1994 West Pacific typhoon season
All year · Season ended
The 1994 West Pacific typhoon season produced 33 named storms, 20 typhoons and 12 major typhoons, against a 1991–2020 average of 25.5, 15.8 and 9.0. Its accumulated cyclone energy was 436, 152% of the average.
Named storms
33
Avg 25.5 (1991–2020)
Typhoons
20
64 kt or stronger · avg 15.8
Major (Cat 3+)
12
Including 1 Category 5
Accumulated energy
≈1.5× normal
ACE 436 vs 1991–2020 avg 286
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Tracks colored by peak strengthTDTSC1C2C3C4C5
1994 season at a glance
- Named storms: 33 (1991–2020 average 25.5).
- Typhoons (64 kt+): 20 (average 15.8).
- Major, 96 kt+: 12, including 1 at Category 5 strength (average 9.0).
- Accumulated cyclone energy: 435.9, 152% of the 286 average.
- Named-storm days: 214.0, counting each six-hourly fix at 34 kt or more as a quarter day.
- First named storm: Owen, April 1.
- First typhoon: Owen, April 3.
- First major storm: Tim, July 9.
- Last storm to dissipate: Bobbie, December 29.
- All systems tracked: 39, 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 1994 season
| Storm | Dates | Peak | Min pressure | Landfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD 1W | – | TD | — | — |
| Owen | – | C1 | 980 mb | Cebu City, Philippines |
| Page | – | C2 | 965 mb | — |
| TD 4W | – | TD | — | Babatngon, Philippines |
| Russ | – | TS | 985 mb | Zhanjiang, China |
| Sharon | – | TS | 996 mb | Bulacan, Philippines |
| TD 7W | – | TD | — | Maoming, China |
| Tim | – | C4 | 930 mb | Pitou, Taiwan |
| Vanessa | – | TS | 990 mb | — |
| Zeke | – | C1 | 985 mb | — |
| Walt | – | C4 | 915 mb | Sukumo, Japan |
| Yunya | – | TS | 990 mb | Batac City, Philippines |
| Unnamed | – | TD | — | — |
| TD 13W | – | TD | — | — |
| Amy | – | TS | 985 mb | Thị Trấn Sao Vàng, Vietnam |
| Brendan | – | TS | 992 mb | Cheongju-si, South Korea |
| Caitlin | – | TS | 990 mb | Chishang, Taiwan |
| Doug | – | C5 | 925 mb | Juegang, China |
| Ellie | – | C1 | 965 mb | Tianfu, China |
| Fred | – | C4 | 925 mb | Rui’an, China |
| Gladys | – | C3 | 955 mb | Yilan, Taiwan |
| Harry | – | TS | 990 mb | Xucheng, China |
| Ivy | – | C1 | 960 mb | — |
| Joel | – | TS | 990 mb | Sanya, China |
| Kinna | – | C2 | 960 mb | — |
| Luke | – | TS | 990 mb | Qionghai, China |
| Melissa | – | C4 | 910 mb | — |
| Nat | – | TS | 992 mb | — |
| Orchid | – | C4 | 925 mb | Gojō, Japan |
| Pat | – | C2 | 965 mb | — |
| Pat | – | TS | 992 mb | — |
| TD 31W | – | TD | — | — |
| Seth | – | C4 | 910 mb | Hadong, South Korea |
| Verne | – | C4 | 950 mb | — |
| Teresa | – | C1 | 955 mb | Real, Philippines |
| Wilda | – | C4 | 935 mb | — |
| Zelda | – | C4 | 910 mb | — |
| Axel | – | C4 | 950 mb | Burauen, Philippines |
| Bobbie | – | TS | 972 mb | — |
- TD 1W: This system formed in the West Pacific in January 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 km/h). It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 5 days.
- Owen: Owen formed in the West Pacific in March 1994 and peaked as a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 980 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Cebu City, Philippines and last near El Nido, Philippines. The system was tracked for 12 days.
- Page: Page formed in the West Pacific in May 1994 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 965 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
- TD 4W: This system formed in the West Pacific in May 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). It made 2 landfalls, first near Babatngon, Philippines and last near San Jose, Philippines. The system was tracked for 13 days.
