The holidays are usually a time for joy and celebration — but sometimes, nature has other plans.
In this Western Pacific Weather countdown, we’re looking back at five “Grinch Storms” — typhoons that struck just before or during the Christmas season, disrupting lives and bringing unexpected challenges. This list is in no particular order and focuses mostly on recent years.
These storms also highlight a broader trend: with warming sea surface temperatures in the Western Pacific and globally, tropical cyclones are increasingly occurring earlier and later in the year, including December.
If you experienced one of these storms — or another holiday storm not mentioned here — feel free to share your story in the comments.
Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) – December 2012
Striking Mindanao in early December, Typhoon Bopha was one of the strongest storms ever to hit the region, with winds near 175 km/h. Torrential rains caused catastrophic flooding and landslides, sweeping away entire villages. More than 1,900 people were reported dead or missing, with tens of thousands displaced. Damages reached over $1 billion USD, turning the holiday season into a time of mourning. Despite the tragedy, communities came together to help one another recover.
Typhoon Hagupit (Ruby) – December 2014
Making landfall just weeks before Christmas, Hagupit slowly crossed central and eastern Philippines with winds up to 175 km/h. Its slow movement led to prolonged flooding. Over one million people were evacuated, a reflection of improved preparedness after Typhoon Haiyan the year before. While damage was widespread, fatalities were limited, showing how early action saved lives.
Typhoon Melor (Nona) – December 2015
Melor struck the Visayas and Luzon in mid-December with winds around 150 km/h. Flooding, power outages, and damaged infrastructure left thousands affected just days before Christmas. Roads were cut off, communities isolated, and recovery continued through the holidays as people worked together to rebuild.
Typhoon Phanfone (Ursula) – Christmas 2019
Phanfone made landfall on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, impacting the Visayas with strong winds and heavy rain. Many families spent Christmas in evacuation centers, without power or communication. Despite the hardship and loss, stories of resilience and compassion emerged across affected communities.
Typhoon Nock-ten (Nina) – Christmas Day 2016
Making landfall on Christmas Day, Typhoon Nock-ten struck the Bicol Region with winds near 185 km/h. Thousands evacuated on Christmas Eve. While the storm caused significant damage and disrupted holiday celebrations, it also brought people together — sharing shelter, food, and hope during a difficult time.
The common thread in all of these storms:
Even in the darkest moments, communities came together — helping neighbors, sharing resources, and rebuilding side by side.
Stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly — stay safe.
TAGALOG 🇵🇭 | Mga “Grinch Storm” ng Western Pacific
Ang panahon ng Pasko ay karaniwang panahon ng saya at pagdiriwang — ngunit minsan, may ibang plano ang kalikasan.
Sa update na ito, binabalikan natin ang limang “Grinch Storms” — mga bagyong tumama bago o mismong panahon ng Pasko, na nagdulot ng pinsala at pagsubok sa maraming komunidad. Ang listahang ito ay walang partikular na pagkakasunod-sunod at karamihan ay mula sa mga nakaraang taon.
Ipinapakita rin ng mga bagyong ito ang isang mahalagang trend: dahil sa umiinit na karagatan sa Western Pacific at buong mundo, mas nagiging karaniwan ang mga bagyo kahit Disyembre na.
Kung naranasan ninyo ang isa sa mga bagyong ito — o may iba pang bagyo na hindi nabanggit — maaari ninyong ibahagi ang inyong kuwento sa comments.
Bagyong Pablo (Bopha) – Disyembre 2012
Tumama sa Mindanao noong unang bahagi ng Disyembre, isa ito sa pinakamalalakas na bagyong tumama sa rehiyon. Ang malalakas na ulan ay nagdulot ng matinding pagbaha at landslide, na nagwasak ng buong mga komunidad. Mahigit 1,900 katao ang naiulat na namatay o nawawala, at libo-libo ang nawalan ng tirahan. Ang Pasko ay naging panahon ng pagluluksa, ngunit nagkaisa ang mga komunidad upang magtulungan sa pagbangon.
Bagyong Ruby (Hagupit) – Disyembre 2014
Tumama ilang linggo bago ang Pasko at mabagal na tumawid sa gitna at silangang Pilipinas. Dahil sa mabagal na galaw, nagkaroon ng matagalang pagbaha. Mahigit isang milyong katao ang nailikas, patunay ng mas maayos na paghahanda matapos ang Bagyong Yolanda.
Bagyong Nona (Melor) – Disyembre 2015
Tinamaan ang Visayas at Luzon ng malakas na hangin at matinding ulan ilang araw bago ang Pasko. Maraming lugar ang binaha, naputol ang kuryente, at na-isolate ang ilang komunidad. Ang Pasko ay ginugol sa paglilinis at pagbangon.
Bagyong Ursula (Phanfone) – Pasko 2019
Tumama noong Bispera at Araw ng Pasko, dahilan upang maraming pamilya ang magdiwang ng Pasko sa evacuation centers. Sa kabila ng pagkawala ng kuryente at komunikasyon, namayani ang bayanihan at pagtutulungan.
Bagyong Nina (Nock-ten) – Pasko 2016
Tumama mismo sa Araw ng Pasko sa Bicol Region. Libo-libong pamilya ang lumikas noong Bisperas ng Pasko. Bagama’t maraming selebrasyon ang naapektuhan, nagbuklod ang mga komunidad sa gitna ng pagsubok.
Isang malinaw na aral mula sa mga bagyong ito:
Sa kabila ng unos, ang pagtutulungan at malasakit ng bawat isa ang tunay na nagbibigay-liwanag sa panahon ng Pasko.
Mag-ingat, manatiling handa, at manatiling ligtas po tayong lahat.