Japan: Jebi strengthens to a typhoon August 29, heads toward Japan

Event

Tropical cyclone Jebi became a typhoon on Wednesday afternoon (local time), August 29. The storm is currently moving west near the Northern Mariana Islands and is forecast to curve northwest toward Japan. The storm is expected to make landfall around September 4, though there is low confidence in the precise path. As of noon on Thursday, August 30, Jebi is producing sustained winds of 175 km/h (109 mph) and by the evening of Friday, August 31, is projected to strengthen to winds of 240 km/h (150 mph), the equivalent of a Category 4 storm. Further details regarding strength and projected path will emerge as Jebi moves closer to land.

Context

Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the western Pacific from June through November. Japan has experienced four tropical cyclones in the past two weeks.

Advice

Individuals in Japan should monitor the situation and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.