Tropical cyclones in 1998

During 1998, tropical cyclones formed within seven different tropical cyclone basins, located within various parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. A total of 125 tropical cyclones formed, with 72 of them being named by various weather agencies when they attained maximum sustained winds of 35 knots (65 km/h, 40 mph). The strongest tropical cyclones were Zeb, Ron and Susan which peaked with a pressure of 900 hPa (26.58 inHg). Hurricane Mitch of late October was the deadliest tropical cyclone, killing 11,000 people as it catastrophically affected Central America, and Mexico as a Category 5 major hurricane. Meanwhile, Georges became the costliest, with the damages amounting to $9.37 billion, which also became the costliest in the history of the Dominican Republic and the country of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Throughout the year, Category 5 tropical cyclones formed.

Tropical cyclones in 1998
Year boundaries
First systemRon and Katrina
FormedJanuary 1, 1998
Last systemTL
DissipatedJanuary 2, 1999
Strongest system
NameZeb, Ron and Susan
Lowest pressure900 mbar (hPa); 26.58 inHg
Longest lasting system
NameKatrina
(Fourth longest-lasting tropical system on record)
Duration24 days
Year statistics
Total systems125
Named systems73
Total fatalities> 23,365
Total damage$29.802 billion (1998 USD)
Related articles
Katrina in the Australian basin, and cyclones Ron and Susan in the South Pacific basin are simultaneously active on January 5. Meanwhile on the North Atlantic basin, 4 hurricanes; Georges (west), Karl (west-northwest of Ivan), Jeanne (south of Karl), and Ivan (far right) were active on September 26.

Global atmospheric and hydrological conditions

A strong La Niña started in 1998 and persisted until early 2001.[1]

Summary
Typhoon FaithCyclone ThelmaHurricane Madeline (1998)Hurricane Lester (1998)Typhoon Babs (1998)Typhoon ZebTyphoon Vicki (1998)Tropical Storm Hermine (1998)Hurricane GeorgesTropical Storm Frances (1998)Hurricane Isis (1998)Hurricane Danielle (1998)Tropical Storm Charley (1998)Hurricane Bonnie (1998)1998 Gujarat cycloneCyclone AlanCyclone YaliCyclone Les (1998)Cyclone RonCyclone KatrinaCyclone Susan

North Atlantic Ocean
Main article: 1998 Atlantic hurricane season
1998 Atlantic hurricane season summary map

An average Atlantic hurricane season features 12 tropical storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes, and features an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) count of 106. In 2020 in the North Atlantic basin, all of the statistics fell well above listed, featuring a record-breaking 30 tropical storms, 13 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes, with an ACE total of 178.

The 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most disastrous Atlantic hurricane seasons on record, featuring the highest number of storm-related fatalities in over 218 years and one of the costliest ever at the time.[2] The season had above average activity, due to the dissipation of the El Niño event and transition to La Niña conditions.

The most notable storms were Hurricane Georges and Hurricane Mitch. Georges devastated Saint Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as a major Category 3 storm but peaked as a high-end Category 4 hurricane just before moving through many of the Caribbean Islands before affecting the southern US mainland, making its landfall near Biloxi, Mississippi, causing significant damage and at least 600 confirmed deaths while Mitch, the strongest storm of the season, was a very powerful and destructive late-season Category 5 hurricane that affected much of Central America before making landfall in Florida as a tropical storm. The significant amount of rainfall that Mitch produced across Central America caused significant damage and killed at least 11,000 people, making the system the second deadliest Atlantic hurricane in recorded history, behind only the Great Hurricane of 1780. Mitch, was later tied with 2007's Hurricane Dean for the eighth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded.

Hurricanes Georges and Mitch caused $9.37 billion in damage and $6.08 billion (1998 USD)[nb 1] in damage, respectively and the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season was at the time, the second-costliest season ever, after the 1992 season. However, it is now the eleventh costliest season as it was surpassed by the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season.

