# Tropical cyclones in 2002

During 2002, tropical cyclones formed within seven different tropical cyclone basins, located within various parts of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. During the year, a total of 123 tropical cyclones formed, of which 80 tropical cyclones developed enough to be named by either a Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) or a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC). The strongest system was Cyclone Zoe, with a barometric pressure of 890 hPa (26 inHg). The costliest and deadliest tropical cyclone of the year was Typhoon Rusa, killing 238 in South Korea and causing $4.2 billion (2002 USD) in damages. 26 Category 3 tropical cyclones, including eight Category 5 tropical cyclones formed in 2002. The accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) index for the 2002 (seven basins combined), as calculated by Colorado State University was 812 units.
Tropical cyclone activity in each basin is under the authority of an RSMC. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is responsible for tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic and East Pacific. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) is responsible for tropical cyclones in the Central Pacific. Both the NHC and CPHC are subdivisions of the National Weather Service. Activity in the West Pacific is monitored by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). Systems in the North Indian Ocean are monitored by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The Météo-France located in Réunion (MFR) monitors tropical activity in the South-West Indian Ocean. The Australian region is monitored by five TCWCs that are under the coordination of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). Similarly, the South Pacific is monitored by both the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) and the Meteorological Service of New Zealand Limited. Other, unofficial agencies that provide additional guidance in tropical cyclone monitoring include the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

## Global atmospheric and hydrological conditions

In the seven basins, there are a variety of different factors that impact tropical cyclogenesis. One of the most important factors is the presence or lack of El Niño–Southern Oscillation, which was present for much of the second half of 2002. El Niño is caused by the replacement of the Walker circulation by the Hadley circulation. This leads to the formation of a band of warm ocean water in the equatorial Eastern Pacific basin, marked by a reduction in upwelling.
The El Niño phenomenon has global effects on cyclone formation, development, and tracks. In the Atlantic Ocean, El Niño years see less active hurricane seasons due to stronger westerly winds, which cause increased vertical wind shear, inhibiting cyclonic development. By contrast, the Eastern Pacific basin exhibits lower wind shear and higher sea surface temperatures, leading to more active cyclone seasons. In the Western Pacific, tropical cyclone formation shifts eastward, without a major change in activity; thus, a typhoon that would normally affect China might shift to instead impact Micronesia. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation in the Northern Hemisphere is mirrored: the Australian region sees fewer cyclones, while the South Pacific becomes more active. All these factors were present in 2002: the Atlantic hurricane season was slightly below-average, the Eastern Pacific had an unusually high number of major hurricanes, the Western Pacific saw a dearth of activity in the South China Sea in conjunction with an abnormally strong subtropical ridge, and the Australian region saw no storms in the second half of 2002, while the South Pacific season was one of the most intense on record.

## Seasonal summary
### North Atlantic Ocean

The season produced fourteen tropical cyclones, of which twelve developed into named storms; four became hurricanes, and two attained major hurricane status. While the season's first cyclone did not develop until July 14, activity quickly picked up: eight storms developed in the month of September. It ended early however, with no tropical storms forming after October 6—a rare occurrence caused partly by El Niño conditions. The most intense hurricane of the season was Hurricane Isidore with a minimum central pressure of 934 mbar, although Hurricane Lili attained higher winds and peaked at Category 4 whereas Isidore only reached Category 3.
The season was less destructive than normal, causing an estimated $2.47 billion (2002 USD) in property damage and 23 fatalities. Most destruction was due to Isidore, which caused about $1.28 billion (2002 USD) in damage and killed seven people in the Yucatán Peninsula and later the United States, and Hurricane Lili, which caused $1.16 billion (2002 USD) in damage and 15 deaths as it crossed the Caribbean Sea and eventually made landfall in Louisiana.

### Eastern Pacific Ocean

The season was slightly above average as it saw three tropical cyclones reach Category 5 intensity on the Saffir–Simpson scale, tied for the most in a season with 1994 and 2018. The strongest storm this year was Hurricane Kenna, which reached Category 5 on the Saffir–Simpson scale. It made landfall near Puerto Vallarta, located in the Mexican state of Jalisco, on October 25. Elsewhere, Tropical Storm Julio made landfall in Mexico, and Tropical Storm Boris dumped torrential rain along the Mexican coast, despite remaining offshore.
Other storms were individually unusual. Hurricanes Elida and Hernan also reached Category 5 intensity, but neither caused any damage. Hurricane Fausto had no effect on land, but it regenerated into a weak tropical storm at an abnormally high latitude.

