Japan: 20,000 evacuate ahead of Typhoon Jebi September 4 arrival /update 2

Event

Typhoon Jebi continues its course toward Japan, prompting 20,000 people to evacuate to safer location as of Sunday, September 2. It is expected to make landfall over southern Honshu on the evening (local time) of Tuesday, September 4, south of Kyoto, before moving quickly across the island and into the Sea of Japan, arriving at Hokkaido on Wednesday, September 5. The speed at which Jebi is predicted to cross Japan may lessen some of the impacts, though heavy rain and strong winds are still expected to cause damage. Mudslides, localized flooding, storm surges, and wind damage are all likely for southern Honshu, Shikoku, and eastern Kyushu. According to forecasts, Jebi's strongest effects will be felt in Tokushima, Wakayama, Mie, and Aichi prefectures, with up to 30 cm (12 in) of rainfall expected in some areas.

Jebi was the strongest tropical cyclone recorded in 2018, though it has weakened slightly in the past 24 hours. As of 11:00 on Sunday, Jebi is located 1300 km (800 mi) south of Kyoto and producing sustained winds of 213 km/h (132 mph), making it the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane. The typhoon is expected to weaken as it moves north, though remain a strong storm. At the time of landfall, Jebi will likely be producing sustained winds of 148 km/h (92 mph) with gusts up to 185 km/h (115 mph). Sunday morning forecasts show the storm tracking further west than earlier projections; further adjustments to the path may be made as it moves closer to shore.

Context

This is the 21st typhoon of the year and the fourth storm to affect Japan since mid-August. Tropical cyclones and typhoons are common in the west Pacific from June through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned regions are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. 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; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.