Forming from a tropical disturbance near the Mariana Islands, Emma churned southwest before gaining typhoon status on September 3.

Emma then brushed South Korea and Kyūshū as a strong Category 3 typhoon before swinging to the northeast and hitting China and the far eastern Soviet Union.

[1] The Tokyo Weather Center began to issue warnings when Emma was spotted on September 3, east-southeast of Iwo Jima.

[2] Emma killed 77 people and caused $8–12 million (1956 dollars) in damage across Okinawa and South Korea.

[citation needed] Most heeded typhoon watches, either evacuating or bolting storm shutters and stowing away light equipment.

[3] On Kyūshū, Emma brought 22 inches of rain that caused extensive flooding which left 34 people dead and thousands homeless.