Typhoon Thad

Typhoon Thad, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Openg, was considered the worst storm to affect Japan in two years. Originating from a monsoon trough, Typhoon Thad was first classified on August 15, 1981 and was upgraded into a tropical storm the next day. Meanwhile, Thad moved north and northeast and attained typhoon intensity midday on August 18. The next day, the storm reached its peak intensity of 80 mph (130 km/h). On August 22, Thad accelerated northward, striking eastern Japan the next day just before weakening to a tropical storm. After passing through the country, the cyclone transitioned into an extratropical cyclone on August 23.

Forty-one persons perished in Japan due to the typhoon and 173 others were hurt. Thad flooded 31,082 houses and demolished 4,401 others. Roughly 27,000 people were left homeless because of Thad. Moreover, 111,500 homeowners were without power during the height of the storm. Furthermore, the storm also destroyed 449 roads, and was responsible for 499 landslides. The cyclone inundated 417,400 acres (168,900 hectares) of farm land. Train service was interrupted in 22 lines.