Typhoon Safety in the Marshall Islands: How to Prepare for a Typhoon

The Marshall Islands sits in the western North Pacific, where tropical storms and typhoons are monitored by regional and international weather agencies.

Weather warnings for the Marshall Islands are typically issued through local and regional meteorological services, with storm tracking supported by agencies such as the National Weather Service in the Pacific region, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, and wider western North Pacific tropical cyclone monitoring systems.

Thanks to this system, developing storms are usually detected early, giving locals and travellers time to prepare, adjust travel plans and follow official safety advice.

How Typhoons Are Reported

Typhoons typically begin as tropical disturbances or tropical depressions. Once sustained winds reach around 39-73 mph (63-118 kph), the system is classified as a tropical storm.

When sustained winds climb to around 74 mph (119 kph) or higher, the system is classified as a typhoon. In the western North Pacific, named storms are tracked closely with forecast maps showing their projected path, wind strength and likely impacts.

Storms can change direction and intensity, so travellers should follow the latest official updates rather than relying on an old forecast. Warnings may be shared through weather bulletins, radio, local authorities, accommodation providers and airlines.

If a typhoon warning is issued while you’re in the Marshall Islands, take it seriously, especially on low-lying atolls where storm surge, coastal flooding, rough seas and strong winds can become dangerous quickly.

Why do you need to prepare for a typhoon? Strong winds can damage weaker buildings, power lines, trees and communication systems, while flying debris can make it dangerous to be outside during the storm.

In the Marshall Islands, one of the biggest risks is coastal flooding. Because the country is made up of low-lying coral atolls, storm surge and large waves can wash across roads, homes and causeways, especially in exposed coastal areas. Rough seas can also disrupt boat travel between islands, fishing trips and flights.

Another danger can be contaminated drinking water (and the surrounding waters for swimming). Heavy rain, flooding or saltwater intrusion can affect rainwater tanks, wells and other local water supplies. We recommend filtering or boiling tap water in the Marshall Islands unless you know your accommodation is treating the water. See Is the Water Safe to Drink in the Marshall Islands? for more advice.

It’s also important to note that typhoon damage can be localised, affecting the islands or atolls in the storm’s path more severely than other parts of the country. That said, because the Marshall Islands is so low-lying, even a passing storm can cause coastal flooding, rough seas and travel disruption, so it’s worth taking warnings seriously.

If you’re visiting the Marshall Islands during the wet months or wider typhoon season, one of the best things you can do is stay on top of local weather alerts. Typhoons can change track and intensity, so yesterday’s “probably fine” forecast is not something to build your beach day around.

Follow updates from official weather services, local authorities, your airline and your accommodation provider. If you have a local SIM card, severe weather alerts and instructions from the Marshall Islands Government are sent via mass text message. Learn more about getting a local SIM in The Best SIM Card in the Marshall Islands for Travellers.

If you’re staying in a hotel, guesthouse or with local hosts, ask about their typhoon procedure as soon as severe weather is forecast. They’ll be able to advise on the safest part of the building, whether travel plans need to change and what to do if flooding or strong winds are expected.

Given how low-lying the Marshall Islands is, it’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared. Storm surge, coastal flooding, heavy rain, rough seas and power cuts can all cause disruption, even if the centre of the storm does not pass directly overhead.

Prepare a basic emergency kit with drinking water, non-perishable food, clothing, medication and essential toiletries for at least three days. It’s also helpful to have a fully charged power bank, torch, spare batteries, copies of important documents and some cash in case card payments or ATMs are affected.

Keep your phone charged and follow the progress of the typhoon through radio, local news, official text message alerts, your accommodation and airline updates. You’ll be informed if evacuation or sheltering in place is necessary.

In an emergency in the Marshall Islands, call 911. If you are travelling outside Majuro or visiting outer atolls, ask your accommodation or local host for the nearest clinic, police station or emergency contact, as services and response times can be more limited.

While the Marshall Islands sit east of the main western North Pacific typhoon belt, tropical cyclones and developing tropical disturbances have occasionally affected the country’s low-lying atolls. The systems listed below include typhoons, tropical storms and tropical depressions that brought damaging winds, flooding, storm surge, crop losses and coastal damage to parts of the Marshall Islands.

Below is a record of notable tropical cyclones that have affected the Marshall Islands.

Typhoon Alice

Forming unusually close to the equator, Typhoon Alice affected the Marshall Islands in January 1979. The storm moved erratically through the country, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds that destroyed crops across the archipelago. Significant damage was reported in Majuro and Enewetak Atoll, where gusts reached 80 mph (130 kph), one person was injured and nuclear cleanup operations were disrupted. Damage was estimated at US$50,000-$500,000.

