Meteorological history | |
---|---|
Formed | August 16, 1985 |
Dissipated | August 25, 1985 |
Typhoon | |
10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
Highest winds | 150 km/h (90 mph) |
Lowest pressure | 960 hPa (mbar); 28.35 inHg |
Category 2-equivalent typhoon | |
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
Highest winds | 175 km/h (110 mph) |
Overall effects | |
Fatalities | 53 |
Damage | $53 million (1985 USD) |
Areas affected | China, Taiwan |
IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1985 Pacific typhoon season |
Typhoon Nelson, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Ibiang, was the worst tropical cyclone to affect Southern China in 16 years. Typhoon Nelson, which developed on August 16, 1985, originated from an area of thunderstorm activity well east of the Philippines. It gradually intensified over the next several days while moving northwest. Nelson reached typhoon intensity early on August 20 and two days later, attained peak intensity before turning west. The cyclone brushed northern Taiwan early on August 23 after weakening slightly. Nelson then briefly restrengthened to peak intensity. During the afternoon of August 23, it made landfall in eastern China before dissipating on August 25.
Nelson brought heavy rains to Taiwan. Approximately 900,000 families were left without power and 100,000 telephone lines lost service. More than 20,000 trees were uprooted. Across the country, five people were killed. Affecting a country already inundated by summer rains, Typhoon Nelson brought additional flooding and significant damage to much of Southern China. There, the storm killed 48 individuals and hurt 329 others. More than 5,000 homes were destroyed while another 6,000 were damaged. Around 2,000 travelers were stranded due to flooding. Throughout China, losses from the storm totaled to $53 million (1985 USD).