2000 Pacific typhoon season

Season summary

The season began with Typhoon Damrey on May 4, marking the first tropical depression, tropical storm, typhoon, and super typhoon of the season. The storm later dissipated after eight days. Five days later, Tropical Storm Longwang formed, drifting across the Philippines, dissipating after three days. Three tropical depressions formed across the rest of May and the first part of July. Typhoon Kirogi later formed on July 2, affecting eastern Japan, then dissipating after six days. The next day, Typhoon Kai-tak later formed, affecting Taiwan, then dissipating after seven days.

Three tropical depressions, two tropical storms (Tembin, Chanchu), and one severe Tropical Storm (Bolaven) formed on the rest of July, then Typhoon Jelawat formed in August as a strong typhoon. Two tropical depressions formed, then Typhoon Ewiniar formed and dissipated. Three tropical depressions formed, then Typhoon Bilis formed as a super typhoon, then a tropical depression formed. A tropical depression, a tropical storm (Bopha), and a typhoon (Wukong) formed on the first week of September, then on the second week, a tropical depression and a severe tropical storm (Sonamu) formed. Then on the third week Typhoon Shanshan formed, and for the fourth week, two tropical depressions formed.

In October, three tropical depressions formed, then Typhoon Yagi formed. Typhoon Xangsane also formed, then dissipated at the end of October. In November, a severe tropical storm (Bebinca) and a tropical depression formed. In December, Tropical Storm Rumbia formed, then three tropical depressions, then Typhoon Soulik.

Systems

Typhoon Damrey (Asiang)

The first storm of the season started out as a tropical low near Palau on May 3, when the JTWC first gave the system a poor chance of formation. However within the next few hours the low quickly organized, and the next day the JMA recognized the low as a depression. Operationally it wasn't until May 5 that the JTWC issued its first warning for the newly formed depression. Drifting northwest the depression gradually organized into a tropical storm on May 6. It was given the name Asiang on May 6 by PAGASA and Damrey on May 7 by the JMA, respectively. At this time a weakening sub-tropical ridge was moving northward causing Damrey to move in a northeasterly direction. Damrey became a typhoon early on May 8 and soon thereafter satellite images began to show an eye forming at the center. During the next 24 hours Damrey quite steadily intensified, reaching winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) by May 9. The system became very symmetrical and small, allowing the typhoon to reach a peak intensity of 180 mph (290 km/h) and gusts as high as 220 mph late on May 9. The JTWC unofficially estimated a pressure of 878 mbar, which would make it one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever. Due to the compact structure of the typhoon it would only take twenty-four hours of high vertical wind shear, from a nearby high pressure, to reduce Damrey to a tropical storm. The convection continue to decrease around the LLCC and the system picked up in forward momentum under deteriorating environment. By May 12 Damrey became fully extra-tropical and eventually dissipated on May 16.

Damrey was the strongest May typhoon since Phyllis in 1958. Phyllis, however, attained higher sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h). Damrey had no significant effects on land in its life.

Tropical Storm Longwang (Biring)

On May 15, a monsoonal trough associated with a low pressure area formed north west of the Philippines. On May 17 the low pressure area started to drift across the northern Philippines, and rapidly intensified into a tropical storm before quickly dissipating due to vertical wind shear on May 20. The remnants were soon absorbed by a non-tropical low on May 22.

Unnamed tropical depression

A vortex in an active trough over the South China Sea developed into a small tropical depression on June 18, 35 km south-southwest of Hong Kong. It moved northward and made landfall that day, with its very small circulation being well captured by the Observatory's network of automatic weather stations. The depression brought light rain to Hong Kong and strong winds. Although this tropical depression was widely recognised by Asian agencies, there are still disputes on the nature of this system. It had an unusually small size and formed surprisingly close to land.

Typhoon Kirogi (Ditang)

On June 30, an area of disturbed weather was identified roughly 650 km (405 mi) east of the Philippine island of Mindanao. This system gradually organized as it remained stationary, prompting the JTWC to issue a TCFA the following day. The JMA and JTWC began monitoring the disturbance as a tropical depression early on July 2, with the former classifying it as 05W. Several hours later, PAGASA also issued their first advisory on the depression, giving it the local name Ditang. Tracking northward, the system intensified into a tropical storm, at which time it received the name Kirogi, before undergoing rapid intensification late on July 3. Following this phase, the storm attained typhoon intensity and developed a well-defined 59 km (37 mi) wide symmetrical eye. Typhoon Kirogi attained its peak intensity early on July 4 with winds of 155 km/h (100 mph 10-minute sustained) and a barometric pressure of 940 mbar (hPa; 27.76 inHg).

