Jump to content

Tropical Storm Pulasan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other storms of the same name, see List of storms named Helen.
Tropical Storm Pulasan (Helen)
Pulasan approaching eastern China on September 18
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 15, 2024
ExtratropicalSeptember 21, 2024
Tropical storm
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds85 km/h (50 mph)
Lowest pressure992 hPa (mbar); 29.29 inHg
Tropical storm
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds110 km/h (70 mph)
Lowest pressure995 hPa (mbar); 29.38 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities8
Injuries2
Missing12
DamageUnknown
Areas affectedGuam, Northern Mariana Islands, Philippines, Eastern China, South Korea, Japan (especially Ishikawa Prefecture)
Part of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season

Tropical Storm Pulasan, known in the Philippines as Tropical Storm Helen, is a currently active tropical cyclone that affected East China, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines in September 2024. The fourteenth named storm of the annual typhoon season, it formed from a broad area of convection near Guam on September 15. The storm was later named Pulasan by the JMA, a fruit in Malaysia and also means twist. The JTWC later issued advisories of what was now classified as monsoon depression. Pulasan later transitioned into a tropical storm as it headed for the Ryukyu Islands.

On September 19, Pulasan made landfall over Zhoushan and Shanghai in China, just days after Typhoon Bebinca affected the same location. As it moved inland, Pulasan weakened into a depression but maintained a well-defined center. The storm later turned northeastward, headed for South Korea.

Meteorological history

[edit]
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
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

Tropical Storm Pulasan emerged from an area of atmospheric convection 196 km (122 mi) west-southwest of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam on September 14.[1] Satellite imagery indicates a broad, elongated area of circulation obscured by flaring and disorganized deep convection, with the disturbance situated in a favorable environment for development.[1] At 00:00 UTC on September 15, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) designated the system as a low-pressure area, having previously identified it as a tropical depression.[2][3] The United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert, noting that the system was disorganized, deep, fragmented, and had flaring convection obscuring the low-level circulation.[4] Shortly after, the depression intensified into a tropical storm and was named Pulasan by the JMA.[5] Pulasan was characterized by a large cyclonic circulation exceeding 690 miles (1,111 km) and extensive gale-force winds, leading the JTWC to classify it as a monsoon depression at 06:00 UTC on September 16,[6] before later upgrading it to a tropical storm and designating it as 15W.[7]

Pulasan was progressing north-northeastward along the northwestern edge of a mid-level subtropical high, with a band of enhanced winds encircling the eastern edge, accompanied by deep convection,[8] while the center stayed clear and was supplied with dry air from a tropical upper tropospheric trough cell to the west.[9] By 11:00 PHT (03:00 UTC) on September 17, Pulasan had entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was subsequently named Helen by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).[10] Pulasan's low-level circulation has remained broad and somewhat exposed,[11] as dry air continues to encircle its southern side while the system moves northwestward along the southwestern edge of a mid-level subtropical high.[12] Pulasan exited the PAR on September 18 while traversing Okinawa Island in Japan's Ryukyu Archipelago as its circulation center strengthened with persistent convection,[13] and satellite imagery displayed flaring convection along with weak easterly outflow over the East China Sea.[14][15] On September 19, Pulasan made landfall in Zhoushan, south of Shanghai, just days after Typhoon Bebinca affected the Shanghai area.[16] As the storm moved overland, it maintained a well-defined circulation center;[17] however, the system gradually turned northeastward under the influence of mid-latitude prevailing westerlies.[18] Pulasan reemerged over the East China Sea, just off the coast of China, showcasing a large, near-symmetric area of deep convection to the southeast on September 20.[19] Meanwhile, satellite imagery and surface reports from Jeju Island indicated that it was in the earliest phase of extratropical transition, with vigorous deep convection occurring over the southern semicircle.[20] By 06:00 UTC on September 21, the JMA reported that Pulasan had transitioned into an extratropical low as it moved east-northeastward and became embedded within the polar front jet to the north,[21] passing over southern South Korea.[22] The JTWC then ceased issuing advisories on the system as it underwent frontogenesis while entering the baroclinic zone.[23] The extratropical storm entered the Sea of Japan on September 22, crossed the Tōhoku region, and then emerged into the Pacific Ocean while being absorbed by another extratropical cyclone.[24]

Preparations and impact

[edit]

Philippines and China

[edit]

The Yangjiazhai meteorological station in Fengxian District and the Nicheng Park meteorological station in Pudong District both recorded more than 300 mm (12 in) of rainfall within a six-hour period, breaking historical records for each district since meteorological observations began.[25] Due to Pulasan, winds of 83 km/h (52 mph) were recorded in Fengxian, Shanghai, where several roads and neighborhoods were flooded.[26] Xinhua reported that the city evacuated 112,000 people and suspended some ferry and train services.[27] PAGASA reported that the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Soulik and Pulasan, will bring strong to gale-force winds across the Philippines.[28]

Japan

[edit]

