Typhoon Ellen (1983)

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

Map key

Saffir–Simpson scale

  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown

Storm type

Tropical cyclone

Subtropical cyclone

Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

Typhoon Ellen originated from a tropical disturbance located 500 km (310 mi) south-southwest of the Johnston Atoll on August 26. Based on the development of rainbands, satellite intensity estimates via the Dvorak technique indicated winds of 55 km/h (35 mph). The disturbance crossed the dateline two days later and a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) was subsequently issued. At 0000 UTC on August 29, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) first classified the system. Initially, the storm did not develop significantly due to strong wind shear caused by an intense high pressure area north of the cyclone. This also caused Ellen to turn west-southwest.[1] On August 31, however, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) started warning on the system, declaring it a tropical storm.[2][nb 1] The next day, the JTWC briefly downgraded the system into a tropical depression;[1] however, the JMA held the storm's intensity to 65 km/h (40 mph) for several days.[2] On September 2, the storm began to turn west-northwest and environmental conditions became much more favorable for development.[1] The JMA upgraded Ellen into a severe tropical storm early the following morning.[2] Later on September 3, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PASAGA) started tracking the storm and assigned it with the local name Herming.[4] At 1200 UTC, the JTWC upgraded Ellen into a typhoon,[1] though the JMA did not follow suit until early on September 4.[2]

After maintaining this intensity for 12 hours, Ellen deepened slightly that evening,[2] though the JTWC suggests that the storm intensified into a Category 2 hurricane on the United States Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.[1] By midday on September 5, data from both agencies indicated that Ellen developed winds 110 mph (175 km/h) while located 370 km (230 mi) west of Luzon.[1][2] Thereafter, Ellen began to rapidly intensify and according to the JTWC, the pressure decreased by 28 mbar (0.83 inHg).[1] At 0600 UTC on September 6, Ellen reached peak intensity, with the JMA estimating winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a pressure of 925 mbar (27.3 inHg).[2] Meanwhile, the JTWC suggests that Ellen reached a peak intensity of 125 mph (200 km/h) and a slightly higher pressure of 928 mbar (27.4 inHg).[1]

Ellen's peak intensity was short-lived; Typhoon Ellen soon began to weaken steadily as it moved through the Luzon Straits while interacting with Luzon.[1] After turning northwest, the JMA reported the winds had reduced to 90 mph (145 km/h) at 0000 UTC on September 7.[2] At that time, the JTWC noted that Ellen's winds were equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.[1] However, the JMA suggests that the weakening trend leveled off late on September 7.[2] The next day, PASAGA ceased monitoring the system as it was no longer a threat to the Philippines.[4] According to the JMA, the system moved ashore near Macao at 0000 UTC on September 9 as an 85 mph (135 km/h) typhoon,[2] though the JTWC estimates that the storm was a little weaker at landfall. Ellen dissipated rapidly overland, and the JTWC downgraded Ellen into a tropical depression 12 hours later.[1] However, the JMA kept watching the system until 0600 UTC on September 10.[2]

Castle Peak
88.9

Tai O
112.97

Lei Yue Mun
125.93

Checkerboard Hill
103.71

Kwai Chung
111.12

Stanley
161.12

HKO
85.2

Cheung Chau
166.68

Mean hourly wind speed in Hong Kong, as recorded by the Royal Hong Kong Observatory.Gale Force Winds
Storm Force Winds
Hurricane Force Winds

Castle Peak
170.38km/h

Tai O
220.39

Lei Yue Mun
185.20

Checkerboard Hill
201.87

Kwai Chung
168.53km/h

Stanley
248.17

HKO
203.72

Cheung Chau
237.05

Maximum wind gust speed in Hong Kong, as recorded by the Royal Hong Kong Observatory.[5] Wind gust speed reached Hurricane level in all areas.
Estimated speed. Wind gust speed exceeded anemogram's upper limit at this location.

Due to the storm's threat to Hong Kong, a no. 10 hurricane signal was issued.[5] Across Hong Kong, schools and government offices were ordered to be closed and 250 shelters were opened.[6] In addition, most shops and restaurants as well as all financial markets were closed.[7]

Despite passing north of the Philippines, the storm killed three and 15 people sustained injuries. Damage in the country totaled $680,000. A total of 605 dwellings were damaged, excluding 105 that were destroyed.[4][nb 2] Upon making landfall in present-day China, winds gusted to 154 km/h (96 mph) at Stanley. Rainfall totaled 231.8 mm (9.13 in) at Hong Kong's Royal Observatory (RO or ROHK, now HKO).[8] Twenty-two ships were wrecked, including a 21,000-ton freighter,[9] forcing the rescue of all 40 crew members.[10] A 185 ft (56 m) yacht Osprey carried nine people, eight of which were lost[11] and presumed dead.[12] Several minor collisions were reported between ships.[13] Along the coastal province Guandong in southern China, communications and public services were disrupted.[9] Ferry services from Hong Kong to Macao were suspended.[14] On September 8, ten Taiwan fishing boats capsized in the South China Sea; consequently, 48 fishermen were missing,[15] though 103 persons survived and later took refuge at Pratas Island, Taiwan (ROC).[16][17]

In Hong Kong, 50,000 people lost power.[18] About 200 houses were destroyed.[19] More than 2,000 people were left homeless;[20] 1,600 of the homeless sought emergency shelter. Flights to the Kai Tak Airport were cancelled[5] as the airport was closed for 12 hours.[21] Large areas of farmland were damaged.[22] Throughout the city, eight people perished, including a girl that was crushed by a falling cabinet.[18] Two sisters were killed via a landslide while a fireman died when trying to rescue someone.[23] Additionally, 339 people were injured,[24] including 120 seriously.[25] Forty-five people were injured due to flying glass and failing objects.[26] Typhoon Ellen also spawned the second tornado ever recorded in Hong Kong, and the first ever recorded during the passage of a typhoon. According to the HKO, Ellen was Hong Kong's worst typhoon since Typhoon Hope of 1979.[8]

In nearby Macao, minor property damage was reported[5] and 15 people were initially rendered as missing.[27] However, by October 13, 10 people remained missing and were then presumed dead.[12] In all, damage totaled $79 million (1983 USD)[20] and 20 people were killed due to Typhoon Ellen in mainland China.[28]

• Typhoon Ora (1972)
• Typhoon Vicente - a typhoon in 2012, that rapidly intensified to a Cat. 4 typhoon before striking Guangdong, China.
• Typhoon Hato - a typhoon in 2017, had a similar track to Ellen.
• Typhoon Mangkhut - a typhoon in 2018, that caused widespread damages over Hong Kong.
• Typhoon Saola - a typhoon in 2023, that made its closest pass over Macau and Hong Kong.