km south of Hong Kong on the afternoon of 30 July. It drifted northwards slowly during that night and next morning. Wipha intensified into a tropical storm on the morning of 31 July, later reaching its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 85 km/h near its centre. It started to pick up speed to move west-northwest towards Hainan Island in the afternoon. Wipha slowed down on the early morning of 1 August, making an anti-clockwise loop around the northeastern coast of Hainan Island. It picked up its speed to move northward again in the morning and then moved westward across the Leizhou Peninsula that night. Wipha moved across the coast of Guangxi and the vicinity of Beibu Wan on 2 August and weakened gradually. It degenerated into an area of low pressure over the northern part of Vietnam the next night.

According to press reports, at least six people were injured in Macao during the passage of Wipha. Wipha also brought torrential rain to the northern part of Vietnam, which triggered extensive flooding. At least 10 people were killed and 11 were reported missing.

Francisco (1908) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 370 km east-southeast of Iwo Jima on the small hours of 2 August. It took on a northwest course towards the vicinity of Kyushu of Japan and intensified gradually. Francisco intensified into a typhoon on the night of 5 August, reaching its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 130 km/h near its centre. It swept across Kyushu of Japan the next day and weakened gradually. Francisco then moved northward across the Korean Peninsula and finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the sea areas east of the Korean Peninsula on the night of 7 August.

According to press reports, Francisco brought torrential rain and squalls to Kyushu of Japan during its passage, leading to at least one dead and three injuries. There were more than 17 000 households without electricity supply.

Lekima (1909) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1180 km east of Manila on the small hours of 4 August. It tracked generally northwest towards the sea areas east of Taiwan and intensified gradually. Lekima intensified into a typhoon on 7 August and further developed into a super typhoon the next day, reaching its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 205 km/h near its centre. Lekima moved across the East China Sea and weakened gradually in the following two days. Lekima made landfall over the coast of Zhejiang on the small hours of 10 August. It then turned northwards across the coastal region of eastern China and weakened into a tropical storm. Lekima moved slowly over the Bohai Sea on 12 August and evolved into an extratropical cyclone the next afternoon.

According to press reports, Lekima wreaked havoc with torrential rain in nine provinces and cities including Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Shandong, Anhui, Fujian, Hebei, Liaoning and Jilin. There were at least 56 deaths and 14 missing. Over 14 million people were affected with direct economic loss exceeding 51.5 billion RMB. Under the influence of torrential rain brought by Lekima, there were at least two deaths and 11 injuries in Taiwan. At least four people were also injured in Ryukyu Islands during the passage of Lekima. Electricity supply to over 15 000 households was affected.

Krosa (1910) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 800 km south-southeast of Iwo Jima on the morning of 6 August. While moving slowly, it intensified rapidly and developed into a severe typhoon on 9 August, reaching its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 155 km/h near its centre. Krosa then started to weaken and picked up its speed to move northwards towards the vicinity of Kyushu and Shikoku of Japan on 14 August. After moving across Shikoku and the western part of Honshu of Japan on 15 August, Krosa finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the sea areas north of Honshu the next day.

According to press reports, Krosa brought torrential rain and squalls during its passage to Japan, leading to at least three deaths and 55 injuries. Over 800 flights were cancelled.

Bailu (1911) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 460 km east-southeast of Gaoxiong on the afternoon of 21 August and drifted westwards at first. Bailu intensified into a tropical storm on 22 August and started to take on a northwesterly course towards the southern part of Taiwan in the afternoon. Bailu further intensified into a severe tropical storm that night. It reached its peak intensity on the night of 23 August with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 105 km/h near its centre. After sweeping across the southern part of Taiwan on 24 August, Bailu moved across the Taiwan Strait. It made landfall over Fujian the next morning and weakened into a tropical storm. Bailu moved further inland during the day and weakened into an area of low pressure over inland Guangdong on the small hours of 26 August.

According to press reports, Bailu brought at least one death and nine injuries to Taiwan during its passage. Over 100 000 households were without electricity supply. In Fujian, electricity supply to over 440 000 households was also interrupted. Air and land transportations were affected.

Podul (1912) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 590 km east of Manila on the morning of 27 August. Drifting west-northwestwards quickly, it moved across Luzon that night. Podul continued to move westwards quickly across the central part of the South China Sea and intensified into a tropical storm on 28 August. Podul reached its peak intensity on the small hours of 29 August with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 85 km/h near its centre. Podul made landfall over the northern part of Vietnam on the small hours of 30 August and finally weakened into an area of low pressure over the Indo-China during the day.

