Japan: Severe Tropical Storm Krosa makes landfall August 15 /update 4

Event

The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that Severe Tropical Storm Krosa made landfall near Kure (Hiroshima prefecture) around 15:00 (local time) on Thursday, August 15, according to local media outlets. Krosa is moving north at a speed of 30 kph (19 mph) as of 15:40, with maximum sustained winds of 111 kph (69 mph) and gusts up to 157 kph (98 mph). The JMA has issued warnings for heavy rain, flooding, landslides, mudslides, and strong storm surge in southern and western parts of the country in the coming hours and into Friday, August 16, particularly in the Kyushu and Shikoku islands, and the Chūgoku, Kansai, and Tokai regions. More than 400,000 people have been evacuated while one person has reportedly died and at least 20 more have sustained injuries due to the storm.

Transportation disruptions are ongoing as of Thursday afternoon; at least 700 domestic and international flights have been cancelled, along with ferry services to Shikoku. Many of the bullet train services between Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka were also cancelled or operating a reduced service. Almost all bullet train service has also been suspended on Kyushu and Shikoku islands. Officials warned that parts of Shikoku island may experience up to 1 m (39 in) of rainfall on Thursday. Further transportation disruptions, including flight and rail delays or cancelations, are possible, as well as power outages.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, confirm flight reservations, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.