Tropical Storm Zelda

On 28 November 1991, Tropical Storm Zelda struck the Marshall Islands, producing sustained winds of 75-100 mph (120-160 kph). The storm caused major damage on Ebeye Island, where around 60% of homes were destroyed and about 6,000 people were left without residence. Saltwater contaminated food and water supplies, power lines were cut and around 95% of crops were destroyed, though no deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Tropical Storm Axel

Described as the worst cyclone to hit the country in more than 70 years, Tropical Storm Axel affected the Marshall Islands in January 1992. Majuro recorded gusts of 53 mph (85 kph), almost 10 in (250 mm) of rain in a day and a storm surge of 13-16 ft (4-4.9 m), which contaminated water supplies and damaged infrastructure. The storm flooded homes and cars, damaged airport areas and left many residents homeless.

Typhoon Paka

Entering the Marshall Islands between Mili and Majuro as a tropical storm before strengthening into a typhoon, Typhoon Paka crossed the country in December 1997. Majuro and Kwajalein recorded gusts above 47 mph (75 kph), while Jaluit Atoll received around 12 in (300 mm) of rain in 30 hours. Strong waves flooded low-lying islands, crops were damaged by saltwater, 70% of homes on Ailinglaplap Atoll were damaged, and total damage in the Marshall Islands was estimated at US$80 million.

Tropical Storm Bavi

Forming near the Marshall Islands in March 2015, Tropical Storm Bavi moved northwest through the country as it developed. The system brought strong to gale-force winds of 30-40 mph (45-65 kph) to several atolls. Considerable damage was reported on Ebeye, while tree damage and unsafe old steel structures were reported around Kwajalein. Damage in the Marshall Islands was estimated at US$2.1 million, and a fishing vessel with nine crew members was reported missing.

Typhoon Nangka

Beginning as a tropical disturbance over the Marshall Islands in July 2015, Typhoon Nangka went on to become a powerful typhoon farther west. In its early stages, the developing storm brought strong westerly winds, high waves and lagoon flooding to Majuro. Around half of the capital lost power, several boats sank or broke loose from their moorings, roofs were torn from homes, trees and power lines were downed, and some crop damage was reported.

Tropical Depression Amang

Listed among systems affecting Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, the Caroline Islands and the Philippines, Tropical Depression Amang formed northeast of the Gilbert Islands in January 2019. It was a weak but long-lived tropical depression, with peak winds of 35 mph (55 kph), and later redeveloped near the Philippines, where it caused flooding, landslides and fatalities.

Typhoon History in the Marshall Islands, Month-by-Month

• January: 1979 (Alice), 1992 (Axel), 2019 (Amang)
• March: 2015 (Bavi)
• July: 2015 (Nangka)
• November: 1991 (Zelda)
• December: 1997 (Paka).

Now that you know about typhoons in the Marshall Islands, here are the answers to the internet’s frequently asked questions about staying safe during storm season!

When is typhoon season in the Marshall Islands?

Typhoons can form in the western North Pacific at different times of the year, but the Marshall Islands is most likely to experience tropical storms, heavy rain and rough seas during the wetter months from May to November.

Are typhoons common in the Marshall Islands?

Full-strength typhoons are not as common in the Marshall Islands as they are farther west in Micronesia and Asia. However, the country’s low-lying atolls are still vulnerable to strong winds, coastal flooding, storm surge, saltwater intrusion and damage to crops, homes and water supplies. Even a weaker tropical storm or tropical depression can cause disruption because most land sits only a few metres above sea level.

What are the typhoon warning categories in the Marshall Islands?

Tropical storm and typhoon watches and warnings for the Marshall Islands are issued through the National Weather Service in Guam. A watch means damaging winds are possible, usually with around 48 hours’ notice, while a warning means damaging winds are expected, usually within about 24 hours.

How do I stay informed during a typhoon in the Marshall Islands?

Stay informed by checking updates from the Marshall Islands Weather Service Office, the National Weather Service in Guam and the Republic of the Marshall Islands National Disaster Management Office. During severe weather, listen to local radio, follow official government and emergency management channels, keep your phone charged and have a battery-powered radio ready in case mobile networks or electricity are disrupted.

What should travellers do if a typhoon warning is issued?

Travellers should follow the advice of accommodation providers, tour operators, local authorities and the National Disaster Management Office. Avoid boat trips, swimming, snorkelling, diving and coastal driving when seas are rough or warnings are in place. Keep travel documents, medication, cash and a charged phone in a waterproof bag, and be prepared for flight, ferry or inter-atoll transport delays.

Which parts of the Marshall Islands are most at risk from typhoons?

The northern atolls are generally more exposed to typhoons, but impacts can vary depending on the storm’s track, size and strength. Majuro, Kwajalein, Jaluit, Wotje, Utirik, Mili, Enewetak, Ujae and Ailinglaplap are among the locations covered by tropical cyclone watches and warnings from the National Weather Service in Guam.