A report on all that formed in 2018, with detailed season statistics and records that were achieved worldwide this year.

Compiled by Nathan Foy at Force Thirteen, December 2018, January 2019 E-mail: [email protected]

Cover photo: International Space Station image of on August 18, 2018 Below photo: GOES-16 Sandwich imagery of shortly before its on October 10, 2018. Originally sourced from Force Thirteen’s live stream output.

Contents

1. Background 3 1.1 2018 in summary 3 1.2 Pre-season predictions 4 1.3 Historical perspective 6

2. The 2018 Datasheet 9 2.1 Peak Intensities 9 2.2 Amount of and Nations Affected 12 2.3 Fatalities, Injuries, and Missing persons 17 2.4 Monetary damages 19 2.5 Buildings damaged and destroyed 21 2.6 Evacuees 22 2.7 Timeline 23

3. 2018 Storm Records 26 3.1 Intensity and Longevity 27 3.2 Activity Records 30 3.3 Landfall Records 32 3.4 and Size Records 33 3.5 Intensification Rate 34

4. Force Thirteen during 2018 35 4.1 Forecasting critique and storm coverage 36 4.2 Viewing statistics 37

5. 2018 Storm Image Gallery 39

6. Ways to contact Force Thirteen 42

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1.1. 2018 in Summary

Activity in 2018 has been well above average, with numbers approaching record levels. Sea Surface temperatures started cooler than average, but warmed relative to average through the year building into a mild El Nino event. The Pacific and North Indian Ocean behaved as expected for the prevailing conditions, all having well above average seasons. The Atlantic also exceeded the long term average, although many storms were of an unorthodox subtropical nature. This may be due to well above average mid-latitude sea surface temperatures over the Atlantic, which peaked relative to average in August.

This year saw 115 tropical cyclones, of which 106 were tropical storms, 56 of hurricane strength, and 32 of major hurricane strength. This compares to 96, 87, 41 and 21 last year, a slight change to what was reported in last year’s report due to standard reanalysis.

Water temperatures and climatological analog years suggested more activity in the central and western Pacific, as well as an active start to the 2018-19 Southern Hemisphere season.

2018 began with several significant cyclones in the southern hemisphere—Ava, Berguitta, Cebile, and Gita. The southern hemisphere fizzled out for the most part Top image: anomalies in January after Cyclone Marcus in March, which became the first 2018, versus the lower image, showing SST anomalies in Category 5 storm of the year worldwide. December 2018. The images best show the regression of the The western Pacific began mildly with the exception of La Nina and slight El Nino that developed later in the year. major Jelawat at the end of March. Otherwise, the basin only produced tropical storms until late June.

May was a fascinating month in the North Indian Ocean, featuring . The storm made landfall on the border between and , the first to make landfall in the area since 1984. Later that month, made landfall near , , as a Category 3 storm. The also sprung into life with the formation of Subtropical Storm Alberto, briefly becoming tropical as it made landfall on the Florida Panhandle.

The rest of the year was illustrated primarily with a series of intense storms in the Western Pacific, a succession of long tracking hurricanes in the Eastern Pacific, and two exceptional storms to prevent what would have been a lacklustre season in 2018.

Major activity first began in early July, when struck the coast of and islands of as a Category 3 storm, coming off from its Category 5 peak. This coincided with as it unsuccessfully bid for major status in the Atlantic, whilst the remnants of tiny were still churning. August brought Category 5 hurricane Lane which posed a major threat to , which did materialise in the form of its excessive rainfall on the Big Island. The end of the month saw Category 5 , which blew through after some weakening. September saw the biggest event of the year, when and were posing severe risks to opposing sides of the world. Mangkhut put an end to the second longest typhoon in Philippine history, by becoming the first Category 5 to make landfall on the islands since Meranti of 2016. The energy in the Western Pacific continued into October, with Category 5 Trami, Kong-Rey, and most impressively, . In the meantime, Hurricane Michael became the strongest storm of the Atlantic hurricane season when it struck the Florida Panhandle region, and reached Category 5 status in the Eastern Pacific.

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1.2. Pre-Season Predictions

North Atlantic Ocean On April 5 2018, Force Thirteen released its projection for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, suggesting near average activity (typically defined as within 20% of the long-term averages). The season produced 4 more tropical storms than the projection, a large part owing to a warm subtropical region which played a factor in the generation of Debby, Ernesto, Joyce, and Leslie. Oscar, whilst forming in the subtropics, was not such an anomalous storm as sea surface temperatures were near average during its formation. The pre-season prediction ran low by similar margins for hurricanes and major hurricanes, with the final totals for all three columns being 16, 8, and 3, according to Force Thirteen’s intensity estimates.

Key Message Verification Higher than normal chance of Hurricane conditions on the US East Coast north of Florida: Verified Enhanced risk of hurricane activity in : Did not verify Risk of hurricane activity in : Did not verify Risk of hurricane activity on Yucatan Peninsula: Did not verify High probability of “wandering” hurricanes out at sea: Verified

East Pacific Ocean On April 9 2018, Force Thirteen released its projection for the Eastern Season, also suggesting near average activity but with greater uncertainty than that of the Atlantic forecast. With the emergence of more favourable conditions later in the season, storm numbers were propelled well beyond the predictions, yielding final totals of 23, 13 and 12, not including an unclassified storm in the Central Pacific that was deemed tropical according to Force Thirteen’s analysis.

Key Message Verification Enhanced risk of hurricane landfall along the Mexican coast from western Oaxaca to : Verified Risk of HU landfall in Baja Sur: Not verified Enhanced activity entering the Central Pacific at low latitude: Verified Higher than normal chance of stronger cyclones in the Central Pacific: Verified Threat to Hawaii slightly below average: Not verified

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1.2. Pre-Season Predictions

West Pacific Ocean On April 10 2018, Force Thirteen released its projection for the , suggesting near average activity. The prevailing conditions and sea surface temperatures allowed for a lot more energy producing stronger storms than expected, with a large amount of weaker storms, accompanied by a large amount of intense storms leaving little in between. As a result, the final numbers for the year were lower than the projections for typhoons and major typhoons. The totals were 31, 13, and 9, according to Force Thirteen’s intensity estimates.

Key Message Verification 50% chance of a Category 4+ landfall in the Philippine islands: Verified 80% chance of typhoon landfall in and , China: Verified 85% chance of typhoon conditions in northern Taiwan and southern Japan: Verified Lower than usual typhoon risk in China north of , and in : Not verified 80% chance of super typhoons east of 140 degrees east: Verified 40% chance of Central Pacific hurricanes entering basin: Not Verified

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1.3. Historical Perspective

With 106 total storms, 2018 ends with a near-record high total. The 1960-2018 average now stands at 91.4. Due to lack of satellite imagery, years prior to the 1960s are not typically included in the data, how- ever, since the data is readily available, the 1884-2018 chart has also been included below the 1960-2018 chart. The historical numbers are slightly different compared to last year due to ongoing reanalysis.

