Japan/Taiwan: Typhoon Prapiroon cancels Okinawa-Taiwan flights July 1 /update 2

Event

On Saturday, June 30, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan announced that they were canceling multiple flights between Taiwan and Okinawa on Sunday, July 1, due to hazardous weather conditions associated with the advance of Typhoon Prapiroon. As of June 30, the storm was located south-southeast of Okinawa, bringing sustained winds of about 80 km/h (50 mph) and wind gusts of approximately 96 km/h (65 mph) offshore. The storm is forecast to pick up strength as it continues on its northward trajectory into Sunday, bringing sustained damaging winds and heavy rain to Okinawa prefecture and parts of southern Kagoshima prefecture into Monday morning. Prapiroon is projected to continue to track northward and make landfall on the Korean Peninsula on Monday, July 2. Flooding, power outages, and additional transportation disruptions remain possible in the coming days in affected areas.

Context

The rainy season in Japan typically starts at the beginning of June and lasts through mid-July, while it affects the islands of Okinawa about one month earlier.

Advice

Individuals traveling to, from, or via Okinawa are advised to verify the status of their flight prior to departure for the airport. Those present in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities. 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.