As Pulasan approached Japan, 44,700 residents from Wajima, Suzu, and Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture were given evacuation orders, along with 16,000 others in Yamagata and Niigata Prefectures.[29] The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the highest level of alert for heavy rain across several cities in Ishikawa.[30] Heavy rains caused by Pulasan triggered widespread landslides and flooding in the Noto Peninsula, causing extensive damage which was exacerbated by the 2024 Noto earthquake which devastated the region in January.[30] The floods killed seven people, injured 12 and damaged 770 houses across the region.[31][32] In Wajima, 120 mm (4.7 in) of rainfall was recorded within an hour.[33] Up to 10 people were left missing in the town, including four due to a landslide at a construction site.[33] In Suzu, one person drowned and another was missing. In Noto, one person was missing and two others were critically injured after a landslide struck their home. At least 12 rivers across Ishikawa overflowed, and 6,500 households were left without power in the prefecture, according to Hokuriku Electric Power Company.[30]

South Korea

[edit]

At least 903 people from 581 households were evacuated across six provinces in South Korea.[34] In South Korea, the cities of Changwon, Yeosu and Busan recorded 519.2 mm (20.44 in), 399.5 mm (15.73 in) and 390.2 mm (15.36 in) of rainfall respectively on September 21. Flooding affected 83 sections of public roads, leading to 18 incidents of soil loss and a wall collapse, 30 private facilities and 27 houses. Two trucks fell into a sinkhole in Busan.[34] In Yangju city, Gyeonggi province, an elderly man died after being swept away by a torrent.[35] A total of 27 private homes were flooded, affecting almost 30 private businesses, including shops and factories. Moreover, 641 areas within 22 national parks throughout the country were still unreachable.[36]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans, 19Z 14 September 2024 Reissued (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 14 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 14, 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  2. ^ Warning and Summary 150000 (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 15, 2024. Archived from the original on September 14, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  3. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 1 for tropical depression (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 15, 2024. Archived from the original on September 15, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  4. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (Invest 97W) (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 15 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 15, 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  5. ^ Tropical Cyclone Advisory for TS Pulasan (2414) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 15, 2024. Archived from the original on September 15, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  6. ^ Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Western and South Pacific Oceans, 06Z 16 September 2024 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 16 September 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  7. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 1 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 16 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 16, 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  8. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 3 for TS Pulasan (2414) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 15, 2024. Archived from the original on September 16, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  9. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 4 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 17 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 17, 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  10. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #1 for Tropical Storm 'Helen' (Pulasan)" (PDF). PAGASA. 17 September 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  11. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 6 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 18 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 18, 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  12. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 14 for TS Pulasan (2414) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 18, 2024. Archived from the original on September 18, 2024. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  13. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #5F for Tropical Storm 'Helen' (Pulasan)" (PDF). PAGASA. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  14. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 10 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 19 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  15. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Storm 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 12 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 19 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  16. ^ Yoon, John (September 19, 2024). "Tropical Storm Pulasan Strikes Near Shanghai, Days After Typhoon Hit". The New York Times. Retrieved September 19, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 14 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 20 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  18. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 22 for TS Pulasan (2414) (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 20, 2024. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  19. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 16 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 20 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  20. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 17 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 20 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  21. ^ Prognostic Reasoning for Tropical Depression 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 19 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 21 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 21, 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  22. ^ Prognostic Reasoning No. 25 for Extropical Cyclone located at 34N 125E (Report). Tokyo, Japan: Japan Meteorological Agency. September 21, 2024. Archived from the original on September 21, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  23. ^ Tropical Storm 15W (Pulasan) Warning No. 20 (Report). United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 21 September 2024. Archived from the original on September 21, 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  24. ^ "North Pacific Ocean Difax Version 7 Days". College Park, Maryland: Ocean Prediction Center. Archived from the original on September 24, 2024. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
  25. ^ "Shanghai evacuates hundreds of thousands as Typhoon Pulasan triggers heavy rainfall-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  26. ^ "Typhoon Pulasan floods Shanghai". Voice of America. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  27. ^ "China's Shanghai hit by second major typhoon in a week – DW – 09/20/2024". dw.com. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  28. ^ "Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #1 for Tropical Storm 'Helen' (Pulasan)" (PDF). PAGASA. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  29. ^ "Japan orders evacuations as heavy rains trigger floods in earthquake-hit region". Manila Standard. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  30. ^ a b c "Heavy rain triggers deadly landslides and floods in Japan". Ludlow Advertiser. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  31. ^ "【能登豪雨 更新中】孤立集落は56カ所　死者7人、行方不明2人". The Asahi Shimbun (in Japanese). 23 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  32. ^ "石川・能登地方で大雨により6人死亡10人不明　仮設住宅770棟以上が床上浸水" (in Japanese). Fuji News Network. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  33. ^ a b "One Dead, 7 Missing As Heavy Rains Trigger Floods In Central Japan". Channels TV. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  34. ^ a b "Over 900 evacuated as heavy rain floods homes, roads in southern S. Korea". Yonhap News Agency. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  35. ^ "South Korea's southern region experienced its heavy rain in 200 years and 1,500 people were evacuated". Yonhap News Agency. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  36. ^ "Over 900 evacuated as heavy rain floods homes, roads in southern South Korea". en.inform.kz. September 23, 2024. Retrieved September 23, 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tropical_Storm_Pulasan&oldid=1247498361"