120

106

100 Average

80

Cat 5 Cat 4 60 Cat 3 Cat 2 Cat 1

Annual stormAnnual totals worldwide TS 40

20

0

1960 1961 1963 1964 1965 1968 1969 1972 1973 1974 1976 1977 1978 1980 1981 1982 1985 1986 1989 1990 1991 1993 1994 1995 1998 1999 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2015 2016 1962 1966 1967 1970 1971 1975 1979 1983 1984 1987 1988 1992 1996 1997 2000 2001 2005 2009 2013 2014 2017 2018 Year

120

100

80 Cat 5 Cat 4 60 Cat 3

40 Cat 2 Cat 1

Annual stormAnnual totals worldwide 20 TS

0

1884 1894 1949 1959 1969 1889 1899 1904 1909 1914 1919 1924 1929 1934 1939 1944 1954 1964 1974 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 Year

In 1884, only ship and land reports existed resulting in the lower numbers reported. These numbers gradually increased as shipping lanes handled more traffic in storm prone areas and communications were improved. Aircraft first intercepted cyclones in the 1940s, coinciding with a slight increase in numbers, possibly due to the beginning of air patrols after the war. Polar orbiting satellites started operating in the 1960s but often had gaps in their coverage, until geostationary satellites covered the Atlantic and Pacific by the mid 1970s. Since then, numbers have stabilised and have generally been on a slight downward trend overall.

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The following chart shows the trend with number of tropical depressions, storms, hurricanes, majors, and Category 5 storms. In the early years of satellite imagery, more tropical depressions were recognised, potentially due to the lack of quality of the images and more stringent criteria in place today. The reverse effect is likely true for the stronger storms, with primitive satellite imagery failing to detect or sufficiently justify a more intense storm. Until the late 1970s, satellite imagery was vastly inferior to reconnaissance planes in estimating a mature storm’s intensity.

160

140 Tropical Depressions 120 Tropical Storms Hurricanes 100 Major Hurricanes 80 Category 5 Linear (Tropical Depressions) 60 Linear (Tropical Storms) 40 Linear (Hurricanes) Linear (Major Hurricanes) 20 Linear (Category 5)

0

1966 1981 1996 2011 1960 1963 1969 1972 1975 1978 1984 1987 1990 1993 1999 2002 2005 2008 2014 2017

Rank Year Tropical Storms Hurricanes Major Hurricanes Category 5 2005 133 109 55 28 10 1970 146 106 38 17 5 1971 142 106 65 22 6 2018 115 106 56 32 12 1985 107 105 56 27 2 1974 130 103 40 13 0 1990 114 102 64 23 5 1992 111 102 59 37 8 1994 109 102 52 30 6 1996 114 100 58 26 4 1964 126 99 52 23 6 1984 115 99 56 22 2 2015 115 99 55 39 10 1967 140 97 54 16 4 1989 111 97 60 25 7 2006 118 97 49 29 7 1973 123 96 45 12 3 2000 118 96 48 22 4 1997 104 94 61 31 13 2013 112 94 45 20 6 1966 129 93 47 14 2 2008 112 93 40 25 1 2012 110 93 49 25 3 1963 117 92 44 19 2 1968 125 92 49 18 4 1978 120 92 50 19 1 1986 102 92 55 21 3 2001 114 92 51 24 2 1958 116 91 44 21 8 1965 125 91 39 17 8 1972 121 91 61 24 2 1981 109 91 52 16 3 1982 103 91 50 24 3 2003 99 91 54 26 6 1970-2010 Avg 91 50 23 4 1980 110 90 50 26 3 2009 125 90 40 21 5 1960-2000 Avg 90 41 30 4 1975 132 89 46 19 3 2007 104 89 48 22 5 1987 96 88 44 18 5 2004 114 88 49 30 7 2016 94 88 47 25 8

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The following chart shows storm numbers by basin per year since 1949. The Western Pacific has seen the most activity each year apart from 1983, 2005 and 2015. The basins shown are the North Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, Western Pacific, North Indian Ocean, South West Indian Ocean, Australian Region, South Pacific, and /South Atlantic.

60

50 NA

40 EP WP 30 NI SW 20 AU

10 SP M/SA

0

1973 1988 2003 2018 1949 1952 1955 1958 1961 1964 1967 1970 1976 1979 1982 1985 1991 1994 1997 2000 2006 2009 2012 2015

Additionally, this year we have provided landfall statistics for the preceding 64 years. A landfall is defined as the point in which the center of a cyclone moves over a landmass—this still applies when an eye is present, although some agencies define a landfall as the edge of the eye moving over land. An incidence of the storm’s eyewall making landfall is usually defined as a direct hit.

Worldwide Landfalls by intensity per year 120

100

80

Category 5

60 Major Hurricanes Hurricanes Tropical Storms

40

20

0 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018

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2. The 2018 Datasheet

Since 2014, we have compiled datasheets showing all the storms of the year based on several criteria. This provides easy access to particular records about storms that occurred this year. The columns, reading from left to right, show: The storm name, basin of formation, date of formation (year, month, day), date of dissipation (year, month, day), Peak intensity in miles per hour, lowest central pressure in millibars, and Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale Category.

Year MF DF MD DD Name Wind mph Press mb SSHS 2018 10 21 11 1 W. Pacific Yutu 185 891 5 2018 9 28 10 6 W. Pacific Kong-rey 180 905 5 2018 9 7 9 18 W. Pacific Mangkhut 175 898 5 2018 3 15 3 24 Australia Marcus 165 910 5 2018 7 2 7 12 W. Pacific Maria 165 910 5 2018 8 27 9 4 W. Pacific Jebi 165 914 5 2018 9 20 9 30 W. Pacific Trami 160 912 5 2018 10 7 10 12 N. Atlantic Michael 160 917 5 2018 9 29 10 6 E. Pacific Walaka 160 920 5 2018 8 15 8 28 E. Pacific Lane 160 922 5 2018 10 20 10 24 E. Pacific Willa 160 925 5 2018 12 19 12 24 S. Indian Cilida 160 925 5 2018 9 25 10 2 E. Pacific Rosa 155 933 4 2018 8 28 9 9 E. Pacific Norman 155 935 4 2018 7 31 8 15 E. Pacific-I Hector 155 936 4 2018 12 15 12 25 Australia Kenanga 140 930 4 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 140 930 4 2018 3 24 3 31 W. Pacific Jelawat 140 930 4 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 140 940 4 2018 1 27 2 7 S. Indian Cebile 140 942 4 2018 6 6 6 11 E. Pacific Aletta 140 943 4 2018 6 9 6 15 E. Pacific Bud 130 946 4 2018 9 29 10 12 E. Pacific Sergio 130 946 4 2018 9 1 9 27 E. Pacific Olivia 130 948 4 2018 1 12 1 19 S. Indian Berguitta 120 940 3 2018 8 15 8 24 W. Pacific Soulik 120 947 3 2018 8 17 8 23 W. Pacific Cimaron 120 948 3 2018 3 6 3 10 S. Pacific Hola 120 952 3 2018 3 2 3 6 S. Indian Dumazile 115 945 3 2018 5 22 5 27 N. Indian Mekunu 115 960 3 2018 9 7 9 16 N. Atlantic Helene 115 964 3 2018 11 6 11 14 S. Indian Alcide 115 965 3 2018 1 6 1 10 Australia Irving 110 963 2 2018 6 30 7 6 E. Pacific Fabio 110 964 2 2018 1 2 1 9 S. Indian Ava 110 965 2 2018 7 6 7 12 N. Atlantic Chris 110 967 2 2018 11 20 11 27 W. Pacific Man-yi 105 956 2 2018 3 22 3 25 Australia Nora 105 960 2 2018 10 27 10 31 N. Atlantic Oscar 105 970 2 2018 10 9 10 11 N. Indian Titli 105 970 2 2018 7 23 8 3 W. Pacific Jongdari 100 960 2 2018 4 8 4 10 S. Pacific Keni 100 970 2 2018 8 5 8 10 E. Pacific John 100 971 2 2018 8 26 9 2 E. Pacific Miriam 100 974 2 2018 6 28 7 4 W. Pacific Prapiroon 90 960 1 2018 9 23 10 13 N. Atlantic Leslie 90 969 1 2018 8 2 8 9 W. Pacific Shanshan 90 970 1

