1986 West Pacific typhoon season
All year · Season ended
The 1986 West Pacific typhoon season produced 28 named storms, 18 typhoons and 8 major typhoons, against a 1991–2020 average of 25.5, 15.8 and 9.0. Its accumulated cyclone energy was 334, 117% of the average.
Named storms
28
Avg 25.5 (1991–2020)
Typhoons
18
64 kt or stronger · avg 15.8
Major (Cat 3+)
8
Including 2 Category 5
Accumulated energy
117% of normal
ACE 334 vs 1991–2020 avg 286
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Tracks colored by peak strengthTDTSC1C2C3C4C5
1986 season at a glance
- Named storms: 28 (1991–2020 average 25.5).
- Typhoons (64 kt+): 18 (average 15.8).
- Major, 96 kt+: 8, including 2 at Category 5 strength (average 9.0).
- Accumulated cyclone energy: 334.0, 117% of the 286 average.
- Named-storm days: 173.3, counting each six-hourly fix at 34 kt or more as a quarter day.
- First named storm: Judy, February 1.
- First typhoon: Judy, February 4.
- First major storm: Lola, May 19.
- Last storm to dissipate: Norris, January 3, 1987.
- All systems tracked: 34, including 6 that stayed below tropical-storm strength.
Counts use 1-minute best-track winds: named storms reached 34 kt (39 mph), the next column 64 kt (74 mph) and major storms 96 kt (111 mph). Regional agencies here use 10-minute winds (3-minute in India), so their official counts can differ.
Every storm of the 1986 season
| Storm | Dates | Peak | Min pressure | Landfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judy | – | C2 | 970 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| Ken | – | C2 | 980 mb | — |
| Lola | – | C5 | 910 mb | — |
| Mac | – | TS | 992 mb | — |
| Nancy | – | C1 | 955 mb | Yilan, Taiwan |
| Owen | – | TS | 985 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| Peggy | – | C5 | 900 mb | Dassun, Philippines |
| Roger | – | C2 | 955 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TS | 996 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| Sarah | – | TS | 980 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| Tip | – | C1 | 965 mb | — |
| Vera | – | C3 | 925 mb | Boryeong, South Korea |
| Wayne | – | C2 | 955 mb | Changhua, Taiwan |
| Unnamed | – | TS | 992 mb | — |
| Abby | – | C2 | 945 mb | Chishang, Taiwan |
| Ben | – | C4 | 920 mb | — |
| Carmen | – | C3 | 940 mb | — |
| Dom | – | TS | 996 mb | Đồng Hới, Vietnam |
| Ellen | – | C1 | 965 mb | Balangiga, Philippines |
| Forrest | – | C3 | 930 mb | — |
| Georgia | – | TS | 985 mb | Gamay, Philippines |
| Herbert | – | TS | 985 mb | — |
| Ida | – | TS | 985 mb | Kampokpok, Philippines |
| Joe | – | C3 | 940 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| Kim | – | C4 | 905 mb | — |
| Lex | – | TS | 994 mb | — |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| Marge | – | C2 | 950 mb | Surigao, Philippines |
| Norris | – | C2 | 955 mb | Hilongos, Philippines |
- Judy: Judy formed in the West Pacific in January 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 970 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 8 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in April 1986. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 3 days.
- Ken: Ken formed in the West Pacific in April 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 980 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 11 days.
- Lola: Lola formed in the West Pacific in May 1986 and peaked as a Category 5 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph (280 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 910 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 11 days.
- Mac: Mac formed in the West Pacific in May 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 992 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Nancy: Nancy formed in the West Pacific in June 1986 and peaked as a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It made landfall near Yilan, Taiwan. The system was tracked for 9 days.
- Owen: Owen formed in the West Pacific in June 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 16 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in June 1986. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 2 days.
- Peggy: Peggy formed in the West Pacific in June 1986 and peaked as a Category 5 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 900 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Dassun, Philippines and last near Shanwei, China. The system was tracked for 16 days.
- Roger: Roger formed in the West Pacific in July 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 10 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in July 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 996 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 6 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in July 1986. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 2 days.
- Sarah: Sarah formed in the West Pacific in July 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 980 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in August 1986. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 3 days.
- Tip: Tip formed in the West Pacific in August 1986 and peaked as a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 965 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 19 days.
- Vera: Vera formed in the West Pacific in August 1986 and peaked as a Category 3 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 925 mb. It made landfall near Boryeong, South Korea. The system was tracked for 20 days.
- Wayne: Wayne formed in the West Pacific in August 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Changhua, Taiwan and last near Hoa Lư, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 22 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in August 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 992 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 11 days.
- Abby: Abby formed in the West Pacific in September 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 945 mb. It made landfall near Chishang, Taiwan. The system was tracked for 15 days.
- Ben: Ben formed in the West Pacific in September 1986 and peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 920 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 16 days.
