Typhoon Phyllis (1975)

Typhoon Phyllis
Typhoon Phyllis late on August 13
Meteorological history
FormedAugust 11, 1975 (August 11, 1975)
DissipatedAugust 18, 1975 (August 18, 1975)
Unknown-strength storm
10-minute sustained (JMA)
Lowest pressure920 hPa (mbar); 27.17 inHg
Category 4-equivalent typhoon
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC)
Highest winds220 km/h (140 mph)
Overall effects
Fatalities88 total
Damage$37 million (1975 USD)
Areas affectedJapan

Part of the 1975 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Phyllis was one of seven tropical cyclones in 1975 to pass within range of the Japan Meteorological Agency's (JMA) radar surveillance.[1] A tropical disturbance developed in the monsoon trough just west of Guam on August 11. The disturbance was classified as a tropical depression the next day. Tracking northward, the depression intensified into Tropical Storm Phyllis later on August 12. On the next day, Phyllis, after developing an eye, attained typhoon intensity. The typhoon accelerated north while rapidly intensifying, and on the evening of August 14, Phyllis reached its peak intensity of 225 km/h (140 mph). Typhoon Phyllis turned northwest, making landfall over Shikoku on August 17, with winds of 145 km/h (90 mph). Phyllis weakened to a tropical storm later the same day. Its remnants were last observed on August 20.

Phyllis, along with Typhoon Rita, were accountable for the bulk of tropical cyclone casualties in Japan during the 1975 Pacific typhoon season. From Phyllis alone, 60 people perished while 146 were injured on the island of Shikoku. There, at least 489 houses collapsed and 577 others were damaged. Throughout the country, 77 people were killed and 209 others sustained injured. A total of 129 landslides occurred while roads were cut in 106 locations and 23 dikes sustained damaged. A total of 50,222 homes were flooded and an additional 2,419 dwellings were demolished. Twelve ships and 12,712 ha (31,410 acres) of farmland received damaged. Damage was estimated at $37 million (1975 USD). In addition to effects on Japan, the typhoon also killed three people and left seven others missing in Taiwan. The outer fringes of the storm contributed to a heat wave that resulted in 24 fatalities.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference JTWC ATCR was invoked but never defined (see the help page).