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2. The 2018 Datasheet

2018 12 2 12 19 Australia Owen 85 968 1 2018 10 8 10 14 N. Indian Luban 85 975 1 2018 11 10 11 18 N. Indian Gaja 85 992 1 2018 2 16 2 20 Australia Kelvin 80 978 1 2018 11 18 11 26 W. Pacific Usagi 80 978 1 2018 7 5 7 15 N. Atlantic Beryl 80 991 1 2018 4 23 4 24 S. Indian Fakir 75 978 1 2018 7 21 7 26 W. Pacific Wukong 75 988 1 2018 9 7 9 15 N. Atlantic Isaac 75 993 1 2018 6 8 6 11 W. Pacific Maliksi 70 976 TS 2018 3 15 3 19 S. Indian Eliakim 70 980 TS 2018 7 18 7 24 W. Pacific Ampil 70 985 TS 2018 4 28 5 1 Australia Flamboyan 70 986 TS 2018 7 15 7 24 W. Pacific Son-Tinh 70 988 TS 2018 8 7 8 11 E. Pacific Kristy 70 991 TS 2018 12 15 12 17 N. Indian Phethai 70 993 TS 2018 9 3 9 5 N. Atlantic Gordon 70 997 TS 2018 8 6 8 13 W. Pacific Yagi 65 989 TS 2018 5 25 5 29 N. Atlantic Alberto 65 990 TS 2018 10 14 10 17 E. Pacific Tara 65 995 TS 2018 10 9 10 12 N. Atlantic Nadine 65 997 TS 2018 8 4 8 7 E. Pacific Ileana 65 998 TS 2018 1 11 1 14 Australia Joyce 60 980 TS 2018 8 12 8 17 W. Pacific Bebinca 60 985 TS 2018 8 15 8 18 W. Pacific Rumbia 60 985 TS 2018 1 28 1 30 S. Pacific Fehi 60 986 TS 2018 11 10 11 19 Australia Bouchra 60 990 TS 2018 6 14 6 17 W. Pacific Gaemi 60 990 TS 2018 9 27 9 29 Mediterranean 01M 60 992 TS 2018 5 16 5 20 N. Indian Sagar 60 994 TS 2018 8 11 8 15 W. Pacific Leepi 60 994 TS 2018 6 27 7 1 E. Pacific Emilia 60 997 TS 2018 9 22 9 28 N. Atlantic Kirk 60 998 TS 2018 11 2 11 5 E. Pacific Xavier 60 999 TS 2018 3 12 3 13 Australia Linda 50 993 TS 2018 3 24 4 5 S. Pacific Iris 50 993 TS 2018 3 30 4 3 S. Pacific Josie 50 993 TS 2018 9 26 10 1 S. Pacific Liua 50 994 TS 2018 9 12 9 18 N. Atlantic Joyce 50 997 TS 2018 9 9 9 13 W. Pacific Barijat 50 998 TS 2018 6 2 6 8 W. Pacific Ewiniar 50 998 TS 2018 6 14 6 18 E. Pacific Carlotta 50 999 TS 2018 2 10 2 14 W. Pacific Sanba 50 999 TS 2018 8 7 8 9 N. Atlantic Debby 50 1000 TS 2018 10 19 10 23 E. Pacific Vicente 50 1002 TS 2018 9 15 9 18 S. Indian 01S 50 1004 TS 2018 9 19 9 22 N. Indian Daye 45 992 TS

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2. The 2018 Datasheet 2018 9 1 9 2 E. Pacific 96C 45 998 TS 2018 8 15 8 19 N. Atlantic Ernesto 45 999 TS 2018 9 8 9 12 E. Pacific Paul 45 1002 TS 2018 6 24 6 26 E. Pacific Daniel 45 1003 TS 2018 11 17 11 18 W. Pacific Toraji 45 1004 TS 2018 7 26 7 29 E. Pacific Gilma 45 1005 TS 2018 5 28 5 30 N. Indian 03B 40 990 TS 2018 7 20 7 23 W. Pacific 13W 40 995 TS 2018 12 31 Australia Penny 40 996 TS 2018 5 12 5 13 W. Pacific 04W 40 997 TS 2018 5 7 5 9 S. Pacific STS 1 40 1000 SS 2018 1 1 1 4 W. Pacific Bolaven 40 1002 TS 2018 8 23 8 25 W. Pacific 24W 35 996 TD 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 35 998 TD 2018 7 30 8 2 W. Pacific 16W 35 1000 TD 2018 12 31 W. Pacific 36W 35 1000 TD 2018 9 19 9 20 E. Pacific Nineteen-E 35 1002 TD 2018 7 26 7 27 E. Pacific Nine-E 35 1007 TD 2018 5 10 5 11 E. Pacific One-E 35 1007 TD 2018 9 22 9 23 N. Atlantic 11 35 1007 TD 2018 1 17 1 17 S. Pacific TD 35 1010 TD These intensity values are based upon existing information and our own analysis and is correct to our best estimations as of January 4, 2019. However, TD 36W and Cyclone Penny survived into 2019, and only the peak intensity attained in 2018 is shown in the table. Many storms have their intensities measured by satellites alone, unless they make landfall or is intercepted by a reconnaissance plane. Thus, most typhoons and southern hemisphere cyclones at peak intensity are merely estimates and may be higher or lower.

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2.2. Storms listed by amount of landfalls

Only storms that made landfalls are shown below.

