Typhoon Conson (2004)

Typhoon Conson, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Frank, was the first[1] of the record ten typhoons to impact Japan during the 2004 Pacific typhoon season.[2] Developing out of a tropical depression near the northern Philippines in early June, Conson slowly traveled towards the north. Gradually strengthening, the storm reached typhoon status late on June 7 according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and several hours later according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. After turning towards the northeast, the typhoon brushed Taiwan and reached its peak intensity with winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 10-minute winds) on June 9. After reaching its peak, Conson gradually weakened, passing through Okinawa before being downgraded to a tropical storm the next day. On June 11, the storm made landfall as a minimal tropical storm in the Kōchi Prefecture just before becoming extratropical. The extratropical remnants continued towards the northeast and were last mentioned on June 14 crossing the international date line.

Typhoon Conson (Frank)
Typhoon (JMA scale)
Category 3 typhoon (SSHWS)
Typhoon Conson before peak intensity on June 9
FormedJune 4, 2004
DissipatedJune 14, 2004
(Extratropical after June 11, 2004)
Highest winds10-minute sustained: 150 km/h (90 mph)
1-minute sustained: 185 km/h (115 mph)
Lowest pressure960 hPa (mbar); 28.35 inHg
Fatalities2 confirmed, 30 reported
Damage$3.8 million (2004 USD)
Areas affectedPhilippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan
Part of the 2004 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Conson brought heavy rains and high winds to the Philippines, Taiwan, Okinawa, and Japan. Flooding in the Philippines killed two people and caused about PHP1.6 million (US$35,000) in damages. However, some reports state that up to 30 people died in the Philippines. In the Ryukyu Islands, the storm brought heavy rains and high winds to several islands, damaging crops and leaving many without power. As it became extratropical, Conson caused moderate damage in southern Japan, including a few landslides which prompted evacuations. Throughout Japan, losses reached 355.7 million yen (US$3.8 million).

Meteorological history
Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

Early on June 4, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began monitoring an area of low pressure associated with deep convection about 780 km (485 mi) south-southeast of Hong Kong. Later that day, following notable development,[3] they classified the system as Tropical Depression 07W.[4] At the same time, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) also began monitoring the system as a tropical depression.[5] Slowly moving towards the southeast, 07W gradually strengthened, being classified a tropical storm by the JTWC at 1200 UTC the next day.[4] Around the same time, the storm entered the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration's area of responsibility and was given the local name Frank.[6] Twenty-four hours later, 07W made its closest approach to the Philippines, passing within 295 km (185 mi) of Manila.[3] A few hours later, the JMA upgraded the depression to a tropical storm and gave it the name Conson;[5] a name contributed by Vietnam that is a picturesque place in the country, consisting of a mountain, pine forest, streams, pagodas and many historical monuments.[3]

A ridge located over the central Philippines caused Conson to turn towards the north. Continuing to intensify,[3] the JTWC assessed the storm to have reached typhoon status at 1800 UTC on June 7.[4] The JMA also upgraded the storm to a typhoon about twelve hours later.[5] A 28 km (17 mi) wide eye developed as the cyclone turned towards the northeast. Originally, forecasts showed the typhoon making landfall in southern Taiwan but the turn towards the northeast spared the island from a direct hit.[3] Shortly after being classified as a typhoon by the JMA, the JTWC upgraded Conson to a Category 2 typhoon on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale with winds of 155 km/h (100 mph 1-minute winds).[4] The eye later became slightly disorganized and the cloud tops around the center warmed. However, the storm reorganized the next day and[3] was upgraded to a Category 3 typhoon by the JTWC with winds of 185 km/h (115 mph 1-minute winds).[4] The intensification was the result of the influence of an approaching shortwave trough which enhanced poleward outflow.[7] Around this time, PAGASA issued their final advisory on Typhoon 'Frank' as it moved out of their area of responsibility.[6]

Typhoon Conson near peak intensity on June 9

The strengthening was the result of Conson passing over the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current.[3] The forward motion on the typhoon also began to increase as it interacted with a baroclinic zone.[8] Shortly after, the JMA assessed the storm to have reached its peak intensity with winds of 150 km/h (90 mph 10-minute winds) and a minimum pressure of 960 hPa (mbar).[5] Later that day, the storm passed over Okinawa as it weakened. By June 10, Conson began to undergo an extratropical transition.[3] Continuing increase in forward speed caused the low to become exposed from shower and thunderstorm activity on the southern edge of the circulation.[9] Around 1200 UTC, the center of circulation became separated from deep convection,[3] leading to the typhoon being downgraded to a tropical storm by both agencies several hours later.[4][5] Early on June 11, the JTWC reported that the storm had completed its extratropical transition just south of Japan.[4] However, the JMA kept Conson has a tropical cyclone through its landfall in Kōchi Prefecture as a minimal tropical storm. Shortly after landfall, it was classified as an extratropical cyclone. Continuing towards the northeast, the storm remained weak and was last mentioned as it crossed the international date line on June 14 near the Aleutian Islands.[5]