According to press report, one person was killed by strong waves during the passage of Podul in the Philippines. Podul also triggered a tornado in Hainan Island, killing at least eight people and leaving two others injured. Podul also left at least six deaths and two missing in Vietnam.

Kajiki (1914) formed as a tropical depression over the northern part of the South China Sea at about 480 km southeast of Hong Kong on the morning of 1 September and moved westwards across the northern part of the South China Sea. Kajiki intensified slightly during the day with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 55 km/h near its centre. It turned to track southwestwards after moving across the southeastern part of Hainan Island on the morning of 2 September. Kajiki lingered over the vicinity of the coast of central Vietnam on 3 September and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the coastal waters of central Vietnam the next day.

According to press reports, Kajiki left at least six deaths and ten missing in Vietnam during its passage.

Lingling (1913) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 000 km southeast of Gaoxiong on the morning of 2 September. It tracked generally northwards towards the sea areas east of Taiwan and intensified rapidly. It developed into a super typhoon near Miyakojima of Japan on 5 September and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 205 km/h near its centre. Lingling moved across the East China Sea and then the Yellow Sea afterwards. It made landfall over the northern part of the Korean Peninsula on 7 September. Lingling finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the northeastern part of China on 8 September.

According to press reports, Lingling brought torrential rain and squalls to Miyakojima of Japan during its passage, leading to at least five injuries. In the Republic of Korea, Lingling caused at least three deaths and 24 injuries, and more than 160 000 households without electricity supply. Lingling also left at least five people dead and three others injured in DPR Korea.

Faxai (1915) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 2 120 km east-southeast of Iwo Jima on the small hours of 4 September. It tracked northwestwards towards the sea areas south of Japan and intensified gradually. Faxai intensified into a severe typhoon on 8 September and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 175 km/h near its centre. It then turned to move northeastwards gradually. Faxai skirted past near Tokyo on the small hours of 9 September and weakened. It evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the sea areas east of Japan on 10 September.

Facing the direct hit of Faxai, record-breaking wind speeds were registered in many places of Kanto of Honshu. According to press reports, Faxai brought torrential rain and squalls to Japan during its passage, leaving at least four deaths and 150 injuries. There were over 930 000 households without electricity supply in Kanto of Honshu and at least 350 flooding reports in Tokyo. Transportation services in Kanto of Honshu were paralyzed with at least 283 flights cancelled. The traffic to Narita International Airport was also suspended, forcing over 17 000 passengers to stay at the airport.

Peipah (1916) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 350 km southeast of Iwo Jima on the morning of 15 September. It moved northwestwards and intensified gradually. Peipah developed into a tropical storm on the night of 15 September and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 65 km/h near its centre. Peipah weakened rapidly the next day and degenerated into an area of low pressure over sea on the afternoon.

Tapah (1917) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 840 km east-southeast of Taibei on the morning of 18 September and drifted slowly at first. Tapah intensified into a typhoon on the morning of 21 September and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 120 km/h near its centre. Tapah picked up speed to move north across the East China Sea that day. It turned to move northeastwards on 22 September and evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the sea areas north of Honshu, Japan the next morning.

According to press reports, Tapah caused at least two deaths and 56 injuries in Japan during its passage. Tapah also left at least one death and 26 injuries in the Republic of Korea.

Mitag (1918) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 750 km east of Manila on the afternoon of 27 September and moved towards northwest to west-northwest and intensified gradually. Mitag developed into a typhoon on 29 September. It turned to move northwards across the sea areas east of Taiwan the next day and attended its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 145 km/h near its centre. Mitag then moved towards the east China coast and weakened gradually. It moved across the east China coastal waters on the night of 1 October and weakened into a severe tropical storm. Mitag turned to move northeast across the southern part of the Korean Peninsula the next day. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the seas east of the Korean Peninsula on 3 October.

According to press reports, Mitag brought at least 12 injuries and over 60 000 households without electricity supply in Taiwan during its passage. Under the influence of Mitag, there were at least three deaths and one missing in Zhanjiang, with direct economic loss of around 1.8 billion RMB. Mitag also caused at least 12 deaths, 11 injuries and two missing in the Republic of Korea.

