Japan: Typhoon Francisco makes landfall on Kyushu August 6 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Francisco made landfall near Miyazaki city on Kyushu island during the early morning hours (local time) of Tuesday, August 6, before weakening to a severe tropical storm. According to local media reports, at least 161 domestic flights have been suspended and some local railways have also halted services. The storm has also brought heavy rain into the region, which may cause further transportation disruptions. Over 17,000 households have lost power in the area and additional outages are possible in the coming hours. 

As of 10:45 on Tuesday, Francisco is located near Omuta city and traveling northwest at approximately 25 kph (16 mph). Severe storm warnings are in effect for the prefectures of Yamaguchi, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Oita, and Saga. Francisco currently has sustained windspeeds at 138 kph (85 mph) with gusts up to 166 kph (103 mph). Flooding, landslides, power outages, and transportation disruptions, including train delays and road closures, are possible.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, 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.