In Japan, hundreds of residents were evacuated as Typhoon Kirogi approached the country. Since the storm weakened considerably from its peak intensity, damage was much less than initially anticipated. In all, damages from the storm amounted to 15 billion yen (2000 value, $140 million USD) and 3 confirmed fatalities.

Typhoon Kai-tak (Edeng)

On July 2, a low pressure area formed north west of the Philippines and became a tropical depression on July 3 and started to drift northward, becoming a storm on the 5th and a typhoon on the 6th. Kai-tak continued northward, hitting Taiwan on the 9th. Kai-tak dissipated on the 11th over the Yellow Sea. It was named after Hong Kong's old international airport, Kai Tak Airport.

The combined effects of Kai-tak and Tropical Depression Gloring led to the collapse of a large garbage pile, devastating a scavenger community with 300 shanty homes near Manila. At least 218 people died in the avalanche – some of whom were decapitated by machinery – and at least 73 others were injured.

Tropical Storm Tembin

On July 13 a cluster of thunderclouds grouped together to form a low pressure area. On July 14 it started to organize and slowly became a tropical depression on July 19, and quickly intensified into a tropical storm. On July 22 convection was displaced to south of the storm's center due to high wind shear, and caused it to dissipate.

Tropical Depression 10W (Huaning)

JTWC treated 10W and 11W as separate depressions, although PAGASA and JMA both considered them the same system. On July 25, 11W became Severe Tropical Storm Bolaven.

Severe Tropical Storm Bolaven (Huaning)

On July 17, a disturbance with a large area of rotation formed south east of the Philippines. On July 24, favorable conditions allow the disturbance to quickly organize so it became a tropical depression the next day.

Damage of the flooding brought by the extratropical remnants of Bolaven in Primorsky Krai exceeded 600 million rubles ($20 million, 2000 USD).

Tropical Storm Chanchu

The remnants of Tropical Storm Upana encountered a favorable environment just west of the dateline, and they formed Tropical Depression 12W. The depression strengthened into Tropical Storm Chanchu. The name Chanchu, submitted by Macau, is a Chinese word for pearl. Chanchu moved north, and had dissipated by July 30.

Meteorologist Gary Padgett suggested that there was good evidence Chanchu was actually a regeneration of Upana. The official policy is that dateline crossers keep their name. However, there was supposedly some doubt at the time, so Chanchu and Upana were officially treated as distinct tropical cyclones. Also, since Upana had dissipated several days earlier, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center had already assigned a new number for the system, Gary Padgett deemed it likely that the Japan Meteorological Agency's decision to rename the cyclone was the best choice. Also, a scatterometer pass near 0500 UTC on July 23 indicated an open wave with no closed circulation, evidence that Upana had fully dissipated before restrengthening.

Typhoon Jelawat

On July 29, a cluster of thunderstorms quickly formed into a low pressure area, which became Tropical Depression 13W on August 1. Favorable conditions allowed the system to rapidly intensify, and it was named Jelawat. On August 2, it reached its peak intensity as a Category 4 typhoon. On August 3, Jelawat weakened into a category 2 typhoon due to unfavorable wind shear. On August 6, Jelawat restrengthened into a category 3 typhoon due to more favorable conditions, and started to develop a large eye which was 60 kilometers across. Weak steering winds soon caused Jelawat to move slowly from August 7 to August 8. On August 7, Jelawat underwent an eyewall replacement cycle for 4 hours, and began to display annular characteristics, with a large, symmetric eye 170 kilometers across surrounded by a thick ring of intense convection. After developing a large, symmetric eye, Jelawat restrengthened from a category 1 typhoon to a category 2 typhoon, but soon weakened back to a category 1 typhoon as it encountered wind shear. It made landfall at southern Shanghai and rapidly weakened.

Typhoon Ewiniar

Typhoon Ewiniar developed on August 9. It strengthened into a typhoon while moving northward. Ewiniar weakened and eventually curved east-northeastward. The typhoon re-intensified, but dissipated on August 18.

Typhoon Bilis (Isang)

On August 14, a low pressure area formed south of the Mariana islands and started to organize. On August 17 the low pressure area became a tropical depression and as it tracked northwestward, becoming a tropical storm on the 18th and a typhoon on the 19th. Favorable conditions allow Bilis continued to intensify to a super typhoon on the 21st, and it struck the southeastern coast of Taiwan as a Category 5 typhoon on the 22nd. It weakened slightly to a 140 miles per hour (230 km/h) typhoon while crossing the country, and hit China on the 23rd. Significant rainfall fell across Taiwan, with up to 949 millimetres (37.4 in) recorded across northeast sections of the mountainous island. Bilis was responsible for 17 deaths and $133.5 million in damage on Taiwan. The flooding was significant and an unknown number of people drowned in the flooding.

