Initially, strong wind shear inhibited development over the next five days, and the cyclone began to track south of west.

Furthermore, ten Taiwan fishing boats capsized in the South China Sea, resulting in 48 fishermen missing, though 103 persons also survived.

Typhoon Ellen originated from a tropical disturbance located 500 km (310 mi) south-southwest of the Johnston Atoll on August 26.

Based on the development of rainbands, satellite intensity estimates via the Dvorak technique indicated winds of 55 km/h (35 mph).

The disturbance crossed the dateline two days later and a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert (TCFA) was subsequently issued.

Initially, the storm did not develop significantly due to strong wind shear caused by an intense high pressure area north of the cyclone.

[1] On August 31, however, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) started warning on the system, declaring it a tropical storm.

[2] Later on September 3, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PASAGA) started tracking the storm and assigned it with the local name Herming.

[4] At 1200 UTC, the JTWC upgraded Ellen into a typhoon,[1] though the JMA did not follow suit until early on September 4.

[1] By midday on September 5, data from both agencies indicated that Ellen developed winds 110 mph (175 km/h) while located 370 km (230 mi) west of Luzon.

[1] At 0600 UTC on September 6, Ellen reached peak intensity, with the JMA estimating winds of 120 mph (195 km/h) and a pressure of 925 mbar (27.3 inHg).

[2] Meanwhile, the JTWC suggests that Ellen reached a peak intensity of 125 mph (200 km/h) and a slightly higher pressure of 928 mbar (27.4 inHg).

[4] According to the JMA, the system moved ashore near Macao at 0000 UTC on September 9 as an 85 mph (135 km/h) typhoon,[2] though the JTWC estimates that the storm was a little weaker at landfall.

[12] In all, damage totaled $79 million (1983 USD)[20] and 20 people were killed due to Typhoon Ellen in mainland China.