Eastern and central Pacific Ocean
Main article: 1998 Pacific hurricane season
1998 Pacific hurricane season summary map

An average Pacific hurricane season features 15 tropical storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes, and features an Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) count of 132.

The season produced 13 named storms, slightly below the average of 15 named storms per season. However, the season total of nine hurricanes was one above the average, and the total of six major hurricanes surpassed the average of three.[3] Activity during the season was hindered by the northward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The ITCZ, which is normally situated south of the Gulf of Tehuantepec, shifted northward into Central and Southern Mexico, making the cyclone closer to cooler sea surface temperatures, hence limiting the number of storms that formed during the season. Although a semi-permanent anticyclone persisted through the summer of 1998, causing most of the storms to remain at sea, some storm did threaten the Baja California Peninsula due to a weakness in the anticyclone. Except for Hurricane Kay, all of the storms of the season originated from tropical waves.[4]

Western Pacific Ocean
Main article: 1998 Pacific typhoon season
1998 Pacific typhoon season summary map

The average typhoon season lasts year-round, with the majority of the storms forming between May and October. An average Pacific typhoon season features 26 tropical storms, 16 typhoons, and 9 super typhoons (unofficial category). It also features an average Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) count of approximately 294; the basin is typically the most active basin for tropical cyclone formation.

During the 1998 Pacific typhoon 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 fourth 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 as of 2006.[5] Overall inactivity was caused by an unusually strong La Niña, which also fueled a hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season that year.

North Indian Ocean
Main article: 1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map

With eleven depressions and eight tropical cyclones, this was one of the most active seasons in the ocean along with 1987, 1996, and 2005.[6] The season caused a large loss of life, most of which was from one storm. Over 10,000 people were killed in India when Tropical Cyclone 03A brought a 4.9-metre (16 ft) storm surge to the Kathiawar Peninsula, inundating numerous salt mines. Total damages from the storm amounted to Rs. 120 billion (US$3 billion). Tropical Cyclone 01B killed at least 26 people and left at least 4,000 fishermen missing in eastern Bangladesh on May 20. A short lived depression in mid-October killed 122 people after triggering severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh. In November, Tropical Cyclone 06B killed six people and caused property damage worth BTN 880 million (US$20.7 million) in eastern India. An additional 40 people were killed and 100 fishermen were listed as missing after Tropical Cyclone 07B affected Bangladesh.

South-West Indian Ocean
1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map
1998–99 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season summary map

January–June
Main article: 1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

The 1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was fairly quiet and had the latest start in 30 years. The first tropical disturbance originated on January 16, although the first named storm, Anacelle, was not upgraded until February 8, a record late start. The last storm to dissipate was an unusually late tropical depression in late July. Many of the storms suffered from the effects of wind shear, which contributed to there being only one tropical cyclone – equivalent to a minimal hurricane. The season also occurred during a powerful El Niño.

Tropical Depression A1, the first of the season, moved throughout most of Mozambique in January, causing landslides and flooding. One landslide affected Milange District, where many houses were swept into a river. Landslides killed between 87 and 143 people in the country. In February, Cyclone Anacelle buffeted several islands with gusty winds after becoming the strongest storm of the season, reaching maximum sustained winds of 140 km/h (85 mph). Although Anacelle was the first named storm of the season, another tropical depression preceded it that crossed Madagascar several times. The depression eventually became Tropical Storm Beltane, and lasted 17 days. Beltane caused flooding across Madagascar due to heavy rainfall, which killed one person and left locally heavy crop damage. There were several other disturbances in February, including Cindy which dissipated 50 days after it originated, as well as a disturbance that brought heavy rainfall to Réunion and Mauritius. The rest of the season was fairly quiet, mostly with short-lived tropical disturbances or storms.