The Japan Meteorological Agency uses 10-minute sustained winds, while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center uses 1-minute sustained winds.[10] The conversion factor between the two is 1.14x.[11] JMA's peak intensity for Conson was 150 km/h (90 mph) 10-minute sustained, or 160 km/h (105 mph) 1-minute sustained.[5][11] The JTWC's peak intensity for Conson was 185 km/h (115 mph) 1-minute sustained, or 155 km/h (100 mph) 10-minute sustained.[4][11] The National Meteorological Center of China estimated a peak intensity of 150 km/h (90 mph) 10-minute sustained, or 160 km/h (105 mph) 1-minute sustained.[3][11] The Hong Kong Observatory assessed Conson to be slightly weaker than other agencies, with peak winds estimated at 130 km/h (80 mph) 10-minute sustained, or 150 km/h (90 mph) 1-minute sustained.[11][12]

Preparations and impact

Philippines

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 (13.1 in) in Iba. The highest 24‑hour rainfall was recorded in Subic Bay at 230 mm (9 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]

Taiwan and Hong Kong

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 (10.3 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]

Japan
Wettest tropical cyclones and their remnants in Okinawa
Highest-known totals
Precipitation Storm Location Ref.
Rank mm in
11065.041.92Sinlaku 2008Yonagunijima[25]
21059.041.70Emma 1956Kadena Air Force Base[26]
31014.041.00Muifa 2011[27]
4575.622.66Charlotte 1959Naha Air Force Base[28]
5535.021.06Bolaven 2012Kunigami[29]
6473.718.65Cora 1969Kadena Air Force Base[28]
7452.017.80Sinlaku 2002Oku[30]
8407.216.03Grace 1961Kadena Air Force Base[28]
9345.013.50Conson 2004Tarama[31]
10342.013.46Kujira 2003[32]
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 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 (13.5 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 (10.9 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]

See also

References
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  2. Gore, Al (2006). An Inconvenient Truth. Rodale. p. 83. ISBN 1-59486-567-1.
  3. Gary Padgett (September 2, 2004). "Monthly Tropical Weather Summary for June 2004". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  4. "JTWC Best Track for Typhoon 07W (Conson)". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 2005. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  5. "JMA Best Tracks for 2004". Japan Meteorological Agency. 2005. Archived from the original on March 23, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  6. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (2004). "PAGASA Track for Typhoon 'Frank'". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  7. "JTWC Prognostic Reasoning NR. 16". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. June 8, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
  8. "JTWC Prognostic Reasoning NR. 22". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. June 10, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
  9. "JTWC Prognostic Reasoning NR. 24". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. June 10, 2004. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
  10. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (2005). "Frequently Asked Questions". Retrieved February 27, 2009.
  11. "Section 2 Intensity Observation and Forecast Errors". United States Navy. 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2009.
  12. "Tropical Cyclones in 2004". Hong Kong Observatory. June 30, 2005. Retrieved April 8, 2009.
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  14. Philippine Daily Inquirer (June 8, 2004). "Rains wash out school opening". Financial Times Ltd. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  15. Evelyn Macairan (June 8, 2004). "No Massive Flooding in Metro, say MMDA". Philippine Headline News. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved February 27, 2009.
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  20. Staff Writer (June 30, 2004). "Typhoon Conson (0404)". Hong Kong Observatory. Archived from the original on December 8, 2004. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  21. Staff Writer (July 5, 2004). "The Weather of June 2004". Hong Kong Observatory. Retrieved February 26, 2009.
  22. Staff Writer (June 9, 2004). "Nation braces for Typhoon Conson". Taipei Times. Archived from the original on April 15, 2008. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
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  24. Staff Writer (June 11, 2004). "Typhoon fails to quench reservoirs in nation's south". Taipei Times. Archived from the original on May 8, 2006. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  25. http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/cgi-bin/dt/dsummary.pl?id=200813&basin=wnp&lang=en
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  27. Dave Ornauer (August 6, 2011). "USFJ-AFL division title games postponed (Updated)". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved August 6, 2011.
  28. Roth, David M. (October 18, 2017). "Tropical Cyclone Point Maxima". Tropical Cyclone Rainfall Data. United States Weather Prediction Center. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  29. (in Japanese) "【台風１５号】国頭で総雨量５３５ミリ　大宜味床下浸水２４件". 琉球新報. Yahoo! News. August 28, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
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  32. Gary Padgett (June 12, 2003). "Monthly Tropical Cyclone Summary for April 2003". Typhoon 2000. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
  33. Staff Writer (June 10, 2004). "Typhoon Conson dumps heavy rain on southern Japanese islands". Associated Press. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  34. Xinhua (June 11, 2004). "Strong typhoon landing in south Japan". China Economic Net. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
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  37. "Takamatsu, Kagawa Damage Report for Typhoon Conson" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 2004. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
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  39. "Ishigaki Island Damage Report for Typhoon Conson" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 2004. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
  40. "Miyako-jima Damage Report for Typhoon Conson" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 2004. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
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  43. "Matsuyama, Ehime Damage Report for Typhoon Conson" (in Japanese). National Institute of Informatics. 2004. Retrieved April 17, 2010.
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