Formed Dissipated Name Basin M D M D Landfalls

Usagi W. Pacific 11 18 11 26 5

Son-Tinh W. Pacific 7 15 7 24 5 35W W. Pacific 12 24 12 29 5 Owen Australia 12 2 12 19 3 Mangkhut W. Pacific 9 7 9 18 3 Maria W. Pacific 7 2 7 12 3 Bolaven W. Pacific 1 1 1 4 3 Marcus Australia 3 15 3 24 2 Gordon N. Atlantic 9 3 9 5 2 Yutu W. Pacific 10 21 11 1 2 Jebi W. Pacific 8 27 9 4 2 Trami W. Pacific 9 20 9 30 2 Cimaron W. Pacific 8 17 8 23 2 Jongdari W. Pacific 7 23 8 3 2 Ampil W. Pacific 7 18 7 24 2 Bebinca W. Pacific 8 12 8 17 2 Barijat W. Pacific 9 9 9 13 2 Ewiniar W. Pacific 6 2 6 8 2 Sanba W. Pacific 2 10 2 14 2 Toraji W. Pacific 11 17 11 18 2 Nora Australia 3 22 3 25 1 Kelvin Australia 2 16 2 20 1 Joyce Australia 1 11 1 14 1 Willa E. Pacific 10 20 10 24 1 Rosa E. Pacific 9 25 10 2 1 Bud E. Pacific 6 9 6 15 1 Sergio E. Pacific 9 29 10 12 1 Olivia E. Pacific 9 1 9 27 1 Nineteen-E E. Pacific 9 19 9 20 1 Michael N. Atlantic 10 7 10 12 1 Florence N. Atlantic 8 31 9 16 1 Alberto N. Atlantic 5 25 5 29 1 Mekunu N. Indian 5 22 5 27 1

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2.2. Storms listed by amount of landfalls (continued)

Only storms that made landfalls are shown below.

Formed Dissipated Name Basin M D M D Landfalls

Titli N. Indian 10 9 10 11 1

Luban N. Indian 10 8 10 14 1 Gaja N. Indian 11 10 11 18 1 Phethai N. Indian 12 15 12 17 1 Sagar N. Indian 5 16 5 20 1 Daye N. Indian 9 19 9 22 1 03B N. Indian 5 28 5 30 1 Ava S. Indian 1 2 1 9 1 Eliakim S. Indian 3 15 3 19 1 Keni S. Pacific 4 8 4 10 1 Kong-rey W. Pacific 9 28 10 6 1 Soulik W. Pacific 8 15 8 24 1 Man-yi W. Pacific 11 20 11 27 1 Yagi W. Pacific 8 6 8 13 1 Rumbia W. Pacific 8 15 8 18 1 Gaemi W. Pacific 6 14 6 17 1 Leepi W. Pacific 8 11 8 15 1 13W W. Pacific 7 20 7 23 1 24W W. Pacific 8 23 8 25 1

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2.3 Storms listed by countries affected

Only storms that affected land are shown below. A storm doesn’t have to make landfall to affect land. A landfall occurs when the center of the eye or the center of circulation crosses over land, not if the peripheral or even central core of the storm moves over land.

Formed Dissipated Name Basin M D M D Countries

Mangkhut W. Pacific 9 7 9 18 5 Gita S. Pacific 2 9 2 18 5 Son-Tinh W. Pacific 7 15 7 24 3 Maria W. Pacific 7 2 7 12 3 Bebinca W. Pacific 8 12 8 17 3 Sagar N. Indian 5 16 5 20 3 Kirk N. Atlantic 9 22 9 28 3 Fakir S. Indian 4 23 4 24 3 Usagi W. Pacific 11 18 11 26 2 Owen Australia 10 20 10 24 2 Yutu W. Pacific 10 21 11 1 2 Jebi W. Pacific 8 27 9 4 2 Trami W. Pacific 9 20 9 30 2 Jongdari W. Pacific 7 23 8 3 2 Ampil W. Pacific 7 18 7 24 2 Barijat W. Pacific 9 9 9 13 2 Sanba W. Pacific 2 10 2 14 2 Toraji W. Pacific 11 17 11 18 2 Michael N. Atlantic 10 7 10 12 2 Florence N. Atlantic 8 31 9 16 2 Alberto N. Atlantic 5 25 5 29 2 Mekunu N. Indian 5 22 5 27 2 Gaja N. Indian 11 10 11 18 2 Kong-rey W. Pacific 9 28 10 6 2 Soulik W. Pacific 8 15 8 24 2 Yagi W. Pacific 8 6 8 13 2 Rumbia W. Pacific 8 15 8 18 2 Gaemi W. Pacific 6 14 6 17 2 13W W. Pacific 7 20 7 23 2 Helene N. Atlantic 9 7 9 16 2 Beryl N. Atlantic 7 5 7 15 2 Isaac N. Atlantic 9 7 9 15 2

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2.3 Storms listed by countries affected (continued)

Formed Dissipated Name Basin M D M D Countries

Hola S. Pacific 3 6 3 10 2 Prapiroon W. Pacific 6 28 7 4 2 35W W. Pacific 12 24 12 29 1 Bolaven W. Pacific 1 1 1 4 1 Marcus Australia 3 15 3 24 1 Gordon N. Atlantic 9 3 9 5 1 Cimaron W. Pacific 8 17 8 23 1 Ewiniar W. Pacific 6 2 6 8 1 Nora Australia 3 22 3 25 1 Kelvin Australia 2 16 2 20 1 Joyce Australia 1 11 1 14 1 Willa E. Pacific 10 20 10 24 1 Rosa E. Pacific 9 25 10 2 1 Bud E. Pacific 6 9 6 15 1 Sergio E. Pacific 9 29 10 12 1 Olivia E. Pacific 9 1 9 27 1 Nineteen-E E. Pacific 9 19 9 20 1 Titli N. Indian 10 9 10 11 1 Luban N. Indian 10 8 10 14 1 Phethai N. Indian 12 15 12 17 1 Daye N. Indian 9 19 9 22 1 03B N. Indian 5 28 5 30 1 Ava S. Indian 1 2 1 9 1 Eliakim S. Indian 3 15 3 19 1 Keni S. Pacific 4 8 4 10 1 Man-yi W. Pacific 11 20 11 27 1 Leepi W. Pacific 8 11 8 15 1 24W W. Pacific 8 23 8 25 1 Linda Australia 3 12 3 13 1 Penny Australia 12 31 1 Lane E. Pacific 8 15 8 28 1 Ileana E. Pacific 8 4 8 7 1 Carlotta E. Pacific 6 14 6 18 1 Chris N. Atlantic 7 6 7 12 1

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2.3 Storms listed by countries affected (continued)

Formed Dissipated Name Basin M D M D Countries Leslie N. Atlantic 9 23 10 13 1 Cilida S. Indian 12 19 12 24 1 Berguitta S. Indian 1 12 1 19 1 Dumazile S. Indian 3 2 3 6 1 Alcide S. Indian 11 6 11 14 1 Fehi S. Pacific 1 28 1 30 1 Josie S. Pacific 3 30 4 3 1 Shanshan W. Pacific 8 2 8 9 1

Image: Himawari-8 image of Cyclone Gita in February 2018. The Category 4 storm affected a multitude of southern Pacific islands, with Tonga seeing the worst conditions.

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2.3. Storms listed by death toll

Only storms that caused fatalities are listed below. Unconfirmed reports and missing persons are not counted towards these totals. Information is correct as of January 7, 2019.

