08 Aug 2018 | 08:14 AM UTC
Japan: Typhoon Shanshan to hit Tokyo August 8-9; airports cancel flights /update 2
Tokyo airports cancel and delay flights before the arrival of Typhoon Shanshan on August 8-9; heavy rain and strong winds expected
Event
Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND) both announced flight delays and cancelations on their websites due to Typhoon Shanshan's expected effects on Wednesday, August 8. Both airports suggest customers check with their airline to confirm flight details and receive updated information.
Typhoon Shanshan is forecast to hit the Tokyo area beginning Wednesday evening (local time) through Thursday, August 9, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a weather warning for Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, Fukushima, and Miyagi prefectures. Up to 35 cm (14 in) of rain are forecast to fall in the eastern and central regions of Japan through Thursday afternoon. Flooding and transportation disruptions, along with power outages, are possible in the affected regions. As of noon Wednesday, Shanshan was approximately 285 km (177 mi) southeast of Yokosuka with sustained winds of 148 km/h (92 mph). The storm is moving 19 km/h (12 mph) north-northwestward and is forecast to shift to a northerly then northeasterly route Wednesday and Thursday. This will take the typhoon away from the coast and back to sea, where it will lose strength in the colder waters and eventually dissipate.
Context
Typhoons and tropical storms regularly hit Japan from June through November after gathering strength in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea.
Advice
Individuals traveling to or from Japan should confirm travel information with their airlines.
Those present in Japan, particularly in the Tokyo area, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate strong winds and heavy rains (and possible flooding and transportation disruptions), and adhere to all instructions 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 - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.
