The second storm of the 2002 Pacific typhoon season, Mitag developed from a trough near the equator on February 25 near the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

High winds and heavy rainfall affected the state, resulting in an islandwide power outage and destroying hundreds of houses.

Despite predictions of weakening, the typhoon continued to intensify, reaching peak winds of 175 km/h (109 mph) 10 minute sustained) on March 5.

[3] A circulation developed on February 25 south of Pohnpei, which initially had disorganized convection due to moderate wind shear.

[3] It passed just south of Weno in Chuuk while continuing westward,[6] intensifying quickly due to decreasing wind shear.

[1] On March 3, the typhoon entered the area of warning responsibility of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); the agency gave it the local name "Basyang".

On this basis, the JTWC upgraded Mitag to a super typhoon on March 5, estimating peak winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) 1 minute sustained) while the storm was located about 610 km (380 mi) east of Catanduanes in the Philippines.

In a 24‑hour period, the JTWC estimated that winds decreased by 110 km/h (68 mph) 1 minute sustained) while the storm turned to the northeast,[3] and on March 7, Mitag weakened below typhoon-force.

[4] Tropical Storm Mitag first affected Chuuk State in the FSM, producing a wind gust of 76 km/h (47 mph) and heavy rainfall up to 176 mm (6.9 in).

[1] The winds also caused an islandwide power outage that lasted for about two days, and damaged the roof of the Yap International Airport terminal.

[10] Crop damage from Mitag caused food shortages in Yap and Chuuk, and health problems related to the storm killed one person on Nomwin.