Year MF DF MD DD Name Fatalities 2018 9 7 9 18 W. Pacific Mangkhut 249 2018 7 15 7 24 W. Pacific Son-Tinh 210 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 152 2018 8 15 8 18 W. Pacific Rumbia 110 2018 8 15 8 24 W. Pacific Soulik 86 2018 10 9 10 11 N. Indian Titli 85 2018 5 16 5 20 N. Indian Sagar 78 2018 1 2 1 9 S. Indian Ava 73 2018 11 10 11 18 N. Indian Gaja 64 2018 10 7 10 12 N. Atlantic Michael 60 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 44 2018 5 22 5 27 N. Indian Mekunu 31 2018 10 8 10 14 N. Indian Luban 24 2018 10 21 11 1 W. Pacific Yutu 22 2018 11 17 11 18 W. Pacific Toraji 19 2018 8 27 9 4 W. Pacific Jebi 17 2018 9 23 10 13 N. Atlantic Leslie 16 2018 7 20 7 23 W. Pacific 13W 16 2018 2 10 2 14 W. Pacific Sanba 14 2018 6 2 6 8 W. Pacific Ewiniar 13 2018 9 19 9 20 E. Pacific Nineteen-E 9 2018 8 12 8 17 W. Pacific Bebinca 6 2018 8 23 8 25 W. Pacific 24W 6 2018 8 6 8 13 W. Pacific Yagi 5 2018 9 3 9 5 N. Atlantic Gordon 4 2018 8 4 8 7 E. Pacific Ileana 4 2018 9 28 10 6 W. Pacific Kong-rey 3 2018 3 6 3 10 S. Pacific Hola 3 2018 9 7 9 16 N. Atlantic Helene 3 2018 11 18 11 26 W. Pacific Usagi 3 2018 12 15 12 17 N. Indian Phethai 3 2018 6 14 6 17 W. Pacific Gaemi 3 2018 1 1 1 4 W. Pacific Bolaven 3 2018 9 25 10 2 E. Pacific Rosa 2 2018 6 8 6 11 W. Pacific Maliksi 2 2018 8 15 8 28 E. Pacific Lane 1 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 1 2018 7 6 7 12 N. Atlantic Chris 1 2018 6 28 7 4 W. Pacific Prapiroon 1 2018 7 18 7 24 W. Pacific Ampil 1

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Storms listed by injured persons

Only storms that caused injuries are listed below. Unconfirmed reports are not counted towards these totals. Due to scarcity of information for some storms, this information may not reflect the true situation, however of the storms we do have injury information on, it is likely to be accurate. Values listed in italics are estimated numbers. Information is assumed correct as of January 4, 2019. Year MF DF MD DD Name Injured 2018 8 27 9 4 W. Pacific Jebi 600 2018 9 7 9 18 W. Pacific Mangkhut 242 2018 10 21 11 1 W. Pacific Yutu 133 2018 10 8 10 14 N. Indian Luban 124 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 60 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 41 2018 9 23 10 13 N. Atlantic Leslie 28 2018 7 23 8 3 W. Pacific Jongdari 24 2018 5 22 5 27 N. Indian Mekunu 20 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 3 2018 3 6 3 10 S. Pacific Hola 2

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2.4. Storms listed by monetary damages

Only storms that caused monetary damages are listed below. Unconfirmed numbers are not counted to- wards these totals. Information is assumed correct as of January 7, 2019. Year MF DF MD DD Name Damage $m 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 18400 2018 10 7 10 12 N. Atlantic Michael 16105 2018 8 15 8 18 W. Pacific Rumbia 8640 2018 9 7 9 18 W. Pacific Mangkhut 3743 2018 8 27 9 4 W. Pacific Jebi 3397 2018 10 8 10 14 N. Indian Luban 1000 2018 10 9 10 11 N. Indian Titli 920 2018 6 2 6 8 W. Pacific Ewiniar 812 2018 7 2 7 12 W. Pacific Maria 711 2018 8 6 8 13 W. Pacific Yagi 386 2018 8 12 8 17 W. Pacific Bebinca 367 2018 9 29 10 12 E. Pacific Sergio 352 2018 9 23 10 13 N. Atlantic Leslie 347 2018 5 22 5 27 N. Indian Mekunu 281 2018 7 15 7 24 W. Pacific Son-Tinh 256 2018 7 18 7 24 W. Pacific Ampil 241 2018 10 21 11 1 W. Pacific Yutu 198 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 187 2018 5 25 5 29 N. Atlantic Alberto 175 2018 9 28 10 6 W. Pacific Kong-rey 172 2018 9 20 9 30 W. Pacific Trami 97 2018 7 20 7 23 W. Pacific 13W 87 2018 8 15 8 24 W. Pacific Soulik 84.5 2018 7 23 8 3 W. Pacific Jongdari 76 2018 3 15 3 24 Australia Marcus 75 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 81.1* 2018 9 19 9 20 E. Pacific Nineteen-E 44 2018 12 15 12 17 N. Indian Phethai 34 2018 8 17 8 23 W. Pacific Cimaron 30.6 2018 5 16 5 20 N. Indian Sagar 30 2018 7 5 7 15 N. Atlantic Beryl 22 2018 11 17 11 18 W. Pacific Toraji 17 2018 11 18 11 26 W. Pacific Usagi 16 2018 2 16 2 20 Australia Kelvin 16 2018 8 15 8 28 E. Pacific Lane 15 2018 8 23 8 25 W. Pacific 24W 12.1 2018 1 1 1 4 W. Pacific Bolaven 11.1 2018 9 9 9 13 W. Pacific Barijat 7.3 2018 1 28 1 30 S. Pacific Fehi 5 2018 3 30 4 3 S. Pacific Josie 5 2018 2 10 2 14 W. Pacific Sanba 3.2 2018 6 14 6 17 W. Pacific Gaemi 0.764 2018 9 25 10 2 E. Pacific Rosa 0.531 2018 6 28 7 4 W. Pacific Prapiroon 0.446 2018 8 2 8 9 W. Pacific Shanshan 0.132

*Latest number, the ordering hasn’t yet updated in the table

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2.5. Storms listed by buildings damaged

Only storms that caused building damages are listed below. Unconfirmed numbers are not counted towards these totals. Due to scarcity of information for some storms, this information may not reflect the true situation. Information is assumed correct as of January 7, 2019. Year MF DF MD DD Name No. damaged 2018 9 19 9 20 E. Pacific Nineteen-E 300000 2018 8 15 8 18 W. Pacific Rumbia 51133 2018 5 16 5 20 N. Indian Sagar 11041 2018 5 25 5 29 N. Atlantic Alberto 5218 2018 10 7 10 12 N. Atlantic Michael 3260 2018 7 5 7 15 N. Atlantic Beryl 2287 2018 10 8 10 14 N. Indian Luban 2265 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 8798* 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 1797 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 1157 2018 7 15 7 24 W. Pacific Son-Tinh 514 2018 1 1 1 4 W. Pacific Bolaven 200 2018 8 15 8 28 E. Pacific Lane 156 2018 8 4 8 7 E. Pacific Ileana 33 Storms listed by buildings destroyed