### Western Pacific Ocean

The season was slightly above average with many tropical cyclones affecting Japan and China. Every month had tropical activity, with most storms forming from July through October. Overall, there were 44 tropical depressions declared officially or unofficially, of which 26 became named storms; of those, there were 15 typhoons, which is the equivalent of a minimal hurricane, while 8 of the 15 typhoon intensified into super typhoons unofficially by the JTWC. The season began early with the first storm, Tapah, developing on January 10, east of the Philippines. Two months later, Typhoon Mitag became the first super typhoon ever to be recorded in March. In June, Typhoon Chataan dropped heavy rainfall in the Federated States of Micronesia, killing 48 people and becoming the deadliest natural disaster in the state of Chuuk. Chataan later left heavy damage in Guam before striking Japan. In August, Typhoon Rusa became the deadliest typhoon in South Korea in 43 years, causing 238 deaths and $4.2 billion in damage. Typhoon Higos in October was the fifth strongest typhoon to strike Tokyo since World War II. The final typhoon of the season was Typhoon Pongsona, which was one of the costliest storms on record in Guam; it did damage worth $700 million on the island before dissipating on December 11.
The season began early, but did not become active until June, when six storms passed near or over Japan after a ridge weakened. Nine storms developed in July, many of which influenced the monsoon trough over the Philippines to produce heavy rainfall and deadly flooding. The flooding was worst in Luzon, where 85 people were killed. The series of storms caused the widespread closure of schools and offices. Many roads were damaged, and the floods left about $1.8 million (₱94.2 million PHP) in crop damage, largely to rice and corn. Overall damage from the series of storms was estimated at $10.3 million (₱522 million PHP). From June to September, heavy rainfall affected large portions of China, resulting in devastating flooding that killed over 1,500 people and left $8.2 billion (¥68 billion CNY) in damage. During this time, Tropical Storm Kammuri struck southern China with a large area of rainfall that damaged or destroyed 245,000 houses. There were 153 deaths related to the storm, mostly inland in Hunan, and damage totaled $322 million (¥2.665 billion CNY). Activity shifted farther to the east after September, with Typhoon Higos striking Japan in October and Typhoon Pongsona hitting Guam in December.
During most of the year, sea surface temperatures were above normal near the equator, and were highest around 160° E from January to July, and in November. Areas of convection developed farther east than usual, causing many storms to develop east of 150° E. The average point of formation was 145.9° E, the easternmost point since 1951. Partially as a result, no tropical storms made landfall in the Philippines for the first time since 1951, according to the JMA. Two storms – Ele and Huko – entered the basin from the Central Pacific, east of the International Date Line. Overall, there were 26 named storms in the basin in 2002, which was slightly below the norm of 26.7. A total of 15 of the 26 storms became typhoons, a slightly higher than normal proportion.

### North Indian Ocean

The season was below average, with only seven tropical cyclones, four cyclonic storms, and one severe cyclonic storm. The first storm, in the Arabian Sea, formed on May 6 from a low-pressure area. It went on to strengthen into a weak cyclonic storm, being designated ARB 01, and make landfall in Oman four days later, causing intense damage. ARB 01 simultaneously dissipated. The rest of May featured two tropical depressions. The first, according to the JTWC, reached tropical storm-equivalent strength and made landfall in Myanmar. The second was recognized only by the Thailand Meteorological Department and was not given a number. There was no activity in June, July, August, or September, the first instance of such in the history of the IMD. Then, on October 22, Depression BOB 02 formed. It did not intensify and dissipated two days later. No storms formed again until BOB 03 on November 10. This storm strengthened into a severe cyclonic storm, before making landfall in West Bengal two days later and dissipating. Like all the other storms in the season, BOB 03 failed to reach hurricane strength. Two more cyclonic storms formed in the Bay of Bengal. BOB 04 was in late November and did not affect land. BOB 05 formed very far south on December 21, scraped Sri Lanka, and dissipated in the open bay.

