Tropical Depression Usman

Tropical Depression 35W (Usman)
Tropical Depression Usman nearing the Philippines on December 29
Meteorological history
FormedDecember 25, 2018
DissipatedDecember 29, 2018
Tropical depression
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Highest winds55 km/h (35 mph)
Lowest pressure1000 hPa (mbar); 29.53 inHg
Tropical depression
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds55 km/h (35 mph)
Lowest pressure998 hPa (mbar); 29.47 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities156
Missing26
Damage$103 million (2018 USD)
Areas affectedCaroline Islands, Philippines
IBTrACS

Part of the 2018 Pacific typhoon season

Tropical Depression Usman was a weak but deadly tropical cyclone that impacted the southern Philippines in December 2018. Tropical Depression Usman originated first as a low-pressure area to the east of Palau on December 23. Slowly intensifying, the system became a tropical depression two days later. The system maintained its intensity while moving in a general west-northwestward direction approaching the eastern portion of the Philippine islands. However, due to unfavorable conditions, the depression weakened into a remnant low on December 29, while making landfall over Eastern Samar thereafter.

While the system possessed weaker winds, it brought torrential rainfall over much of Visayas, hitting the regions of Eastern Visayas and Bicol the hardest. Sea travel to the country was vastly disrupted during the holiday season. Torrential rain caused flooding to as high as 7 feet (2.1 meters) in Northern Samar. An estimated of 36,000 houses were damaged due to Usman. A total of 156 people perished during storm, while 26 people remain missing. Damage from Usman is estimated to be about ₱5.41 billion (US$103 million). After the season, the PAGASA struck off the name Usman from their naming lists because it exceeded more than ₱1 billion worth of damages.