Only storms that caused building destruction are listed below. Unconfirmed numbers are not counted towards these totals. Due to scarcity of information for some storms, this information may not reflect the true situation. Information is assumed correct as of January 7, 2019. Year MF DF MD DD Name No. destroyed 2018 8 15 8 18 W. Pacific Rumbia 25523 2018 7 15 7 24 W. Pacific Son-Tinh 6775 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 1674 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 181 2018 5 16 5 20 N. Indian Sagar 150 2018 8 15 8 28 E. Pacific Lane 24 2018 10 7 10 12 N. Atlantic Michael 9 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 3 2018 8 4 8 7 E. Pacific Ileana 1 2018 7 6 7 12 N. Atlantic Chris 1

*Latest number, the ordering hasn’t yet updated in the table

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2.6. Storms listed by evacuees

Only storms that caused known evacuations are listed below. Unconfirmed numbers are not counted towards these totals. Due to scarcity of information for many storms, this information may not reflect the true situation. Information is assumed correct as of January 4, 2019. Year MF DF MD DD Name Evacuees 2018 9 7 9 18 W. Pacific Mangkhut 2851219 2018 8 31 9 16 N. Atlantic Florence 1356000 2018 12 24 12 29 W. Pacific 35W 146052 2018 8 15 8 18 W. Pacific Rumbia 80000 2018 11 10 11 18 N. Indian Gaja 80000 2018 5 25 5 29 N. Atlantic Alberto 40000 2018 7 15 7 24 W. Pacific Son-Tinh 28600 2018 9 19 9 20 E. Pacific Nineteen-E 16000 2018 5 22 5 27 N. Indian Mekunu 3000 2018 10 7 10 12 N. Atlantic Michael 1415 2018 8 15 8 28 E. Pacific Lane 600 2018 9 29 10 12 E. Pacific Sergio 400 2018 2 9 2 18 S. Pacific Gita 233 2018 1 1 1 4 W. Pacific Bolaven 132 2018 9 25 10 2 E. Pacific Rosa 117

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2.7. 2018 Storm Timeline

Below shows the progression at six-hourly intervals of worldwide tropical cyclone activity in 2018. All intensity categories are in correspondence with the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Tropical Depression Category 1 Category 3 Category 5 Tropical Storm Category 2 Category 4 Remnant/Low

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2018 Storm Timeline

Tropical Depression Category 1 Category 3 Category 5 Tropical Storm Category 2 Category 4 Remnant/Low

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2018 Storm Timeline

Tropical Depression Category 1 Category 3 Category 5 Tropical Storm Category 2 Category 4 Remnant/Low

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2018 Storm Timeline

Tropical Depression Category 1 Category 3 Category 5 Tropical Storm Category 2 Category 4 Remnant/Low

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3. 2018 Records

Image: Force Thirteen enhanced image of Hurricane Florence in the Atlantic, captured by the International Space Station. The of are visible in the lower left of the image.

Intensity and Longevity Records

The next page will show all the records set in 2018 for intensity and longevity. In the records section of this report, all storms that set their record in 2018 will be counted as part of this year’s records, even if they formed or dissipated in a different calendar year. If a storm’s record encompasses multiple years (as could be seen in longevity records, for instance), the record will be counted towards both years.

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3.1. Intensity and Longevity Records

Most intense central pressures Strongest Wind Speeds World World 1. Typhoon Yutu 891mb 1. Typhoon Yutu 185mph 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 898mb 2. Typhoon Kong-Rey 180mph 3. Typhoon Kong-Rey 905mb 3. Typhoon Mangkhut 175mph Atlantic Atlantic 1. Hurricane Michael 917mb 1. Hurricane Michael 160mph 2. Hurricane Florence 940mb 2. Hurricane Florence 140mph 3. Hurricane Helene 964mb 3. Hurricane Helene 115mph Eastern Pacific (includes Central) Eastern Pacific (includes Central) 1. 920mb 1. Hurricane Walaka 160mph 2. Hurricane Lane 922mb =. Hurricane Lane 160mph 3. Hurricane Willa 925mb =. Hurricane Willa 160mph Western Pacific Western Pacific 1. Typhoon Yutu 891mb 1. Typhoon Yutu 185mph 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 898mb 2. Typhoon Kong-Rey 180mph 3. Typhoon Kong-Rey 905mb 3. Typhoon Mangkhut 175mph North Indian Ocean North Indian Ocean 1. Cyclone Mekunu 960mb 1. Cyclone Mekunu 115mph 2. 970mb 2. Cyclone Titli 105mph 3. 975mb 3. Cyclone Luban 85mph South Indian Ocean South Indian Ocean 1. Cyclone Marcus 910mb 1. Cyclone Marcus 165mph 2. Cyclone Cilida 925mb 2. Cyclone Cilida 160mph 3. Cyclone Kenanga 930mb 3. Cyclone Kenanga 140mph South Pacific Ocean =. Cyclone Cebile 140mph 1. Cyclone Gita 930mb South Pacific Ocean 2. Cyclone Hola 952mb 1. Cyclone Gita 140mph 3. Cyclone Keni 970mb 2. Cyclone Hola 120mph 3. Cyclone Keni 100mph

Most intense Category 4 storms Strongest 24 hour average wind World World 1. Cyclone Kenanga 930mb 1. Typhoon Yutu 171mph =. Cyclone Gita 930mb 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 170mph =. Typhoon Jelawat 930mb =. Typhooon Kong-Rey 170mph

Most intense Category 3 storms Most Intense 24 hour average air pressure World World 1. 940mb 1. Typhoon Yutu 900mb 2. 945mb 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 902mb 3. 947mb 3. Typhoon Kong-Rey 908mb

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3.1. Intensity and Longevity Records (continued)

Longest duration as a tropical storm or stronger Longest duration as a Category 5 storm World World 1. 402 hours 1. Typhoon Mangkhut 84 hours 2. Hurricane Florence 354 hours 2. Typhoon Kong-Rey 30 hours 3. 324 hours 3. Typhoon Yutu 24 hours =. Typhoon Jebi 24 hours Atlantic 1. Hurricane Leslie 402 hours Atlantic 2. Hurricane Florence 354 hours 1. Hurricane Michael 6 hours 3. Hurricane Helene 198 hours Eastern Pacific (includes Central) Eastern Pacific (includes Central) 1. Hurricane Sergio 324 hours 1. Hurricane Willa 12 hours 2. Hurricane Lane 270 hours 2. Hurricane Walaka 6 hours 3. 252 hours =. Hurricane Lane 6 hours Western Pacific 1. Typhoon Yutu 252 hours Western Pacific 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 216 hours 1. Typhoon Mangkhut 84 hours =. 216 hours 2. Typhoon Kong-Rey 30 hours North Indian Ocean 3. Typhoon Yutu 24 hours 1. 198 hours =. Typhoon Jebi 24 hours 2. Cyclone Luban 156 hours 3. Cyclone Mekunu 114 hours North Indian Ocean South Indian Ocean None 1. Cyclone Cebile 276 hours 2. Cyclone Marcus 186 hours South Indian Ocean 3. Cyclone Berguitta 156 hours 1. Cyclone Marcus 18 hours South Pacific Ocean 2. Cyclone Cilida 6 hours 1. Cyclone Gita 228 hours 2. Cyclone Hola 96 hours South Pacific Ocean 3. Cyclone Iris 84 hours None