### South Pacific Ocean
#### 2001–02

2002 began with two storms active in the basin: Severe Tropical Cyclone Waka and Tropical Depression 05F. Waka, at the time, was a Category 4 severe tropical cyclone near Niue. Waka dissipated on January 2, and nothing formed but tropical depressions until Severe Tropical Cyclone Claudia entered the basin on February 12. Claudia rapidly weakened and dissipated two days later. The next tropical cyclone, Des, also crossed over, on March 5. Due to unfavorable conditions, Des soon dissipated. Following Des's dissipation, four official and one unofficial tropical depression formed. The season ended on April 22.
The 2001–02 season was one of the least active on record.

#### 2002–03

The season began very early, starting with Tropical Depression 17F on July 3. After that, however, the season was quiet, with one tropical depression forming in mid October. By November, a tropical cyclone, Yolande had formed, as well as another tropical depression. In December, activity sped up, with Cyclone Zoe, a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone, forming.
With seven severe tropical cyclones in total, the 2002–03 season was one of the most active ever recorded.

### Australian region
#### 2001–02

On 1 January 2002, Tropical Cyclone Bernie had just formed near Northern Territory. Bernie made landfall in Northern Territory four days later, causing minor damages, and then dissipated. Then, on 2 February, Tropical Cyclone Chris formed. It rapidly intensified into a Category 5 severe tropical cyclone. On 6 February, Chris made landfall in Western Australia, and dissipated later in the day. Chris caused 12 deaths and some damage. Five days later, Tropical Cyclone Claudia formed, and dissipated without affecting land. After another tropical low, Tropical Cyclone Des formed on 4 March near Papua New Guinea. Three days later, Des crossed over to the South Pacific.
After Des, the season was quiet until a tropical cyclone was named Dianne on 7 April. Dianne passed close to the Cocos Islands, intensified into a Category 3 tropical cyclone, and moved westward into the South-West Indian Ocean on 11 April. Simultaneously with Dianne, Tropical Cyclone Bonnie was forming. On 11 April, Bonnie moved over Timor and Java and caused some damage, killing 19 people. In early May, Tropical Low Errol formed. On 26 May, Tropical Cyclone Upia, the season's last storm, formed near Papua New Guinea and was named by TCWC Port Moresby. It crossed Budibudi Island, east of Woodlark Island, and caused severe damage there. Once Upia dissipated on 28 May, the season was over.
The 2001–02 season was a near-normal tropical cyclone season.

#### 2002–03

In 2002, this season was very inactive. According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the first tropical cyclone of the year, Tropical Depression 07S formed on 27 December. It did not strengthen, and dissipated on 3 January 2003. It was not recognised by the BoM.

### South-West Indian Ocean
#### 2001–02

The 2001–02 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was very active from its start. The 2002 half of the season began with Tropical Storm Cyprien, which made landfall in western Madagascar and dissipated on 3 January. Two weeks later, Intense Tropical Cyclone Dina formed, causing record flooding in Mauritius and Reunion. Approximately fifteen people died in the storm. Towards the end of January, Tropical Cyclone Eddy formed, but dissipated on 30 January without affecting land. On the day that Eddy dissipated, a tropical low crossed into the basin and eventually became Intense Tropical Cyclone Francesca. Francesca moved southward, and in the open ocean, dissipated on 11 February. On 5 February, a tropical disturbance, classified as 09, formed in the Mozambique Channel, and dissipated the very next day.
In mid-February, a tropical depression formed over Madagascar. Moving east, it strengthened into Intense Tropical Cyclone Guillaume. On 18 February, Guillaume moved to the south and affected Mauritius. In the following days, Guillaume deteriorated due to wind shear, and dissipated on 23 February. On 5 March, Cyclone Hary formed. The most intense storm of the season, Hary made landfall in Madagascar, causing four fatalities. Later in March, Tropical Cyclone Ikala developed in the south-central Indian Ocean, moving south and dissipating without affecting land. On 9 April, Tropical Cyclone Dianne crossed over from the Australian region and was renamed Jery, becoming extratropical two days later without affecting land. The final storm of the season was Cyclone Kesiny, which became the first cyclone in the basin's history to make landfall in May when the storm struck Toamasina on 9 May, causing 33 deaths and upwards of 1,200 injuries.