- Russ: Russ formed in the West Pacific in June 1994 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 landfall near Zhanjiang, China. The system was tracked for 10 days.
- Sharon: Sharon formed in the West Pacific in June 1994 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 2 landfalls, first near Bulacan, Philippines and last near Yangjiang, China. The system was tracked for 8 days.
- TD 7W: This system formed in the West Pacific in June 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). It made landfall near Maoming, China. The system was tracked for 7 days.
- Tim: Tim formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 930 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Pitou, Taiwan and last near Dazuocun, China. The system was tracked for 9 days.
- Vanessa: Vanessa formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 4 days.
- Zeke: Zeke formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 16 days.
- Walt: Walt formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 915 mb. It made landfall near Sukumo, Japan. The system was tracked for 18 days.
- Yunya: Yunya formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It made landfall near Batac City, Philippines. The system was tracked for 6 days.
- Unnamed: This system formed in the West Pacific in July 1994. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 4 days.
- TD 13W: This system formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 30 mph (45 km/h). It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 6 days.
- Amy: Amy formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 985 mb. It made landfall near Thị Trấn Sao Vàng, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 7 days.
- Brendan: Brendan formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 992 mb. It made landfall near Cheongju-si, South Korea. The system was tracked for 9 days.
- Caitlin: Caitlin formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Chishang, Taiwan and last near Shima, China. The system was tracked for 8 days.
- Doug: Doug formed in the West Pacific in July 1994 and peaked as a Category 5 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 925 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Juegang, China and last near Changzhou, China. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Ellie: Ellie formed in the West Pacific in August 1994 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 Tianfu, China and last near Xiuyan, China. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Fred: Fred formed in the West Pacific in August 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 925 mb. It made landfall near Rui’an, China. The system was tracked for 15 days.
- Gladys: Gladys formed in the West Pacific in August 1994 and peaked as a Category 3 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 955 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Yilan, Taiwan and last near Fuqing, China. The system was tracked for 16 days.
- Harry: Harry formed in the West Pacific in August 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Xucheng, China and last near Cẩm Phả, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 10 days.
- Ivy: Ivy formed in the West Pacific in August 1994 and peaked as a Category 1 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 960 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
- Joel: Joel formed in the West Pacific in August 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph (85 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Sanya, China and last near Thị Trấn Mạo Khê, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 10 days.
- Kinna: Kinna formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 960 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 12 days.
- Luke: Luke formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 990 mb. It made 2 landfalls, first near Qionghai, China and last near Nghĩa Đàn, Vietnam. The system was tracked for 8 days.
- Melissa: Melissa formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 910 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 14 days.
- Nat: Nat formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 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 9 days.
- Orchid: Orchid formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 925 mb. It made landfall near Gojō, Japan. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Pat: Pat formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a Category 2 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (175 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 965 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 7 days.
- Pat: Pat formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 992 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 8 days.
- TD 31W: This system formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (55 km/h). It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 8 days.
- Seth: Seth formed in the West Pacific in September 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 910 mb. It made landfall near Hadong, South Korea. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Verne: Verne formed in the West Pacific in October 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 950 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 22 days.
- Teresa: Teresa formed in the West Pacific in October 1994 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 Real, Philippines. The system was tracked for 13 days.
- Wilda: Wilda formed in the West Pacific in October 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 935 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 15 days.
- Zelda: Zelda formed in the West Pacific in October 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 910 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 16 days.
- Axel: Axel formed in the West Pacific in December 1994 and peaked as a Category 4 typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 950 mb. It made landfall near Burauen, Philippines. The system was tracked for 17 days.
- Bobbie: Bobbie formed in the West Pacific in December 1994 and peaked as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 km/h) and a minimum pressure of 972 mb. It did not make landfall. The system was tracked for 16 days.
Each summary is built from the storm’s best track.
Strongest storm of 1994
Super Typhoon Doug was the strongest storm of the season, peaking at 160 mph (260 km/h), with a lowest pressure of 925 mb, on August 5. That is Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
63 West Pacific storms since 1980 peaked higher, and 61 matched it. It produced 7% of the season’s accumulated cyclone energy.
Landfalls in 1994
22 of the season’s 39 systems made landfall, 7 of them at typhoon strength. Each landfall point is listed with the nearest town and the wind at that moment.
