1997 Pacific Typhoon Season - Storms - Typhoon Ginger

Typhoon Ginger

Typhoon Ginger originated from a low-latitude tropical disturbance near the International Date Line on September 21. The following day, deep convection consolidated around a low-level circulation center and banding features formed around the system. At 0530 UTC, the JTWC issued a tropical cyclone formation alert for the system. Later that day, the system was designated as Tropical Depression 24W. Tracking in a more northerly direction, the depression intensified into a tropical storm the next day, at which time it was given the name Ginger. Continued strengthening occurred at a climatological rate until it was upgraded to a typhoon on September 25. Upon becoming a typhoon, Ginger underwent a period of explosive development.

During this period, the storm intensified into a Category 5 super typhoon, with winds reaching 265 km/h (165 mph) by 0000 UTC on September 27. At this time, Ginger featured a small, well-defined eye surrounded by a smooth central dense overcast and large convective feeder bands. The general cloudless environment surrounding the system allowed outflow to cover a large area. Shortly after peaking, the storm began to recurve towards the northeast and weaken. Gradually accelerating, the storm began to undergo an extratropical transition. The JTWC issued their final advisory on the typhoon at 0600 UTC on September 30. Several hours later, the extratropical system weakened below typhoon intensity. The remnants of Ginger persisted for two more days as it rapidly tracked towards the Western United States. By October 2, the storm impacted the region and dissipated shortly thereafter.

The remnants of Typhoon Ginger brought strong winds and heavy rain to the Western United States. Winds along the Oregon coastline gusted up to 69 mph (111 km/h). The highest rainfall total was recorded in Felida, Washington at 1.3 in (33 mm). Power was also briefly cut to 450 people by the high winds.