#### 2002–03

The 2002–03 season was one of the most active on record, lasting an unprecedented eight months. The season started off early, with an unnamed tropical storm forming in early September. The storm inflicted $50,000 damages on Seychelles, the most destruction caused by a tropical cyclone in 50 years, before dissipating on 8 September. In November, Tropical Depression Atang formed, nearly dissipating and reorganizing several times before making landfall in northern Mozambique on 12 November. There were no confirmed deaths caused by Atang. Days later, Tropical Cyclone Boura formed, moving west and dissipating two weeks later without affecting land. On 21 December, Tropical Storm Crystal formed. The storm moved to the south, passing near Mauritius without effect before dissipating on 29 December. The final storm in 2002, Severe Tropical Storm Delfina, made landfall in Mozambique on 31 December, causing 47 deaths.

## Systems
### January

In January, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which allows for the formation of tropical waves, is located in the Southern Hemisphere, remaining there until May. This limits Northern Hemisphere cyclone formation to comparatively rare non-tropical sources. In addition, the month's climate is also an important factor. In the Southern Hemisphere basins, January, at the height of the austral summer, is the most active month by cumulative number of storms since records began. Of the four Northern Hemisphere basins, none is very active in January, as the month is during the winter, but the most active basin is the Western Pacific, which occasionally sees weak tropical storms form during the month.
In 2002, January saw six tropical cyclones form, of which four were named. This does not include the three tropical cyclones that were active when the year began: Tropical Cyclone Bernie in Australia, Tropical Storm Cyprien in Madagascar, and Tropical Depression 05F in the Solomon Islands. After these storms dissipated, Tropical Storm Tapah formed on 9 January, becoming the first Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclone in 2002. On 16 January, Cyclone Dina formed in the South-West Indian Ocean. Dina would become the only January cyclone to cause significant damage to land, inflicting $287 million in damages and fifteen fatalities in Réunion. The storm was also the most intense of the month, featuring a central pressure of 910 hPa (26.87 inHg).
Tropical cyclones formed in January 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Bernie | 30 December 2001–6 January 2002 | 95 (60) | 980 | Northern Territory | Minimal | None |
| Cyprien | 30 December 2001–3 January 2002 | 100 (65) | 980 | Madagascar | Minimal | None |
| 05F | 31 December 2001–6 January 2002 | 65 (40) | 998 | Solomon Islands | None | None |
| Tapah (Agaton) | 9–14 January | 75 (45) | 996 | Philippines | Minimal | None |
| 06F | 15–16 January | 65 (40) | 1000 | New Caledonia | None | None |
| Dina | 16–25 January | 215 (130) | 910 | Mauritius, Réunion | $287 million | 15 |
| 07F | 20–27 January | 65 (40) | 997 | Vanuatu, New Caledonia | Minimal | None |
| Eddy | 22–30 January | 130 (80) | 965 | None | None | None |
| Francesca | 30 January – 11 February | 195 (120) | 925 | None | None | None |