July–December
Main article: 1998–99 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season

The first system of the season proper originated out of an area of convection in early September in the northeast portion of the basin. On September 3, the MFR initiated advisories on Tropical Disturbance A1 about 1435 km (890 mi) east of Diego Garcia. The system tracked westward, and the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) on September 4. Failing to intensify beyond winds of 45 km/h (30 mph), the disturbance dissipated on September 6. Later in the month, Tropical Disturbance A2 formed in a similar region within the monsoon trough, with the MFR initiating advisories on September 29. Also on that day, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Tropical Cyclone 02S.[7] That day, the JTWC upgraded the system to tropical storm status,[8] although strong wind shear prevented intensification. The MFR quickly discontinued advisories, but the JTWC continued tracking it, again upgrading the system to tropical storm status on October 1. After the shear again increased, the storm weakened, dissipating on October 2.

In November, rapidly weakening Tropical Cyclone Alison moved from the Australian basin and dissipated immediately upon entering the south-west Indian Ocean on November 13.[9] On December 4, short-lived Tropical Disturbance A3 was classified by MFR, subsequently drifting into the Australian region.[10] Possibly related to the previous system, Tropical Cyclone Cathy moved from the Australian basin into the basin on December 28, quickly dissipating.[10][11]

Australian Region
1997–98 Australian region cyclone season summary map
1998–99 Australian region cyclone season summary map

January–June
Main article: 1997–98 Australian region cyclone season

The 1997–98 Australian region cyclone season was a slightly below-average tropical cyclone season. Cyclone Katrina formed on January 1, which erratically moved around Australia in its lifetime. Tiffany and Les also formed in January, affecting Western Australia and Northern Territory, with the latter causing 3 deaths. Cyclone Victor formed from a tropical low that was the remnant low of Cyclone Katrina, before renaming Cindy as it crossed to the South-West Indian Ocean basin. A tropical low also crossed to the same basin, which strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Elsie before weakening. Nathan also formed in March, peaking as a Category 2 cyclone before dissipating on March 26. The post-tropical cyclone that was former Yali in the South Pacific crossed the region before re-exiting the basin towards New Zealand. The last tropical low of the season dissipated on April 19 as it brought downpour to the Western Australia.

July–December
Main article: 1998–99 Australian region cyclone season

On 7 October, a tropical low near the Cocos (Keeling) Islands strengthened to Tropical Cyclone Zelia, while becoming the first storm of the season. It weakened due to wind shear and dissipated on 10 October. A month later, Alison developed over the open waters near Western Australia, peaking as a severe tropical cyclone before passing near Cocos Islands, bringing gale-force winds before dissipating on 13 November, shortly before crossing to the South-West Indian Ocean basin. Billy and Thelma both affected Western Australia and Northern Territory both as severe tropical cyclones, with the latter causing a death, ten months after the cyclone's passage. A disturbance crossed to the basin, before degenerating afterwards. Cathy was believed to be the remnant low of the former disturbance. Peaking as a Category 2 cyclone, it exited the basin on 28 December before dissipating immediately. The last disturbance formed near Brisbane before dissipating on 2 January.

South Pacific Ocean
1997–98 South Pacific Ocean cyclone season summary map
1998–99 South Pacific Ocean cyclone season summary map

January–June
Main article: 1997–98 South Pacific cyclone season

The 1997–98 season was one of the most active and longest South Pacific tropical cyclone seasons on record, with 16 tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific basin between 160°E and 120°W.[12] The season was characterised by a very strong El Niño event, which caused the South Pacific convergence zone, to move from its usual position near the Solomon Islands to the Northern Cook Islands. As a result, ten tropical cyclones formed to the east of the International Date Line, with seven of these tropical cyclones going on to affect French Polynesia.

Severe Tropical Cyclones Ron and Susan were both the strongest tropical cyclones of the season and were thought to be the strongest tropical cyclones in the region since Severe Tropical Cyclone Hina of the 1984–85 season.