- April 4: Owen near Cebu City, Philippines, 75 mph (Category 1)
- April 5: Owen near El Nido, Philippines, 60 mph (tropical storm)
- May 24: TD 4W near Babatngon, Philippines, 30 mph (tropical depression)
- May 24: TD 4W near San Jose, Philippines, 30 mph (tropical depression)
- June 8: Russ near Zhanjiang, China, 55 mph (tropical storm)
- June 23: Sharon near Bulacan, Philippines, 30 mph (tropical depression)
- June 25: Sharon near Yangjiang, China, 35 mph (tropical depression)
- July 4: TD 7W near Maoming, China, 35 mph (tropical depression)
- July 10: Tim near Pitou, Taiwan, 130 mph (Category 4)
- July 10: Tim near Dazuocun, China, 95 mph (Category 2)
- July 19: Yunya near Batac City, Philippines, 50 mph (tropical storm)
- July 25: Walt near Sukumo, Japan, 60 mph (tropical storm)
- July 30: Amy near Thị Trấn Sao Vàng, Vietnam, 35 mph (tropical depression)
- August 1: Brendan near Cheongju-si, South Korea, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- August 3: Caitlin near Chishang, Taiwan, 65 mph (tropical storm)
- August 4: Caitlin near Shima, China, 60 mph (tropical storm)
- August 12: Doug near Juegang, China, 35 mph (tropical depression)
- August 13: Doug near Changzhou, China, 30 mph (tropical depression)
- August 15: Ellie near Tianfu, China, 65 mph (tropical storm)
- August 16: Ellie near Xiuyan, China, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- August 21: Fred near Rui’an, China, 100 mph (Category 2)
- August 27: Harry near Xucheng, China, 65 mph (tropical storm)
- August 28: Harry near Cẩm Phả, Vietnam, 50 mph (tropical storm)
- September 1: Gladys near Yilan, Taiwan, 110 mph (Category 2)
- September 1: Gladys near Fuqing, China, 75 mph (Category 1)
- September 6: Joel near Sanya, China, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- September 7: Joel near Thị Trấn Mạo Khê, Vietnam, 45 mph (tropical storm)
- September 12: Luke near Qionghai, China, 50 mph (tropical storm)
- September 13: Luke near Nghĩa Đàn, Vietnam, 30 mph (tropical depression)
- September 29: Orchid near Gojō, Japan, 90 mph (Category 1)
- October 11: Seth near Hadong, South Korea, 70 mph (tropical storm)
- October 21: Teresa near Real, Philippines, 80 mph (Category 1)
- December 21: Axel near Burauen, Philippines, 90 mph (Category 1)
How 1994 ranks since 1980
The season ranks 1st of 47 West Pacific seasons since 1980 for named storms, 4th for typhoons (tied with 5 other seasons) and 3rd for accumulated cyclone energy.
The record since 1980 is 33 named storms, in 1994, and the highest ACE is 483, in 2004.
1994 storm names
The 1994 season used 33 names: Owen, Page, Russ, Sharon, Tim, Vanessa, Zeke, Walt, Yunya, Amy, Brendan, Caitlin, Doug, Ellie, Fred, Gladys, Harry, Ivy, Joel, Kinna, Luke, Melissa, Nat, Orchid, Pat, Pat, Seth, Verne, Teresa, Wilda, Zelda, Axel, Bobbie.
6 systems were tracked without a name and are listed by number.
1994 season FAQ
How many named storms were there in 1994?
The 1994 West Pacific typhoon season had 33 named storms, 20 typhoons and 12 major typhoons, from 39 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 Owen and the last was Bobbie.
What was the strongest storm of 1994?
Super Typhoon Doug. It peaked at 160 mph (260 km/h, 140 kt) with a lowest pressure of 925 mb on August 5. That is Category 5 strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale. 63 West Pacific storms since 1980 peaked higher. It produced 7% of the season’s accumulated cyclone energy.
When did the 1994 season end?
The West Pacific has no official season, so the 1994 season is simply the calendar year: every storm that formed by December 31 counts. The last system, Bobbie, dissipated on December 29. Since 1980, 51 West Pacific storms reached tropical-storm strength in December.