### February

In terms of activity, February is normally similar to January, with activity effectively restricted to the Southern Hemisphere excepting the rare Western Pacific storm. In fact, in the Southern Hemisphere, due to the monsoon being at its height, February tends to see more formation of strong tropical cyclones than January despite seeing marginally fewer overall storms. In the Northern Hemisphere, February is the least active month, with no Eastern or Central Pacific tropical cyclones and only one Atlantic tropical cyclone having ever formed in the month. Even in the Western Pacific, February activity is low: in 2002, the month had never seen any typhoon-strength storms, with the first being 2015's Typhoon Higos.
The month saw a high number of tropical cyclones – eleven – although most failed to develop past depression intensity, with only four being named. The first storm to form in February, Cyclone Chris, would also become the strongest, with a pressure of 920 hPa (27.17 inHg), and deadliest, causing twelve deaths, of the month. Chris made landfall in Western Australia, causing just short of $1 million in damage. It would become the only hurricane-strength cyclone to make landfall in Australia in 2002. The only other storm forming that month to cause significant damage to land was Typhoon Mitag, which formed on 26 February near the Caroline Islands. Mitag would intensify to become the first super typhoon ever in March, eventually causing $150 million in damage to Micronesia.
Tropical cyclones formed in February 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Chris | 2–7 February | 205 (125) | 915 | Indonesia, Western Australia | $929,000 | 12 |
| 09 | 5–13 February | 45 (30) | 1005 | None | None | None |
| Monsoon Low | 9–13 February | 55 (35) | 998 | Northern Territory | Unknown | None |
| Claudia | 11–15 February | 130 (80) | 965 | None | None | None |
| Guillaume | 14–23 February | 205 (125) | 920 | Mauritius | Minimal | None |
| TD | 15 February | 55 (35) | 1006 | None | None | None |
| Monsoon Low | 16–23 February | Un­known | Un­known | Western Australia, Northern Territory | Unknown | None |
| 09F | 17–18 February | 75 (45) | 997 | Fiji | None | None |
| 10F | 23–26 February | 65 (40) | 1000 | None | None | None |
| 11F | 26–27 February | 30 (15) | 1002 | None | None | None |
| Mitag (Basyang) | 26 February– 8 March | 175 (110) | 930 | Micronesia | $150 million | 2 |

### March

During March, activity tends to be lower than in preceding months. In the Southern Hemisphere, the peak of the season has normally already passed, and the monsoon has begun to weaken, decreasing cyclonic activity, however, the month often sees more intense tropical cyclones than January or February. Meanwhile, in the Northern Hemisphere basins, sea surface temperatures are still far too low to normally support tropical cyclogenesis. The exception is the Western Pacific, which usually sees its first storm, often a weak depression, at some point between January and April.
In 2002, a total of six systems formed during March, of which three intensified into tropical storms. The most intense storm of the month was Cyclone Hary, which formed in the South-West Indian Ocean on 5 March. It intensified to attain a pressure of 905 hPa (26.72 inHg), making Hary the most intense storm thus far in the year, before making landfall in Madagascar, causing four deaths. The only other storm to affect land that month was Tropical Depression 03W, which made landfall in the Philippines, causing $2.4 million in damage and 35 deaths.
Tropical cyclones formed in March 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Des | 3–4 March | 95 (60) | 985 | New Caledonia | None | None |
| Hary | 5–13 March | 220 (140) | 905 | Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion | Unknown | 4 |
| 13F | 13–16 March | 65 (40) | 1000 | None | None | None |
| 14F | 20–23 March | 65 (40) | 1002 | None | None | None |
| 03W (Caloy) | 21–23 March | 55 (35) | 1004 | Philippines | $2.4 million | 35 |
| Ikala | 21–29 March | 165 (105) | 945 | None | None | None |

### April

The factors that begin to inhibit Southern Hemisphere cyclone formation in March are even more pronounced in April, with the average number of storms formed being hardly half that of March. However, even this limited activity exceeds the activity in the Northern Hemisphere, which is rare, with the exception of the Western Pacific basin. All Pacific typhoon seasons between 1998 and 2016 saw activity between January and April, although many of these seasons saw only weak tropical depressions. By contrast, only two Atlantic hurricane seasons during those years saw tropical cyclone formation during that period. With the combination of the decreasing temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere and the still-low temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere, April and May tend to be the least active months worldwide for tropical cyclone formation.
April 2002 was an example of this phenomenon, with only five tropical cyclones forming, and only two becoming tropical storms, making the month the least active of 2002. Of those two storms, the stronger was Tropical Cyclone Dianne–Jery, which formed in the Australian region on 7 April and crossed over to the South-West Indian Ocean before dissipating on 11 April. No storms in April caused any known damage to land.
Tropical cyclones formed in April 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| 15F | 1–2 April | Un­known | 1002 | None | None | None |
| 04W | 6–8 April | 55 (35) | 1004 | None | None | None |
| Dianne–Jery | 7–11 April | 150 (90) | 955 | None | None | None |
| Bonnie | 9–14 April | 95 (60) | 985 | Indonesia | None | None |
| 16F | 17–22 April | Un­known | 1002 | None | None | None |