After the final warnings on Cyclone Tui were issued a weak circulation remained in the vicinity of Samoa for several days, before a westerly surge from the monsoon resulted in a tropical cyclone developing during February 1. However, due to uncertainties in the continuation of Tui after several other weak low-pressure areas had formed, the FMS decided to treat the cyclone as a separate system and named it Wes.[13]

Tropical Cyclone Bart developed during the final days of the season and caused ten deaths and minor damage to French Polynesia, before it dissipated during May 3. The names Katrina, Martin, Nute, Osea, Ron, Susan, Tui, Ursula and Veli, were subsequently retired from the lists of names for the region.[14]

July–December
Main article: 1998–99 South Pacific cyclone season

The 1998–99 South Pacific cyclone season was a near-average South Pacific tropical cyclone season, with 8 tropical cyclones occurring within the South Pacific Ocean basin between 160°E and 120°W. Despite the season starting on November 1, the first tropical system of the season did not form until December 1, while the final disturbance of the season dissipated on May 27, 1999. During the season the most intense tropical cyclone was Severe Tropical Cyclone Cora, which had a minimum pressure of 930 hPa (27.46 inHg). After the season had ended the names Cora along with Dani in 1999 were retired from the naming lists, after they had caused significant impacts on South Pacific islands.

The first, Tropical Disturbance 01F, developed about 540 km (340 mi) to the northwest of Apia in American Samoa, however, the system remained weak and was last noted later that day. On December 11, the JTWC started to monitor an area of disturbed weather that had developed within a trough of low pressure, about 670 km (415 mi) to the northeast of Honiara in the Solomon Islands. The depression turned to the south and accelerated as it began to lose tropical characteristics. It passed about 210 nmi west of Norfolk Island and had become extratropical about 400 nmi west-northwest of New Zealand's North Cape on December 17. 02F and Cora followed suit, with the latter affecting Fiji and Tonga. On December 25, Tropical Disturbance 04F developed over the Coral Sea within an area of strong vertical wind shear in the Australian region. During that day 04F moved towards the southeast and entered the South Pacific basin, before dissipating on December 26.

Mediterranean Sea
Main article: Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone

A medicane was observed from 25 to 27 January.

Systems

January
Cyclone Ron

The month of January was relatively active, with 9 tropical cyclones forming, with 8 of them are being named.

Tropical cyclones formed in January 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Ron January 1–9 230 (145) 900 Samoan Islands, Tonga, Wallis and Futuna $566 thousand None
Katrina January 1–25 165 (105) 940 Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Far North Queensland $8.66 million 2 [15]
A1 January 16–23 60 (35) 995 Mozambique, Comoros, Malawi, Europa Island Unknown ≥ 87 [16]
Les January 19 – February 1 110 (70) 976 Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia $64.7 million 3 [17]
Tiffany January 22 – February 2 170 (105) 940 Western Australia None None
Tui January 25–27 75 (45) 990 Samoan Islands $1 million 1 [18]
Ursula January 29 – February 2 110 (70) 975 French Polynesia Minor None
Veli January 30 – February 3 100 (65) 980 French Polynesia Minor None
Wes January 31 – February 5 95 (60) 985 Cook Islands, French Polynesia Unknown 10 [19][20]

February
Cyclone Anacelle

Like the previous month, the month of February featured nine storms, of which four are respectively named.

Tropical cyclones formed in February 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Beltane February 3 – 20 65 (40) 992 Madagascar, Europa Island, Mozambique Unknown 1 [21]
Anacelle February 6 – 13 140 (85) 950 St. Brandon, Mauritius None None
Victor-Cindy February 8 – 19 120 (75) 970 Northern Territory, Western Australia None None
Unnamed February 11 – 15 65 (40) 995 None None None
D1 February 16 – 19 Unknown Not specified Unknown None None
D2 February 18 – 25 Unknown Not specified Mauritius, Réunion Unknown Unknown
May February 25 – 26 75 (45) 990 Northern Territory None None
Unnamed February 28 – March 2 45 (30) 997 None None None
Unnamed February 28 – March 1 45 (30) 998 None None None

March
Cyclone Zuman

The month of March featured 7 tropical cyclones forming, with 6 of them are being named.

