Characteristics of North Pacific Typhoons

Recent reconnaissance aircraft, satellite, and radar data have been analyzed to show where typhoons occur and how they behave. Nineteen tropical cyclones reach full typhoon strength per year, on the average. Five of these can be expected to reach super typhoon strength, that is, to have maximum sustained winds of 130 knots, or higher. The potential threat of these storms should not be underestimated by those planning marine activities in the western North Pacific. The average death toll for the past 22 years has been 1,418 fatalities per year.