### May

Around the middle of May, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which allows for the formation of tropical waves and has previously remained in the Southern Hemisphere for the first five months of the year, moves to the Northern Hemisphere, allowing the northern cyclone seasons to start in earnest. Without the presence of the ITCZ, Southern Hemisphere cyclones must form from non-wave sources, which are rarer. For that reason, cyclone formation is relatively sparse, with May tending to be the month of the final storm in each of the three basins. Meanwhile, more intense storms are nearly unheard of, with the South-West Indian Ocean having seen only one intense tropical cyclone and no very intense tropical cyclones in the month, and the other two basins having similar levels of activity in May. In the Northern Hemisphere, May is the first month most basins see activity, due to the new presence of the ITCZ. The Pacific hurricane season begins on May 15, and although the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on June 1, off-season storms are very common, with over half of the 21st century seasons seeing a storm form in May. Although the North Indian Ocean has no official start or end date, due to the monsoon, mid-May is the beginning of a month-long period of high activity in the basin. Even in the Western Pacific, activity tends to increase throughout May.
In 2002, May was significantly more active, with ten storms forming, of which five were named. The most intense storm of the month was Typhoon Hagibis, which would become the first super typhoon of the season, with a central pressure of 935 hPa (27.61 inHg), the costliest was a storm in the North Indian Ocean that brought $25 million in damage to Oman, and the deadliest was Cyclone Kesiny, which caused 33 deaths in Madagascar.
Tropical cyclones formed in May 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Kesiny | 2–11 May | 140 (80) | 965 | Madagascar | Unknown | 33 |
| ARB 01 | 6–10 May | 65 (40) | 996 | Maldives, Oman | $25 million | 9 |
| Errol | 9–15 May | 65 (40) | 995 | None | None | None |
| BOB 01 | 10–12 May | 55 (35) | 991 | None | None | None |
| Hagibis | 15–21 May | 175 (110) | 935 | Caroline Islands, Mariana Islands | None | None |
| Unnumbered | 17–19 May | 55 (35) | 995 | None | None | None |
| Alma | 24 May – 1 June | 185 (115) | 960 | None | None | None |
| Upia | 26–29 May | 75 (45) | 990 | Budibudi Island, Papua New Guinea | None | None |
| 06W (Dagul) | 26–30 May | 55 (35) | 1002 | Philippines, Taiwan | None | None |
| TD | 27–29 May | Un­known | 1008 | None | None | None |

### June

Tropical cyclones formed in June 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| TD | 3–5 June | Un­known | 1004 | Ryukyu Islands | None | None |
| Noguri (Espada) | 4–7 June | 100 (65) | 980 | China | $500 million | 153 |
| Boris | 8–11 June | 95 (60) | 997 | Southwestern Mexico | Minimal | None |
| 15 | 13–15 June | 45 (30) | 1000 | None | None | None |
| Three-E | 27–29 June | 55 (35) | 1006 | None | None | None |
| Rammasun (Florita) | 28 June – 1 July | 155 (100) | 945 | China, Korean Peninsula, Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan | $100 million | 97 |
| Chataan (Gloria) | 28 June – 11 July | 175 (110) | 930 | Chuuk, Guam, Japan | $660 million | 54 |

### July

Tropical cyclones formed in July 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| 17F | 3–5 July | 45 (30) | 999 | None | None | None |
| Halong (Inday) | 6–16 July | 155 (100) | 945 | Guam, Philippines, Japan | $89.8 million | 10 |
| Nakri (Hambalos) | 7–13 July | 95 (60) | 983 | Philippines, China, Taiwan, Japan | None | 2 |
| Cristina | 9–16 July | 100 (65) | 994 | None | None | None |
| Fengshen | 13–28 July | 185 (115) | 920 | Japan, China | $4 million | 5 |
| Arthur | 14–16 July | 95 (60) | 997 | Southeastern United States | Minimal | 1 |
| 13W (Juan) | 18–23 July | 55 (35) | 1002 | Philippines | $240 thousand | 14 |
| Fung-wong (Kaka) | 18–27 July | 130 (80) | 960 | Japan | None | None |
| Douglas | 20–26 July | 165 (105) | 970 | None | None | None |
| Kalmaegi | 20–21 July | 65 (40) | 1003 | None | None | None |
| Elida | 23–30 July | 260 (160) | 921 | None | None | None |
| TD | 25–26 July | Un­known | 1004 | None | None | None |
| TD | 29–30 July | Un­known | 998 | South China | None | None |