- Carmen: Carmen formed in the West Pacific in September 1986 and peaked as a Category 3 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 940 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Dom: Dom formed in the West Pacific in October 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 996 mb. It made landfall near Đồng Hới, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 10 days.
- Ellen: Ellen formed in the West Pacific in October 1986 and peaked as a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 965 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Balangiga, Philippines and last near Roxas, Philippines. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Forrest: Forrest formed in the West Pacific in October 1986 and peaked as a Category 3 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 930 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 13 days.
- Georgia: Georgia formed in the West Pacific in October 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It made 3 landfalls, first near Gamay, Philippines and last near Núi Thành, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 9 days.
- Herbert: Herbert formed in the West Pacific in October 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Ida: Ida formed in the West Pacific in November 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Kampokpok, Philippines and last near Victoria, Philippines. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Joe: Joe formed in the West Pacific in November 1986 and peaked as a Category 3 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 115 mph (185 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 940 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in November 1986. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 1 day.
- Kim: Kim formed in the West Pacific in November 1986 and peaked as a Category 4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 905 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Lex: Lex formed in the West Pacific in November 1986 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 994 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 10 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in November 1986. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 3 days.
- Marge: Marge formed in the West Pacific in December 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 950 mb. It made 3 landfalls, first near Surigao, Philippines and last near El Nido, Philippines. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Norris: Norris formed in the West Pacific in December 1986 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It made landfall near Hilongos, Philippines. The system was tracked for 15 days.
Each summary is built from the storm’s best track.
Strongest storm of 1986
Super Typhoon Lola was the strongest storm of the season, peaking at 175 mph (280 km/h), with a lowest pressure of 910 mb, on May 19. That is Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
32 West Pacific storms since 1980 peaked higher, and 14 matched it. It produced 8% of the season’s accumulated cyclone energy.
Landfalls in 1986
11 of the season’s 34 systems made landfall, 5 of them at typhoon strength. Each landfall point is listed with the nearest town and the wind at that moment.
- June 23: Nancy near Yilan, Taiwan, 80 mph (Category 1)
- July 9: Peggy near Dassun, Philippines, 105 mph (Category 2)
- July 11: Peggy near Shanwei, China, 50 mph (tropical storm)
- August 22: Wayne near Changhua, Taiwan, 80 mph (Category 1)
- August 28: Vera near Boryeong, South Korea, 65 mph (tropical storm)
- September 5: Wayne near Hoa Lư, Vietnam, 60 mph (tropical storm)
- September 19: Abby near Chishang, Taiwan, 100 mph (Category 2)
- October 11: Ellen near Balangiga, Philippines, 50 mph (tropical storm)
- October 11: Dom near Đồng Hới, Vietnam, 35 mph (tropical depression)
- October 12: Ellen near Roxas, Philippines, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- October 18: Georgia near Gamay, Philippines, 65 mph (tropical storm)
- October 19: Georgia near Victoria, Philippines, 40 mph (tropical storm)
- October 22: Georgia near Núi Thành, Vietnam, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- November 12: Ida near Kampokpok, Philippines, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- November 13: Ida near Victoria, Philippines, 35 mph (tropical depression)
- December 21: Marge near Surigao, Philippines, 85 mph (Category 1)
- December 21: Marge near Tinongan, Philippines, 65 mph (tropical storm)
- December 22: Marge near El Nido, Philippines, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- December 31: Norris near Hilongos, Philippines, 45 mph (tropical storm)
How 1986 ranks since 1980
The season ranks 13th of 47 West Pacific seasons since 1980 for named storms (tied with 5 other seasons), 13th for typhoons (tied with 3 other seasons) and 12th for accumulated cyclone energy.
The record since 1980 is 33 named storms, in 1994, and the highest ACE is 483, in 2004.
1986 storm names
The 1986 season used 26 names: Judy, Ken, Lola, Mac, Nancy, Owen, Peggy, Roger, Sarah, Tip, Vera, Wayne, Abby, Ben, Carmen, Dom, Ellen, Forrest, Georgia, Herbert, Ida, Joe, Kim, Lex, Marge, Norris.
8 systems were tracked without a name and are listed by number.
1986 season FAQ
How many named storms were there in 1986?
The 1986 West Pacific typhoon season had 28 named storms, 18 typhoons and 8 major typhoons, from 34 systems tracked in all. The 1991–2020 average is 25.5 named storms, 15.8 at 64 kt or more and 9.0 major per season. The first to form was Judy and the last was Norris.
What was the strongest storm of 1986?
Super Typhoon Lola. It peaked at 175 mph (280 km/h, 150 kt) with a lowest pressure of 910 mb on May 19. That is Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale. 32 West Pacific storms since 1980 peaked higher. It produced 8% of the season’s accumulated cyclone energy.
When did the 1986 season end?
The West Pacific has no official season, so the 1986 season is simply the calendar year: every storm that formed by December 31 counts. The last system, Norris, dissipated on January 3, 1987. Since 1980, 51 West Pacific storms reached tropical-storm strength in December.