 Typhoon Fran undergoing rapid intensification on September 7 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 3, 1976 |
| Extratropical | September 14, 1976 |
| Dissipated | September 16, 1976 |
| Typhoon | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Lowest pressure | 910 hPa (mbar); 26.87 inHg |
| Category 4-equivalent super typhoon | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 240 km/h (150 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 913 hPa (mbar); 26.96 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 169 total |
| Damage | $660 million (1976 USD) |
| Areas affected | Mariana Islands, Japan |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 1976 Pacific typhoon season | |
Typhoon Fran, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Reming, produced tremendous rainfall in Japan including, at the time, a national 24-hour record accumulation of 1,140 mm (44.8 in). Forming as a tropical depression on September 3 to the southeast of Guam, Fran steadily intensified as it moved along a general northwest track. After brushing Guam two days later, the system achieved typhoon status on September 6 after the formation of an eye. A period of explosive intensification ensued thereafter and Fran reached its peak as a Category 4-equivalent typhoon with winds of 240 km/h (150 mph) the following day. Gradual weakening began on September 8 as it neared the Ryukyu Islands, and the system subsequently meandered near the islands for two days before striking Kyushu on September 12. It then moved over the Sea of Japan where it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone and ultimately dissipated on September 16.
Regarded as the worst typhoon in ten years, nearly a week of continuous rains caused disastrous flooding and landslides across Japan. Accumulations peaked at 2,781 mm (109.5 in) in Hiso, Tokushima. More than 325,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes and transportation was crippled. Nearly half a million homes were damaged or destroyed, leaving 300,000 people homeless. Many residents required rooftop rescue by helicopter. All told, the typhoon killed 169 people and left at least US$660 million in damage throughout its path.