Longest duration at sub-900mb Longest duration at Category 4 or stronger World World 1. Typhoon Yutu 12 hours 1. Typhoon Yutu 108 hours 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 6 hours 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 102 hours 3. Hurricane Lane 84 hours

Longest duration at sub-920mb Longest duration at Category 1 or stronger World World 1. Typhoon Mangkhut 84 hours 1. 252 hours 2. Typhoon Yutu 48 hours 2. 204 hours 3. Typhoon Kong-Rey 42 hours 3. Multiple storms 192 hours

Longest duration at Category 4 without strengthening Longest duration at Category 3 without strengthening World World 1. Hurricane Hector 60 hours 1. Typhoon Soulik 48 hours 2. Hurricane Florence 54 hours 2. Cyclone Alcide 18 hours 3. Cyclone Cebile 48 hours 3. Multiple storms 12 hours

Longest duration at Category 2 without strengthening Longest duration at Category 1 without strengthening World World 1. Hurricane Fabio 30 hours 1. Hurricane Leslie 132 hours =. Typhoon Man-yi 30 hours 2. 84 hours 3. Multiple storms 24 hours 3. 48 hours

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3.1. Intensity and Longevity Records (continued)

Longest duration at Tropical Storm w/o strengthening World 1. Tropical Storm Flamboyan 138 hours =. Tropical Storm Bouchra 138 hours 3. Multiple storms 114 hours

Shortest Cyclone Duration Longest Cyclone Duration World World 1. Tropical Depression 36W 18 hours 1. Hurricane Leslie 414 hours 2. Tropical Storm Toraji 24 hours 2. Hurricane Florence 396 hours =. Tropical Depression 19-E 24 hours 3. Hurricane Hector 348 hours

Average minimum central pressure by basin

1. South Indian 960mb 5. South Pacific 981mb 2. Australian Region 969mb 6. North Atlantic 981mb 3. Western Pacific 970mb 7. North Indian 983mb 4. Eastern Pacific 973mb

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3.2. Activity Records

Most tropical storms or stronger Most Tropical Storms or stronger active simultaneously active in a 30-day period World World 1. Seven, on September 10 1. Twenty, from September 1-October 1 2. Six, on September 11-12 2. Nineteen, from August 5-September 4 =. Six, on October 9-11 3. Eighteen, from September 8-October 8

Atlantic Four, on September 14

Eastern Pacific (includes Central) Four, on August 7

Western Pacific Two, on July 4, 23, 24-25, August 8-9, 11-12, 13- 14, 16-17, 18-23, September 10-12, and November 22-24

North Indian Ocean Two, on October 8-14

South Indian Ocean Two, on January 6, March 14, 19, 22-25, and December 19-21

South Pacific Ocean One

Most hurricanes active simultaneously World 1. Five, on September 10 2. Four, on September 9, October 3-4, and 10-11

Most Category 3 storms active simultaneously World 1. Three, on September 11 and October 2-3

Most Category 4 storms active simultaneously World 1. Two, on multiple occasions

Most consecutive days with a tropical Most consecutive days with two tropical storm active storms active World World 1. Forty-eight, from August 1-September 17 1. Twenty-one, from August 3-24 2. Thirty-one, from October 19-November 19 =. Twenty-one, from August 27-September 16 3. Twenty-six, from September 20-October 16 3. Nineteen, from September 25-October 13

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3.2. Activity Records (continued)

Most consecutive days with a hurricane Most consecutive days with two active hurricanes active World World 1. Twenty-two, from September 22-October 13 1. Ten, from August 29-September 7 2. Nineteen, from August 29-September 16 2. Nine, from September 26-October 4

Most consecutive days with a major Most consecutive days with two major hurricane active hurricanes active World World 1. Eleven, from September 1-11 1. Four, from September 10-13 2. Seven, from September 18-24

Image: True colour visible image taken on September 11, featuring Hurricane Florence (left), Tropical Storm Isaac (centre) and Hurricane Helene (right) in the Atlantic ocean. NPP VIIRS

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3.3. Landfall Records

Strongest landfalls World 1. Typhoon Yutu 185mph 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 175mph 3. Hurricane Michael 160mph

Most landfalls World 1. Tropical Storm Usagi 5 =. Typhoon Son-Tinh 5 Tropical Depression 35W 5

Most hurricane landfalls World 1. 3 =. Typhoon Jebi 2 Typhoon Mangkhut, Yutu

Most major hurricane landfalls Images: Infrared images of Typhoon Yutu (top) and World Typhoon Mangkhut (bottom), shortly before they 1. Typhoon Yutu 1 made their Category 5 landfalls in the Mariana =. Typhoon Mangkhut Islands and in the . Maria, Hurricane Michael, Willa, Cyc. Mekunu SSEC/U.S. Navy

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3.4. Eye and Size Records

Largest Eyes World 1. Typhoon Trami 114nm 2. Hurricane Sergio 109nm 3. Typhoon Soulik 103nm

Smallest Eyes World 1. Hurricane Beryl 1nm 2. Typhoon Jelawat 4nm 3. Hurricane Hector 5nm

Warmest Eyes World 1. Typhoon Yutu 23.4°C (74.1°F) 2. Hurricane Willa 18.0°C (64.4°F) 2. Cyclone Cebile 17.0°C (62.6°F)

Images from top to bottom: 1. True-colour visible image of Hurricane Beryl near peak intensity. At peak the eye was only 1.49 nautical miles wide, and the influence of the storm extended out around 100 nautical miles. GOES-16 2. Infra-red image of Typhoon Trami after its peak, displaying a 114 nautical mile wide eye. U.S. Navy

Largest Storm Size World 1. Typhoon Kong-Rey 800nm =. Typhoon Jebi 800nm 3. Typhoon Mangkhut 700nm =. Typhoon Trami 700nm

Image: Enhanced Infrared image of Typhoon Kong-Rey, believed to have one of the largest wind diameters in 2018. Digital Typhoon

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3.5. Intensification Records

Fastest over a 12 hour period Fastest over a 24 hour period World World 1. Hurricane Norman +65mph 1. Typhoon Yutu +95mph 2. Typhoon Maria +60mph 2. Typhoon Maria +90mph 3. Typhoon Yutu +55mph 3. Cyclone Cebile +80mph 4. Typhoon Jelawat +50mph 4. Hurricane Aletta +75mph 5=. Willa, Aletta, Cebile +45mph =. Hurricane Norman +75mph

Fastest time to increase wind speeds by 100mph Fastest time to decrease pressure by 100mb World World 1. Typhoon Maria 30 hours 1. Typhoon Yutu 48 hours 2. Hurricane Walaka 36 hours 2. Typhoon Mangkhut 114 hours

Above: Comparison images of Typhoon Yutu taken 24 hours apart between October 24-25. During this time, Yutu gained an estimated 95mph of wind speed, the highest of any storm this year.