Tropical cyclones formed in March 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Unspecified March 2–5 Unknown Not specified Unknown None None [22]
Donaline March 4–10 75 (45) 988 None None None
Elsie March 7–18 100 (65) 975 None None None
Fiona March 15–20 55 (35) 995 Mascarene Islands None None
Yali March 18–27 130 (80) 965 Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand Minimal 1 [23]
Nathan March 20–26 95 (60) 990 Far North Queensland, Willis Islands, Papua New Guinea Unknown None
Zuman March 29 – April 5 150 (90) 955 Vanuatu, New Caledonia, New Zealand Unknown Unknown

April
Tropical Storm Gemma

6 systems formed in April, with 3 of them are respectively named.

Tropical cyclones formed in April 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Gemma April 7 – 14 85 (50) 985 None None None
Unnamed (33S) April 7 Unknown Not specified None None None
Alan April 17 – 26 75 (45) 992 French Polynesia Unknown 10 [24]
Unnamed (34S) April 19 – 22 65 (40) Not specified None None None
TL April 19 65 (40) 1002 Western Australia None None
Bart April 28 – May 3 85 (50) 987 French Polynesia Minimal 10 [25]

May
Cyclone BOB 01
Tropical cyclones formed in May 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
BOB 01 May 17 – 20 110 (70) 972 India, Bangladesh Unknown 35 [26]
TD May 28 – 29 Not specified 1002 Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands None None
ARB 01 (02A) May 28 – 29 45 (30) 997 None None None

June
Hurricane Blas
Tropical cyclones formed in June 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
ARB 02 June 4–10 165 (105) 958 India, Pakistan $3 billion 4,000-10,000 [27]
Agatha June 11–16 100 (65) 993 None None None
BOB 02 June 13–15 55 (35) 992 India None None
Two-E June 19–22 55 (35) 1003 None None None
Blas June 22–30 220 (140) 943 None None None [nb 2]

July
Hurricane Estelle
Tropical cyclones formed in July 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
01W (Akang) July 7–12 55 (35) 1002 Taiwan None None
Nichole July 8–10 60 (40) 998 China, Taiwan Unknown None
Celia July 17–21 95 (60) 997 None None None
H4 July 20–23 Unknown Not specified None None None
TD July 23–25 Not specified 1004 None None None
Darby July 23 – August 1 185 (115) 958 None None None
03W July 25 55 (35) 1008 None None None
Alex July 27 – August 2 85 (50) 1000 None None None
Estelle July 29 – August 8 215 (130) 948 Baja California Sur, Hawaii None None

August
Hurricane Howard
Tropical cyclones formed in August 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Otto (Bising) August 1–6 120 (75) 970 Philippines, Taiwan, China $761 thousand 5

[28]

Frank August 6–10 75 (45) 1001 Baja California Peninsula, Southwestern United States None 3 [29]
Penny (Klaring) August 6–11 95 (60) 985 Philippines, China None 1 [30]
Georgette August 11–17 185 (115) 960 None None None
One-C August 16–18 55 (35) 1010 None None None
Bonnie August 19–30 185 (115) 954 Leeward Islands, North Carolina, Mid-Atlantic States $1 billion 5 [31][32][33]
Howard August 20–30 240 (150) 932 None None None
Charley August 21–24 110 (70) 1000 Texas, Mexico $50 million 24 [34][35][36]
TD August 21–22 Not specified 1004 None None None
Rex (Deling) August 23 – September 6 140 (85) 955 Japan Unknown 13 [30]
Danielle August 24 – September 3 165 (105) 960 Eastern Seaboard, Northeastern United States, Canadian Maritimes, British Isles $50 thousand None
Earl August 31 – September 3 155 (100) 985 Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, Atlantic Canada $79 million 3 [37][38]