### August

Tropical cyclones formed in August 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Kammuri (Lagalag) | 2–7 August | 100 (65) | 980 | China | $509 million | 153 |
| Bertha | 4–9 August | 65 (40) | 1007 | Mississippi | $200 thousand | 1 |
| 17W | 5–6 August | 55 (35) | 998 | None | None | None |
| Cristobal | 5–8 August | 85 (50) | 999 | Bermuda, New York | Minimal | 3 |
| Seven-E | 6–8 August | 55 (35) | 1008 | None | None | None |
| 18W (Milenyo) | 11–14 August | 55 (35) | 998 | Philippines | $3.3 million | 35 |
| Phanfone | 11–20 August | 155 (100) | 940 | Japan | None | None |
| Vongfong | 15–20 August | 75 (45) | 985 | China | $86 million | 9 |
| Fausto | 21 August – 3 September | 230 (145) | 936 | Aleutian Islands, British Columbia | None | None |
| Alika | 22–28 August | 100 (65) | 995 | None | None | None |
| Rusa | 22 August – 1 September | 150 (90) | 950 | Japan, South Korea, North Korea | $4.2 billion | 238 |
| Genevieve | 26 August – 1 September | 110 (70) | 989 | None | None | None |
| Sinlaku | 27 August – 9 September | 150 (90) | 950 | Japan, China | $723 million | 30 |
| Ele | 27 August – 10 September | 205 (125) | 945 | Johnston Atoll, Wake Island | None | None |
| Dolly | 29 August – 4 September | 95 (60) | 997 | None | None | None |
| Hernan | 30 August – 6 September | 260 (160) | 921 | Southwestern Mexico, Revillagigedo Islands, Socorro Island, Southwestern United States | None | None |

### September

Tropical cyclones formed in September 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Edouard | 1–6 September | 100 (65) | 1002 | Florida | Minimal | None |
| Fay | 5–8 September | 95 (60) | 998 | Texas, Mexico | $4.5 million | None |
| 01 | 5–8 September | 65 (40) | 1003 | Seychelles | $50 thousand | None |
| Eleven-E | 5–8 September | 55 (35) | 1006 | Baja California Peninsula | Minimal | None |
| Seven | 7–8 September | 55 (35) | 1013 | None | None | None |
| Gustav | 8–12 September | 155 (100) | 960 | North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey, New England | $340 thousand | 4 |
| Hagupit | 9–15 September | 85 (50) | 990 | China | $32.5 million | 25 |
| Hanna | 12–15 September | 95 (60) | 1001 | Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Southeastern U.S., Mid-Atlantic states | $20 million | 3 |
| Isidore | 14–27 September | 205 (125) | 934 | Venezuela, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Yucatán Peninsula, Louisiana, Mississippi | $1.28 billion | 22 |
| Iselle | 15–20 September | 110 (70) | 990 | Baja California Peninsula | Minimal | None |
| Josephine | 17–19 September | 65 (40) | 1006 | None | None | None |
| TD | 18–19 September | Un­known | 1002 | Mariana Islands | None | None |
| Kyle | 20 September – 12 October | 140 (85) | 980 | Bermuda, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, British Isles | $5 million | 1 |
| Lili | 21 September – 4 October | 230 (145) | 938 | Windward Islands, Haiti, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Louisiana | $1.16 billion | 15 |
| TD | 21–22 September | Un­known | 1008 | None | None | None |
| Mekkhala | 22–28 September | 85 (50) | 990 | China | $103 million | None |
| Julio | 25–26 September | 75 (45) | 1000 | Southwestern Mexico | Minimal | 3 |
| Higos | 26 September – 2 October | 175 (110) | 930 | Japan, Primorsky Krai | $2.14 billion | 12 |

