Typhoon Nancy (1982)

Meteorological history

Typhoon Nancy originated from a large area of convection situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which began to consolidate on October 8 within a favorable environment aloft. The convection separated from an upper-level low embedded within a tropical upper-tropospheric trough (TUTT). Later that day, the area of convection degenerated into a "random area of cloudiness." The TUTT drifted west while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) reported that a tropical depression formed within the area of convection that was now located south of the TUTT. Early on October 10, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) started watching the system. At 0730 UTC, a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert was issued by the JTWC while located 370 km (230 mi) north of Guam.

Following an increase in reorganization, a Hurricane Hunter flight indicated winds of 50 km/h (30 mph) early on October 11. Later that morning, the JMA upgraded the cyclone into a tropical storm. Following Hurricane Hunter reports, which indicated winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and a barometric pressure of 999 mbar (29.5 inHg). Based on this, the JTWC upgraded the depression into a tropical storm and named it Nancy. Initially, the JTWC expected the system to track northwards and eventually re-curve, but this did not occur. Nancy maintained its intensity for 24 hours while tracking westward before rapidly turning west due to a change in steering patterns. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also monitored the storm and assigned it with the local name Weling. Midday on October 12, the JMA upgraded Nancy into a severe tropical storm. At 0000 UTC on October 13, the same agency classified Nancy into a typhoon. Later that day, the JTWC followed suit. By midday on October 14, the JTWC predicted Nancy to turn northwest into China due to the anticipation of a mid-latitude trough south of South Korea deepening. At 0600 UTC, the JMA reported that Nancy reached its peak intensity of 185 km/h (115 mph) and a minimum pressure of 935 mbar (27.6 inHg). Meanwhile, the JTWC reported peak intensity of 215 km/h (130 mph), a Category 4 hurricane equivalent on the United States-based Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS). Six hours later, Typhoon Nancy moved ashore in northern Luzon while still at peak intensity.

The storm rapidly weakened over land. Although the JTWC downgraded Nancy to a tropical storm, the JMA kept the storm at typhoon intensity throughout landfall. After entering the South China Sea, the JTWC upped Nancy to typhoon status as it entered an area with favorable mid- to upper-level winds. Continuing to gain strength, the JMA raised the intensity of Nancy to 130 km/h (80 mph) on October 16. Shortly thereafter, Nancy crossed Hainan Island. After weakening slightly overland, the storm resumed strengthening once offshore. According to the JMA, Nancy attained a secondary peak, with winds of 135 km/h (85 mph) at 0600 UTC on October 17. The tropical cyclone moved on a slow northwesterly track along the southern periphery of the ridge. While passing slightly north of the Paracel Islands, the JTWC estimated winds of 145 km/h (90 mph), equivalent to a high-end Category 1 hurricane on the SSHWS. Late on October 18, Nancy made landfall along the coast of Vietnam, just north of Vinh. At the time of landfall, both agencies estimated that Nancy was a typhoon. Within hours, the convection ceased, though the JMA kept monitoring the system until October 20, when it finally dissipated.

Philippines

Prior to the arrival of Nancy, typhoon warnings were issued for much of Luzon. Many residents left for shelter prior to landfall. Typhoon Nancy passed through 10 provinces in the Philippines, resulting in widespread destruction. Damage was the worst in Cagayan and Isabela, where 56 people were hurt. In the former, 4,378 dwellings were destroyed. In Isabela, 2,250 houses were destroyed, displacing 35,744 residents. Along a river in Isabela, ten bodies were found. Elsewhere, 800 homes were destroyed in Tuguegarao, leaving 1,000 homeless and two injured. In Kalinga-Apayao, four fatalities occurred. Throughout the nation, many roads were closed due to mudslides. Mass destruction was reported in rice fields, as well as tobacco and cotton plantations. However, this total was later revised upwards to $56 million (1982 USD), which includes $18 million from infrastructure and $26 million from agriculture. A total of 96 people died; 81 of the fatalities were from just three provinces. Most of the deaths were by drowning. Thirty others were rendered as missing and 186 people were injured. A total of 12,464 dwellings were destroyed while 34,111 others were damaged. Furthermore, 301,431 people were "affected" by the storm, or 51,532 families.

Vietnam

While making landfall in central Vietnam, winds of 140 km/h (85 mph) were measured due to the typhoon. A total of 30 persons perished. Around 72,000 homes were destroyed. Moreover, 125,000 people were left homeless in Vinh. In all, 450,000 acres (182,110 ha) of rice were destroyed; approximately 150,000 acres (60,705 ha) of rice were submerged in the Thanh Hóa province alone. In addition, many houses were submerged in Nghe Tinhe. Bình Trị Thiên was also affected by Nancy, but no casualties occurred there.