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4. Force Thirteen during 2018

Image: Cumulative viewing figures by year on the Force Thirteen main YouTube channel compared to other years.

2018 was the fourth year in which Force Thirteen had an established team and tracked storms in real time with its live streaming service. This year, the project continued its excellent record with even more outstanding productions and viewing figures, maintaining exponential view growth for the third year running.

The biggest difficulties presented in 2018 were the dissemination of information on multiple storms simultaneously, which was witnessed during the peak of the season in September. However, a new strategy of mixing live events with storm updates and new automatic streaming graphics provided a great deal of aid.

As a broadcaster, our reach is important, though we never go out of our way to attain peak numbers at the expense of quality broadcasting. In any case, 2018 sets another new record for amount of views on the Force Thirteen YouTube channel, surpassing 2017’s total in September, before going on to reach double the total in November.

All of these aspects, and a critique of our actual coverage, will be covered in further detail in this section of the report.

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4.1. Forecasting Critique and Storm Coverage

In total, there were 700 videos uploaded on the Force Thirteen main channel throughout 2018, which was 248 more than in 2017. There were also 44 (+35) videos on Force Thirteen Xtra, 30 (+21) on Force Thirteen UK & Ireland, 319 (+74) on Force Thirteen AU & Oceania, 103 (+51) on Force Thirteen US & Caribbean, and 31 (-97) on Force Thirteen’s Tropical Archive. Additionally, Force Thirteen’s Gaming channel launched in 2018, and produced 16 videos.

Storm coverage tended to be timely and accurate throughout 2018, with a regular video upload schedule in place for significant storms that affected the , the Philippines, , and various other locations. Lead time for live events and storm updates improved, allowing for more exposure through advertising.

Limited capacities resulted from staff shortages in early August. However, with more members able to produce live streams than before, standards remained fair.

The most impressive part of the year was clearly Force Thirteen’s coverage on multiple cyclones in September 2018, in which a blend of the Automated Streaming Service (ASS), live storm updates, and live rolling coverage ran for a total of 169 hours consecutively as Hurricane Florence and Typhoon Mangkhut became the main subjects. However, with two competing systems, viewer retention was impeded between those in the United States and those in the Philippines. Recommendations and best previsions are being made to increase the quality and scope of coverage on the Force Thirteen US channel during a similar situation, and as of January 2019 a Force Thirteen Philippines branch is currently being planned.

Force Thirteen’s targets remain well defined. Our primary targets consist of these: - To provide social media and website updates about every storm on a regular basis - To provide at least 12 hourly video updates during a significant landfall event (Category 1+) - To provide at least 6 hourly, but preferably live streaming video updates during critical landfall events (Category 3+) - To respond to concerned members of the public with their queries on all mediums that we have a platform on. These are via direct e-mail, the Force Thirteen website, Facebook, , YouTube, Soundcloud, Patreon, WhatsApp, and face to face interaction. - To create annual animations of the season passed, in all world basins except the South Atlantic.

Force Thirteen’s targets and priorities do NOT include the following: - Hypothetical Hurricane Seasons - Past season animations - South Atlantic animations - What might have been animations - Anything else not covered in the targets

Public opinion, to our knowledge, has been very positive. Our approval rating on videos in 2018 was 99% in the United States; 100% in the United Kingdom, and 97% in the Philippines.

Other parts of the project could be improved, as stated on our Operations page: http://www.force-13.com/operations.html

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4.2. Viewing Statistics

2018 had approximately 5,367,516 views on the channel during the year. This figure may be inaccurate by up to 5,000 each way. By comparison, 2017 finished with 2,440,202 views, less than half of what was seen in 2018. Two consecutive days in September 2018 came within 5,000 views of the record set in March 2017. The two-day viewcount sets a new record high, at 479,765 views. That week’s total set a new weekly high record, at 1,171,021, well above the previous record of 407,793. Also, 2018 set new records for 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th busiest months on the project, with September’s number of 1,837,606 setting a new monthly record.

In terms of watch time (amount of minutes viewers spent viewing the videos), 2018 also comes out on top, with at least 12,429,775 minutes of viewing time, collectively. This is seven million more than in 2017.

In 2018, approval rate also reached a new record, with 47,905 likes compared to 17,994 last year. Typically, as videos enter a more mainstream focus, the disapproval rate has also been the highest on record this year, with 2,050 dislikes compared to 870 last year.

In 2018, comments on YouTube videos amounted to 153,218, compared to 58,672 in 2017.

The subscriber base has grown by 18,152 in 2018, compared to 3,925 in 2017.

Below shows a table of the top ten countries by viewing numbers compared to 2017.

Country 2018 2017 United States 1,996,860 1,090,676 Philippines 804,224 111,658 Mauritius 273,114 55,001 Oman 161,510 126 United Kingdom 158,628 87,656 India 137,967 28,441 Canada 120,008 60,124 108,858 27,851 97,201 37,709 75,206 22,084

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4.2. Viewing Statistics (continued)

Channel 2018 Viewcount 2017 Viewcount Main Channel 5,367,516 2,440,202 Force Thirteen Xtra 124,657 3,670 Force Thirteen UK & Ireland 4,974 2,283 Force Thirteen AU & Oceania 35,019 18,761 Force Thirteen US & Caribbean 12,862 2,562 Force Thirteen’s Tropical Archive 77,729 89,400 Force Thirteen Gaming 786 N/A Total 5,623,165 2,558,345

Channel 2018 Approval % 2017 Approval % Main Channel 96% (49955 ratings) 95% (18867 ratings) Force Thirteen Xtra 91% (1410 ratings) 96% (26 ratings) Force Thirteen UK & Ireland 97% (139 ratings) 93% (14 ratings) Force Thirteen AU & Oceania 97% (741 ratings) 92% (197 ratings) Force Thirteen US & Caribbean 96% (385 ratings) 98% (122 ratings) Force Thirteen’s Tropical Archive 97% (614 ratings) 97% (632 ratings) Force Thirteen Gaming 100% (36 ratings)

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5. 2018 Storm Image Gallery Cyclone Irving Cyclone Joyce

Cyclone Berguitta

Cyclone Cebile

Cyclone Gita Cyclone Dumazile

Cyclone Sagar Cyclone Mekunu

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5. 2018 Storm Image Gallery (continued) Tropical Storm Alberto Hurricane Aletta

Hurricane Bud

Typhoon Maria

Hurricane Lane

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5. 2018 Storm Image Gallery (continued) Typhoon Soulik Typhoon Trami

Typhoon Trami Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Willa Typhoon Yutu

Typhoon Yutu

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6. Ways to contact Force Thirteen There are many ways to contact Force Thirteen. If you are seeking to contact a particular person on the team, please send an e-mail to [email protected]

E-mail address: [email protected] Website: www.force-13.com YouTube: Forcethirteen Facebook: ForceThirteen Twitter: @ForceThirteen Skype: Fool13 Discord: Fool13#9094 Soundcloud: Sound Thirteen

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