September
Hurricane Georges
Tropical cyclones formed in September 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Isis September 1–3 120 (75) 988 Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, Southwestern United States, Northwestern United States $10 million 14 [39][40]
07W September 1–4 55 (35) 1002 None None None
A1 September 3–6 45 (30) Not specified None None None
Javier September 6–14 95 (60) 990 Mexico Unknown None
TD September 7–8 Not specified 1004 None None None
Frances September 8–13 100 (65) 990 Texas, Louisiana, Midwestern United States $500 million Unknown [nb 3]
Stella September 11–16 110 (70) 965 Japan, Mariana Islands $2.17 million 3 [41][42][43][44]
09W September 13–14 55 (35) 998 China, Vietnam None None
Unnamed September 13–14 Not specified 1007 None None None
Georges September 15 – October 1 250 (155) 937 Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, Florida Keys, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia $9.37 billion 604 [45]
Todd (Emang) September 15–20 140 (85) 955 Ryukyu Islands, Japan, China $236 thousand 7 [46]
Hermine September 17–20 75 (45) 999 Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia $85 thousand 2 [nb 4]
Vicki September 17–22 140 (85) 960 Philippines, Japan $81.7 million 108 [47][48]
12W September 18–19 55 (35) 1000 Vietnam None None
Waldo September 19–21 85 (50) 994 Japan None None
Ivan September 19–27 150 (90) 975 None None None
Jeanne September 21 – October 1 165 (105) 969 Cape Verde, Portugal, Spain None None
Karl September 23–28 165 (105) 970 Bermuda, Azores None None
Yanni (Heling) September 26–30 120 (75) 965 Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, South Korea, Japan Unknown ≥ 50 [49]
A2 September 29 – October 2 Unknown Not specified None None None
ARB 03 September 30 – October 1 45 (30) 997 None None None

October
Typhoon Zeb
Tropical cyclones formed in October 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Twelve-E October 1–3 55 (35) 1003 None None None
15W October 2–5 55 (35) 1000 China, Vietnam None None
16W October 5–7 55 (35) 1010 Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands None None
Lisa October 5–9 120 (75) 995 None None None
17W October 6–7 55 (35) 1008 Ryukyu Islands None None
Zelia October 7–10 75 (45) 990 None None None
ARB 04 October 8–9 55 (35) 998 None None None
Zeb (Iliang) October 9–18 205 (125) 900 Philippines, Taiwan, Japan $576 million 126 [50]
ARB 05 October 11–17 65 (40) 996 India None None
Alex October 11 45 (30) 991 None None None
BOB 03 October 13–14 55 (35) 998 India None None
Kay October 13–17 120 (75) 987 None None None
Babs (Loleng) October 14–27 155 (100) 940 Philippines, Taiwan, China, Japan $203 million 327 [51]
Lester October 15–26 185 (115) 965 Mexico Unknown 2 [52]
Madeline October 16–20 140 (85) 979 Mexico, Baja California Peninsula, Texas $750 million 32 [53]
Mitch October 22 – November 5 285 (180) 905 Central America, Yucatán Peninsula, Florida, Jamaica, Ireland, United Kingdom $6.08 billion ≥ 11,374 [54]
BOB 04 October 28–29 55 (35) 1002 India None None

November
Cyclone Alison
Tropical cyclones formed in November 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
TD November 4–7 Not specified 1004 None None None
Alison November 8–13 155 (100) 955 None None None
Chip November 11–15 75 (45) 994 Vietnam $923 thousand 17 [55]
BOB 05 November 13–16 145 (90) 982 India $20.7 million 6 [56]
BOB 06 November 17–23 120 (75) 984 India, Bangladesh Unknown 100+ [57]
Dawn November 18–20 65 (40) 998 Vietnam $28 million 187 [58]
Elvis (Miding) November 22–26 75 (45) 992 Philippines, Vietnam $30 million 49 [55]
Nicole November 24 – December 1 140 (85) 979 None None None

