Japan: Transport and power disruptions due to Severe Tropical Storm Tapah September 22 /update 1

Event

The passage of Severe Tropical Storm Tapah across Okinawa prefecture on Saturday, September 21, led to the cancelation of approximately 250 domestic and international flights to and from Naha Airport (OKA), according to local media outlets. At least 14 people were injured and approximately 28,500 buildings across 30 Okinawa municipalities were affected by power outages on Saturday. As of 10:09 (local time) on Sunday, September 22, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued severe weather warnings, including heavy rain, storm, high waves, and flooding, for Kyushu island, Shikoku island, and  Yamaguchi prefecture for Sunday, through Monday, September 23. Up to 25 cm (10 in) of rainfall is forecast to fall in Kyushu and 18 cm (7 in) of rainfall in Shikoku on Sunday. Dangerous sea conditions and storm surge are expected in the coming days. Further transportation and power disruptions, including to flights, rail, and ferry services, are likely.

As of 10:45 on Sunday, Severe Tropical Storm Tapah is located at approximately 31.1°N 127.1°E (map here) with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph (67 mph). The storm is moving north-northeast at 30 kph (19 mph) and is expected to weaken slightly by Sunday evening while passing between Kyushu and the Korean peninsula. JMA has said that Tapah may impact northern parts of the country by Monday or Tuesday, September 24.

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.