Tropical Storm Pulasan Slams East Asia with Rain, Wind After China Landfalls
Tropical Storm Pulasan formed near the Mariana Islands on September 15, 2024, and moved northwest across the western Pacific toward East Asia. The storm reached peak intensity on September 17 near 21.9°N, 133.9°E, with maximum winds of 98 km/h according to JTWC estimates, while the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) recorded a minimum central pressure of 992 hPa. Pulasan passed near the Philippines, crossed eastern China, and later moved toward the Korean Peninsula and Japan before becoming an extratropical cyclone on September 21. The cyclone caused 17 deaths, 50 injuries, and 12 missing persons across affected regions, with reported economic losses of about $4.15 million.
Mariana Islands Birth to Philippine Sea Rise: Pulasan Gains Strength in Warm Pacific Waters
Pulasan developed from a tropical disturbance near the Mariana Islands and became a tropical depression at 0000 UTC on September 15, 2024, approximately 12.1°N, 144.6°E. The system formed over warm western Pacific waters and strengthened into a tropical storm 18 hours later, with winds reaching 64 km/h and central pressure falling to 998 hPa.
The cyclone continued moving west-northwestward through the Philippine Sea. By September 16, Pulasan’s winds increased to around 74 km/h while its central pressure reached 996 hPa. The system continued organizing as it moved through open waters east of the Philippines.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitored Pulasan under the local name Helen. PAGASA issued tropical cyclone bulletins and used its Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal system to communicate possible wind hazards. Areas within the storm’s circulation were monitored for heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and marine conditions, although Pulasan did not make direct landfall in the Philippines.
Pulasan’s strongest tropical phase developed over the Philippine Sea before the storm moved toward the East China Sea. PAGASA continued tracking the system as it moved away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
JMA’s 992 hPa Peak Near Okinawa: Pulasan Turns Northwest Toward China’s Crowded Coast
Pulasan maintained tropical storm intensity after reaching its strongest stage and moved toward the East China Sea. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the regional specialized meteorological center responsible for western North Pacific tropical cyclone information, recorded Pulasan’s peak intensity with maximum 10-minute sustained winds near 85 km/h and a minimum central pressure of 992 hPa.
JTWC estimates placed Pulasan’s peak winds near 98 km/h with a central pressure of 980 hPa, showing the difference between agency measurement standards. JMA’s operational dataset remained the regional reference for official western North Pacific warnings.
As Pulasan approached the East China Sea, its circulation interacted with the coastal environment of eastern China. The storm weakened but continued producing heavy rainfall across the Yangtze River Delta.
China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) issued warnings for the approaching cyclone, including a Typhoon Yellow Warning and Rainstorm Yellow Warning as Pulasan moved toward the coast. Authorities in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Shanghai prepared emergency measures for rainfall, urban flooding risks, and coastal wind hazards.
Pulasan made landfall in Zhejiang Province on September 19, 2024, before reaching the Shanghai area later the same day. The storm center moved into Fengxian District at approximately 9:45 p.m. local time, with maximum winds near 23 meters per second around the center.
Fengxian Records 300 mm in Six Hours: Shanghai Suburbs Drenched by Pulasan’s Rainbands
Shanghai experienced Pulasan’s strongest rainfall impacts after the storm crossed the eastern coast. The city had already faced recent tropical cyclone activity, increasing concerns about additional rainfall accumulation.
Local authorities activated flood prevention measures, monitored low-lying urban areas, and organized responses for possible waterlogging. Public safety notices advised residents to avoid dangerous outdoor activities during periods of intense rainfall and strong winds.
The heaviest rainfall occurred in suburban districts, where Pulasan’s rainbands produced concentrated precipitation. Fengxian and Pudong recorded rainfall exceeding 300 millimeters within six hours, setting short-duration rainfall records at some monitoring stations. The extreme rainfall rate placed pressure on urban drainage systems and transportation networks across parts of Shanghai.
The storm’s wind impacts were lower than those of major typhoons, but coastal areas experienced strong gusts and rough seas. Ports, maritime operations, and transportation services adjusted schedules according to local weather conditions.
After crossing Shanghai, Pulasan weakened while moving inland and northeastward. The storm remained classified as a tropical storm on September 20, with its center located over eastern China before moving toward the Korean Peninsula.
Korea Landfall Then Cold-Core Shift: Pulasan Goes Extratropical Over the Sea of Japan
Pulasan continued northeast after leaving China and brought rainfall and strong winds to parts of South Korea. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) monitored the system as it approached the Korean Peninsula and issued weather information for affected regions.
The storm’s moisture flow contributed to heavy rainfall in southern South Korea. In Gyeongsangnam-do, rainfall from September 20 to 21 reached 380.9 millimeters in some areas, creating flooding concerns and disrupting local activities.
As Pulasan moved into higher latitudes, cooler waters and interaction with mid-latitude weather systems transformed the cyclone structure. At 1800 UTC on September 21, the system became an extratropical cyclone near 35.8°N, 132.6°E.
Japan also monitored Pulasan’s post-tropical development because the storm system moved through waters near the Japanese archipelago. The Japan Meteorological Agency continued tracking the extratropical remnant as it traveled across the northwest Pacific.
The remnant system continued eastward after losing tropical characteristics and weakened steadily. Pulasan dissipated on September 24, 2024, near 45.9°N, 180.7°E, after completing a track from the Mariana Islands region through the Philippine Sea, eastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and waters near Japan.