December
Cyclone Thelma
Tropical cyclones formed in December 1998
Storm name Dates active Max wind km/h (mph) Min pressure (hPa) Areas affected Damage (USD) Deaths Refs
Billy December 1–6 130 (80) 965 Western Australia Unknown Unknown [59]
Thelma December 3–15 220 (140) 920 Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tiwi Islands Unknown 1 [60]
01F December 4 Unknown Not specified None None None
TL (A3) December 7–13 45 (30) 1000 None None None
Faith (Norming) December 8–14 120 (75) 970 Philippines, Vietnam $45.9 million 63 [61][62]
Gil December 9–13 75 (45) 992 Thailand, Vietnam None None
ARB 06 December 13–17 100 (65) 993 Oman None 18 [63]
07P December 14–17 75 (45) 999 None None None
Cathy December 16–30 110 (70) 975 None None None
26W December 17–19 45 (30) 1002 Philippines None None
27W December 19–22 55 (35) 1000 None None None
02F December 22–24 65 (40) 997 None None None
Cora December 21–28 140 (85) 960 Tonga, Fiji $12 million Unknown
04F December 25–26 Unknown Not specified None None None
TL December 26 – January 2 55 (35) 996 Queensland, New South Wales None 1 [64]

Global effects

There are a total of 9 tropical cyclone basins, 7 are seasonal and two are non-seasonal, thus all 8 basins except the Mediterranean are active. In this table, data from all these basins are added.

Season name Areas affected Systems formed Named storms Damage (USD) Deaths
1998 Atlantic hurricane season 5 Southeastern United States, Gulf Coast of the United States, Mid-Atlantic, Atlantic Canada, Midwestern United States, New England, Bermuda, Lesser Antilles, Greater Antilles, Central America, Yucatán Peninsula, Ireland, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Cabo Verde 14 14 $17.079 billion > 12,010
1998 Pacific hurricane season 5 Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico, Baja California Peninsula, Western Coast of the United States, Central America, Northwestern United States, Texas, Arizona 16 13 $760 million 54
1998 Pacific typhoon season 3 Philippines, Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands, China, Mariana Islands, China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Caroline Islands, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand 33 18 $950.8 million 924
1998 North Indian Ocean cyclone season 4 India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka 12 6 ≥ $3 billion ≥ 10,224
1997–98 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season 2 6 Madagascar, Mozambique, Mascarene Islands, Europa Island 13 7 Unknown 88 – 114
1998–99 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season Diego Garcia 3 0 None None
1997–98 Australian region cyclone season 2 Western Australia, Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Queensland 8 6 > $8.13 billion 5
1998–99 Australian region cyclone season Tiwi Islands, Cocos Islands, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales 7 5 Unknown 2
1997–98 South Pacific cyclone season 2 None 13 9 > $566,000 > 32
1998–99 South Pacific cyclone season Fiji, Tonga 5 1 Unknown Unknown
1998 Mediterranean tropical-like cyclone season Unknown 2 0 Unknown Unknown
Worldwide (See above) 125 73 73 > $29.802 billion > 23,365

    See also

    Notes

    2 Only systems that formed either on or after January 1, 1998 are counted in the seasonal totals.
    3 Only systems that formed either before or on December 31, 1998 are counted in the seasonal totals.
    4 The wind speeds for this tropical cyclone/basin are based on the IMD Scale which uses 3-minute sustained winds.
    5 The wind speeds for this tropical cyclone/basin are based on the Saffir Simpson Scale which uses 1-minute sustained winds.
    6The wind speeds for this tropical cyclone are based on Météo-France which uses wind gusts.

    1. All damage figures are in 1998 United States dollars, unless otherwise noted
    2. The Associated Press attributed 4 deaths from a mudslide in Michoacán to Blas. However, as the primary convection remained offshore, the National Hurricane Center did not consider the deaths related to the hurricane.
    3. There were at least 229 deaths, although a government report on the flooding indicated there were over 1000 people killed or missing.
    4. Hermine did not directly cause any direct fatalities; however, it may have contributed to two deaths, in Florida and Louisiana.

    References
    1. "El Niño and La Niña Years and Intensities". ggweather.com.
    2. 1998: A "Mean" Season For Atlantic Hurricanes (Report). Silver Springs, Maryland: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 2, 2013.
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    Tropical cyclone year articles (1990–1999)
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