Tropical Storm Kaemi

On August 19, a low-pressure area formed west of the Philippines. Favorable conditions allow the low-pressure area to strengthen into a tropical depression on August 20. Kaemi made landfall over Vietnam on August 21, and it was reported that tropical storm Kaemi killed 14 people in Vietnam.

Typhoon Prapiroon (Lusing)

On August 24 a large area of disturbed weather formed south of the Philippine sea. Prapiroon killed 75 people in total and caused $6 billion in damages in Korean peninsula, China and the Philippines.

Tropical Storm Maria

The origins of Maria appeared to originate from the inland remnants of Typhoon Bilis, which was pulled south due to the Fujiwhara effect between Typhoon Prapiroon. The low pressure area entered the South China Sea as it drifted south over Hong Kong on August 27. As it was pulled south to the South China Sea, it quickly strengthened into a tropical storm on August 30. Maria made landfall on September 1 east of Hong Kong.

Typhoon Saomai (Osang)

Typhoon Saomai developed on September 2. It strengthened while heading westward and reached typhoon status. Later in its duration, the typhoon turned northwestward and the PAGASA named it Osang. Eventually, Saomai was classified as a super typhoon, peaking with winds of 175 km/h (110 mph). Thereafter, the typhoon weakened before making landfall in South Korea. It dissipated shortly thereafter.

Tropical Storm Bopha (Ningning)

On September 6, a monsoonal trough quickly spawned an embedded depression that became a tropical storm on September 9. However, due to the Fujiwhara effect, the much stronger system, Typhoon Saomai dragged Bopha approximately 1,550 kilometers south, and weakened Bopha from September 9-11. The remnants of Bopha continued to move eastwards as it became Sonamu, on September 15.

Typhoon Wukong (Maring)

Typhoon Wukong developed in the South China Sea on September 6. It was also named Maring by PAGASA. Wukong strengthened into a typhoon prior to landfall in Hainan and northern Vietnam. The storm dissipated on September 10.

Severe Tropical Storm Sonamu

Severe Tropical Storm Sonamu or Typhoon Sonamu (classified by JTWC) developed on September 15 from the remnants of Bopha. It headed east-northeastward and then north-northeastward, peaking with winds of 100 km/h (65 mph). By September 18, Sonamu dissipated near Hokkaido.

Typhoon Shanshan

On September 14, a low-pressure area formed near the southern Marshall Islands. Favorable conditions allowed the low to strengthen into a tropical depression on September 17, and to intensify into a typhoon early on September 20. Shanshan reached peak intensity on September 21 as a Category 4 super typhoon. Due to the Fujiwhara effect, Shanshan was weakened by an extratropical cyclone located south of Kamchatka Krai, and Shanshan merged with it and collapsed into a single extratropical cyclone.

Typhoon Yagi (Paring)

Typhoon Yagi developed on October 22. It was also named Paring by PAGASA. Peaking as a typhoon with winds of 130 km/h (80 mph), Yagi executed a cyclonic loop near the Ryukyu Islands. It then began weakening and dissipated near Taiwan on October 26.

Typhoon Xangsane (Reming)

On October 27, Typhoon Xangsane hit southern Luzon of the Philippines. It turned to the north over the South China Sea, and after strengthening to a 100 mph typhoon it hit Taiwan. Xangsane dissipated on Nov. 1st, after causing 181 casualties, 83 of which were from the crash of Singapore Airlines Flight 006 the previous day on October 31, 2000.

Severe Tropical Storm Bebinca (Seniang)

On November 2, Tropical Storm Bebinca hit the central Philippines. It strengthened to a severe tropical storm and reached a peak of 60 knot winds while crossing the archipelago, due to the contraction of the wind field. Bebinca continued northwestward, eventually dissipating over the South China Sea on the 8th after killing 26 people. Severe Tropical Storm Bebinca made a direct hit over the capital city of Manila, with the center of the storm passing directly over it. Although other such storms, such as Typhoon Vera in 1983 and Typhoon Angela in 1995, crossed Metro Manila and brought typhoon-force winds to the city of Manila itself, Bebinca was the first storm to have made a direct hit in the city since Severe Tropical Storm Colleen in 1992 which passed over the city at tropical storm level, and the strongest to pass directly over Manila since Typhoon Patsy in 1970.

