 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (November 2024) |
 Eye structure captured on radar | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | December 14, 1944 |
| Dissipated | December 19, 1944 |
| Category 5-equivalent super typhoon | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 260 km/h (160 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 924 hPa (mbar); 27.29 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 790 U.S., unknown elsewhere |
| Areas affected | Philippine Sea |
| [1][2] | |
Part of the 1944 Pacific typhoon season | |
Typhoon Cobra, also known as the Typhoon of 1944 or Halsey's Typhoon (named after Admiral William Halsey Jr.), was the United States Navy designation for a powerful tropical cyclone that struck the United States Pacific Fleet in December 1944, during World War II. The storm sank three destroyers, killed 790 sailors, damaged 9 other warships, and swept dozens of aircraft overboard off their aircraft carriers.
Task Force 38 (TF 38) had been operating about 300 mi (260 nmi; 480 km) east of Luzon in the Philippine Sea, conducting air raids against Japanese airfields in the Philippines and had been trying to refuel their ships. Information given to Halsey about the typhoon was incorrect, and despite warning signs of worsening conditions, the ships remained on station until December 17 when Halsey ordered the Third Fleet into the center of the typhoon.
With currently available data,[3] it was the 23rd and last known Western Pacific tropical cyclone formed during the 1944 season.
- ^ US Dept of Commerce map (1944)
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Baldwinwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "IBTrACS - International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship". www.atms.unca.edu.