Hagibis (1919) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 930 km east of Guam on 5 October. It move westwards and intensified rapidly. Hagibis developed into a super typhoon on 7 October and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 230 km/h near its centre. Hagibis then turned to move north to north-northwest gradually towards the sea areas south of Japan in the following four days. It swept across Tokyo and Kanto region on 12 October and weakened into a typhoon that night. Hagibis finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the sea areas east of Hokkaido, Japan on 13 October.

Facing the direct hit of Hagibis, record-breaking rainfall were registered in many places of Kanto region of Japan. The daily rainfall of 922.5 mm recorded in Hakone of Kanagawa on 12 October is the highest record in Japan. According to press reports, Hagibis brought torrential rain and squalls to Japan which triggered extensive flooding and power outage, leaving at least 98 deaths, 468 injuries and seven others missing. There were over 400 000 households without electricity supply. Transportation services in Kanto region were paralyzed.

Neoguri (1920) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 100 km east-northeast of Manila on the small hours of 18 October. It moved slowly at first and intensified rapidly. Neoguri turned to move north-northeast towards the vicinity of the Ryukyu Islands the next night. It intensified into a severe typhoon on 20 October and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 165 km/h near its centre. Neoguri then weakened gradually and evolved into an extratropical cyclone over sea areas south of Honshu, Japan the next evening.

Bualoi (1921) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 350 km east-southeast of Guam on the morning of 19 October. It tracked generally northwestwards and intensified rapidly. Bualoi intensified into a super typhoon on the afternoon of 22 October and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 205 km/h near its centre. It turned to track northeast and weakened gradually in the following two days. Bualoi finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over sea areas east of Japan on the afternoon of 25 October.

Matmo (1922) formed as a tropical depression over the southern part of the South China Sea about 210 km east-northeast of Nansha on the morning of 29 October. It moved generally westward towards the southern part of Vietnam and intensified gradually. Matmo intensified into a severe tropical storm the next night and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 90 km/h near its centre. Matmo moved across the southern part of Vietnam on 31 October and then degenerated into an area of low pressure over Indo-China in the evening.

Halong (1923) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 1 390 km east of Guam on the night of 2 November. It tracked northwestwards and intensified gradually. Halong developed into a super typhoon on 5 November and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 250 km/h near its centre. Halong then turned to move north to northeastwards gradually and weakened in the following three days. It finally evolved into an extratropical cyclone over the seas on 9 November.

Nakri (1924) formed as a tropical depression over the southern part of the South China Sea about 380 km north of Nansha on the morning of 5 November. It moved slowly at first and lingered over the southern part of the South China Sea. Nakri developed into a severe tropical storm on the morning of 7 November and reached its peak intensity on the afternoon of 8 November with an estimated sustained wind of 110 km/h near its centre. Nakri turned to move west towards the central part of Vietnam and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the central part of Vietnam on 11 November.

According to press reports, Nakri brought at least two deaths during its passage to Vietnam.

Fengshen (1925) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 2 220 km east of Guam on the night of 11 November. It generally moved west to west-northwest and intensified gradually. Fengshen intensified into a typhoon on the morning of 15 November and started to turn northeastwards. It further intensified into a severe typhoon that night and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 165 km/h near its centre. Fengshen turned to move southeast on 17 November and weakened rapidly. It degenerated into an area of low pressure over sea areas that night.

Kalmaegi (1926) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 890 km east-southeast of Manila on the morning of 13 November. It generally move northwest to north-northwest towards the seas east of Luzon at first. Kalmaegi slowed down on 15 and 16 November, and lingered over the seas east of Luzon. It intensified into a tropical storm on the small hours of 17 November and tracked generally northwest towards the vicinity of Luzon Strait. Kalmaegi further intensified into a typhoon on the morning of 19 November and reached its peak intensity with an estimated sustained wind of 120 km/h near its centre. Kalmaegi turned to move south-southwest and made landfall over the northern part of Luzon the next day. Kalmaegi weakened rapidly after landfall and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over Luzon on the afternoon of 20 November.

Fung-wong (1927) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 800 km east of Manila on small hours of 20 November. It moved towards the seas east of Taiwan and intensified gradually. Fung-wong developed into a severe tropical storm on 21 November and reached its peak intensity with an estimated maximum sustained wind of 110 km/h near its centre. Fung-wong weakened rapidly afterwards and finally degenerated into an area of low pressure over the sea areas east of Taiwan on the small hours of 23 November.

Kammuri (1928) formed as a tropical depression over the western North Pacific about 830 km east-southeast of Guam on the small hours 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 (1929) 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.

Note: Casualties and damage figures were compiled from press reports.