Tropical Storm Rumbia (Toyang)

On November 23, 2000 a low pressure area together with inter-tropical convergence zone developed into a tropical depression. Later that day, JTWC announced that it became a tropical storm. It had maximum of winds of 75 km/h near the center, and a pressure of 990 mbar. It then killed 48 people from the heavy rains which caused widespread flooding. The storm dissipated on December 7.

Tropical Depression Ulpiang

Tropical Depression Ulpiang flooded many regions in Visayas, causing landslides that killed 3 people.

Typhoon Soulik (Welpring)

Typhoon Soulik formed to the east of the Philippines on December 28, 2000. It strengthened into a category 3 typhoon with a central pressure of 955 mbar on January 2. It finally dissipated on January 4, 2001.

Other systems

On May 20, Tropical Depression 03W formed southeast of Hong Kong and drifted east towards the Philippines. PAGASA named the depression Konsing. The depression dissipated on May 22 to the south of Taiwan. Tropical Depression 04W formed on early May 30 off the east coast of Vietnam. It paralleled the coast offshore, dissipating on June 1 in the Gulf of Tonkin.

A tropical depression formed on July 12 to the east of the Philippines, designated Gloring by PAGASA and 07W by the JTWC. The depression moved to the west-northwest, hitting Luzon on July 14, and dissipating in the South China Sea a day later. While the depression was crossing Luzon, another area of thunderstorms formed in the South China Sea, which developed into Tropical Depression 08W on July 16. On the next day, the depression moved inland over China to the west of Hong Kong. It soon dissipated over land.

A circulation formed on August 6 between typhoons Jelawat and Ewiniar. It moved to the northwest, and was classified Tropical Depression 14W by the JTWC on August 8. Moving ahead of an approaching cold front, the depression turned to the north and northeast, and it became extratropical on August 10. On August 15, Tropical Depression 16W developed within the monsoon trough, just west of the International date line. Moving to the northeast, the depression intensified and soon crossed into the central Pacific late on August 15. On August 16, the CPHC designated it as Tropical Storm Wene, which persisted another day. A few days after Wene, another disturbance formed in the same region, which developed into Tropical Depression 17W on August 17. It moved to the northeast, dissipating two days later.

On September 27, an area of convection formed northeast of Wake Island. A day later, it developed into a tropical depression, classified 27W by the JTWC. It moved to the northeast and merged with an approaching trough on September 30.

An area of thunderstorms formed in the Sulu Sea on October 4. It developed into a tropical depression on October 6 off the southeast Vietnam coast, classified 28W by the JTWC. The depression moved to the east, and the JTWC estimated that it intensified into a tropical storm. However, the JMA maintained it as a depression. The cyclone turned to the northwest, then back to the northeast, with much of its thunderstorms moving over Vietnam. It turned back to the west and dissipated south of Hainan on October 14.

On November 8, Tropical Depression 32W formed to the northeast of Luzon. Strong wind shear prevented any strengthening. The depression moved to the northeast, passing just north of Okinawa before becoming extratropical on November 9.

Storm names

Within the North-western Pacific Ocean, both the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration assign names to tropical cyclones that develop in the Western Pacific, which can result in a tropical cyclone having two names. The Japan Meteorological Agency's RSMC Tokyo — Typhoon Center assigns international names to tropical cyclones on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee, should they be judged to have 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 65 km/h, (40 mph). While the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration assigns names to tropical cyclones which move into or form as a tropical depression in their area of responsibility located between 135°E and 115°E and between 5°N-25°N even if the cyclone has had an international name assigned to it. The names of significant tropical cyclones are retired, by both PAGASA and the Typhoon Committee. Should the list of names for the Philippine region be exhausted then names will be taken from an auxiliary list of which the first ten are published each season. Unused names are marked in gray.

International names

During the season 23 named tropical cyclones developed in the Western Pacific and were named by the Japan Meteorological Agency, when it was determined that they had become tropical storms. These names were contributed to a list of a 140 names submitted by the fourteen members nations and territories of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. All of these names were used for the first time this year.

Philippines

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 1996 season. This is the last season that the PAGASA uses its own naming scheme that starts in Filipino alphabet, with names of Filipino female names ending with "ng" (A, B, K, D, etc.). The 2001 season is the official start of their new naming scheme that starts with the English Alphabet. Names that were not assigned are marked in gray.

Season effects

This table will list all the storms that developed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean west of the International Date Line and north of the equator during 2000. It will include their intensity, duration, name, areas affected, deaths, and damage totals. Classification and intensity values will be based on estimations conducted by the JMA. All damage figures will be in 2000 USD. Damages and deaths from a storm will include when the storm was a precursor wave or an extratropical cyclone.