22 Oct 2017 | 04:08 PM UTC
Japan: Typhoon Lan kills two ahead of landfall near Tokyo Oct. 23 /update 2
Typhoon Lan kills two ahead of making landfall near Tokyo on October 23; risk of landslides and flooding in Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu
Event
Typhoon Lan is forecast to bring heavy rain and high winds to southern and central Japan through Monday, October 23. As of the 20:00 (local time) on October 22, Typhoon Lan was located 360 km (224 miles) south of Osaka, with sustained winds up to 162 kph (100 mph). At least two people have already reportedly been killed in hazardous weather conditions brought by the storm, and a number of minor injuries have been reported. According to local media reports, at least 70,000 households were advised to evacuate and another 5000 ordered to ahead of the storm.
Flight disruptions (delays and cancelations) have been reported at the following airports: Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Fukuoka (FUK), Nagoya (NGO), and Osaka (KIX). Rail disruptions have been reported in the southern and central parts of the country, and road and maritime disruptions, along with power outages, are possible in some areas.
Current forecasts show the storm continuing to progress northward, passing by Tokyo on Monday. Heavy rain, flash flooding, and mudslides will pose a risk to the Pacific coasts of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. However, Lan is expected to weaken through Tuesday, October 24. Up-to-date weather warnings and advisories are available here.
Context
The Japanese archipelago is affected by the annual Pacific typhoon season, which runs from May to October with a peak of storms in August and September. In August 2017, Typhoon Noru temporarily evolved into a "super typhoon" with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph); two people were killed in Japan and 210,000 were ordered to evacuate.
Advice
Individuals in Japan are advised to monitor the progress of the approaching typhoon at the Japan Meteorological Agency (accessed here) and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