### October

Tropical cyclones formed in October 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Bavi | 8–13 October | 100 (65) | 985 | None | None | None |
| TD | 12 October | Un­known | 1004 | None | None | None |
| Fourteen | 14–16 October | 55 (35) | 1002 | Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Cuba | Minimal | None |
| 27W | 15–18 October | 55 (35) | 1004 | None | None | None |
| 28W | 18–19 October | 55 (35) | 1008 | None | None | None |
| 01F | 21–22 October | 45 (30) | 1002 | None | None | None |
| Kenna | 22–26 October | 270 (165) | 913 | Southwestern Mexico, Western Mexico, Southern United States, Revillagigedo Islands, Socorro Island, Texas | $101 million | 4 |
| BOB 02 | 22–25 October | 45 (30) | 1003 | None | None | None |
| Lowell | 22–31 October | 85 (50) | 1002 | Hawaii | None | None |
| TD | 23–24 October | Un­known | 1010 | Taiwan | None | None |
| Huko | 24 October – 7 November | 140 (85) | 985 | None | None | None |
| Maysak | 26–31 October | 100 (65) | 980 | None | None | None |

### November

Tropical cyclones formed in November 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Min pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Atang | 4–13 November | 55 (35) | 997 | Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania | None | None |
| BOB 03 | 10–12 November | 100 (65) | 984 | Bangladesh, India | None | 173 |
| Sixteen-E | 14–16 November | 55 (35) | 1006 | None | None | None |
| Boura | 14–27 November | 130 (80) | 965 | None | None | None |
| Haishen | 20–25 November | 155 (100) | 955 | None | None | None |
| BOB 04 | 23–28 November | 85 (50) | 991 | None | None | None |
| TD | 27 November | Un­known | 1008 | None | None | None |
| Yolande | 29 November – 6 December | 65 (40) | 995 | Tonga | None | None |

### December

Tropical cyclones formed in December 2002 :
| Storm name | Dates active | Max wind km/h (mph) | Pressure (hPa) | Areas affected | Damage (USD) | Deaths |
| Pongsona | 2–11 December | 165 (105) | 940 | Guam, Northern Mariana Islands | $730 million | 1 |
| 03F | 10–13 December | 55 (35) | 1002 | None | None | None |
| Crystal | 21–29 December | 150 (90) | 955 | Mauritius | Minimal | None |
| BOB 05 | 21–25 December | 65 (40) | 997 | None | None | None |
| Zoe | 23 December 2002–4 January 2003 | 240 (150) | 890 | Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji | Severe | None |
| Delfina | 30 December 2002–9 January 2003 | 95 (60) | 984 | Mozambique, Malawi | $3.5 million | 54 |

## Global effects

| Season name | Season name | Areas affected | Systems formed | Named storms | Hurricane-force tropical cyclones | Damage (2002 USD) | Deaths | Ref |
| North Atlantic Ocean | North Atlantic Ocean | Yucatán Peninsula, Cayman Islands, Cuba, United States, Canada, Lesser Antilles, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Bermuda, Iceland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hispaniola, West Africa, Cape Verde, Azores | 14 | 12 | 4 | $2.47 billion | 50 | |
| Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean | Eastern and Central Pacific Ocean | Mexico, Baja California Sur, Southwestern United States, Colima, Sonora, Nayarit | 19 | 15 | 8 | $101.02 million | 4 (3) | |
| Western Pacific Ocean | Western Pacific Ocean | Micronesia, Taiwan, Philippines, China, Vietnam, Mariana Islands, Japan, Korean Peninsula, Laos, Russian Far East, Thailand, Myanmar, Alaska | 41 | 24 | 16 | $9.54 billion | 725 | |
| North Indian Ocean | North Indian Ocean | India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea | 7 | 4 | 0 | $25 million | 182 | |
| South-West Indian Ocean | January – June | Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, Réunion | 10 | 8 | 7 | $287.2 million | 52 | |
| South-West Indian Ocean | July – December | Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi | 5 | 4 | 2 | $4 million | 52 | |
| Australian region | January – June | Indonesia, Australia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea | 10 | 8 | 3 | $929,000 | None | |
| Australian region | July – December | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| South Pacific Ocean | January – June | Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Zealand, Wallis and Futuna, Niue, Solomon Islands | 10 | 1 | 0 | None | None | |
| South Pacific Ocean | July – December | Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tonga, New Zealand, Samoan Islands, Wallis and Futuna, Niue, Solomon Islands | 5 | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Worldwide | Worldwide | (See above) | 121 | 78 | 41 | $12.42 billion | 1,065 (3) | |