Typhoon Conson (2004)

On June 7, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised Public Storm Signal No. 1 for most of Luzon.[13] As Conson strengthened into a typhoon, northern areas of Luzon were placed under Public Storm Signal No. 3,[14] resulting in school closures.[13] As the typhoon passed by the Philippines, it dropped heavy rains, peaking at 333.8 mm (13.14 in) in Iba. The highest 24‑hour rainfall was recorded in Subic Bay at 230 mm (9.1 in).[3] Minor flooding and power outages were reported in Manila.[15] These heavy rains led to flooding which reportedly killed 30 people in Luzon.[16][17] However, the fatalities are uncertain as PAGASA reported that two people were killed by the storm. In all, Conson caused about PHP1.6 million (US35,000) in damage.[18]

High winds and heavy rain warnings were issued for most of Taiwan along with sea warnings. Schools and businesses on Orchid Island were suspended on June 9 and 10 as Typhoon Conson passed by.[19] Some domestic flights were cancelled and rail and ferry services were suspended ahead of the storm. When Conson was first classified, Hong Kong was placed under a standby signal as the storm was located within 800 km (500 mi) of the city[20] Only a few showers were reported in the city due to the storm.[21] Taiwanese officials checked water gates throughout the island on June 8 and found that 68 were missing. Water management officials stated that the missing gates could "...wreak unnecessary damage...". The following day, 42 of the missing gates had been replaced. Fishing boats returned to port for shelter during the storm.[22] An emergency operations center was set up to carry out search and rescue missions during and following the typhoon.[23] Heavy rains from the typhoon peaked at 262.5 mm (10.33 in) in Yilan County.[3] The storm caused minor damage and one minor injury during as it passed by Taiwan.[19] Although Conson dropped heavy rains across the island, it was not enough to alleviate drought conditions in the southern areas.[24]

TRMM satellite image of Conson becoming extratropical on June 10

Traveling towards the northeast, Conson headed towards Okinawa where schools were closed and local transportation was disrupted due to the storm.[33] The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents about the threat of heavy rains and high winds resulting from the storm.[34] A United States naval base located in Okinawa was placed under a Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCR) Four as Typhoon Conson was approaching. As the storm neared the islands, the naval base was put under TCCR Three, indicating that winds of 92 km/h (57 mph) were anticipated within 48 hours.[35] Ahead of the storm, upwards of 254 mm (10.0 in) fell across the islands, which were indirectly related to the storm.[36] In southern Japan, several airlines canceled flights due to poor weather conditions.[37]

Heavy rains, peaking at 345 mm (13.6 in) on Tarama,[38] triggered flooding and landslides throughout the islands.[33] The highest sustained winds on the islands were also recorded on Tarama at 137 km/h (85 mph) and the highest gust was recorded on Miyako-jima at 185 km/h (115 mph).[3] Despite transitioning into an extratropical cyclone while impacting Japan,[5] Conson brought heavy rains and high winds to Kyūshū. The highest rainfall and gusts were recorded in Tanegashima at 277.5 mm (10.93 in) and 146 km/h (91 mph) respectively; the highest sustained wind was recorded in Muroto, Kōchi at 109 km/h (68 mph).[3]

On Ishigaki Island, high winds and heavy rains cut power to many residences and damaged crops. A total of 1,960 ha (4,800 acres) of agricultural land was damaged by the storm, leaving 31.9 million yen (US$346,000) in losses.[39] Significant agricultural damage was also sustained on Miyako-jima, leaving 76.5 million yen (US$805,000) in losses.[40] Okinawa sustained moderate damage during the passage of Conson, with several homes flooded and large lengths of power lines were lost. At the height of the storm, roughly 3,300 residences were without power and 1,305 power lines were downed. Additionally, 1,685 ha (4,160 acres) of agricultural land was damaged, leaving 32.3 million yen (US$350,000) in losses.[41]

In Kagoshima Prefecture, Conson damaged 1,846 ha (4,560 acres) of agricultural land and flooded six homes. Agricultural and property damage in the prefecture amounted to 100 million yen (US$1 million) and 115 million yen (US$1.2 million) respectively.[42] A large landslide, roughly 30 m (98 ft) wide, in Matsuyama, Ehime prompted the evacuation of 19 homes; however, no known damage resulted from the incident.[43] Throughout Kōchi Prefecture, several highways were shut down after being damaged by Conson. Over 20 schools were let out early due to the deteriorating conditions.[44]