Japan: Weather warnings along west coast due to Severe Tropical Storm Tapah September 23-24 /update 2

Event

Officials in Okinawa and Miyazaki prefectures reported that approximately 21 people had suffered injuries as of Monday, September 23, due to the passage of Severe Tropical Storm Tapah since Saturday, September 21. Regional authorities have reportedly issued evacuation advisories to more than 2000 people. Japan Airlines announced at 10:30 (local time) on Monday that flight disruptions were likely to impact domestic operations to and from several regions including Hokkaido, Tōhoku, Hokuriku, Kanto, Tōkai, Kinki, Chūgoku, and Shikoku island, as well as international operations to and from Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT). Airlines canceled around 412 domestic flights on Sunday, September 22, due to the storm, and the Kyushu Railway Company canceled several train services through to at least Monday. Power outages between Saturday and Sunday affected approximately 28,500 buildings in Okinawa and 6,000 households in Miyazaki. Clean-up and power restoration efforts are in effect in several prefectures as of 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. 

The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued storm and high wave weather warnings at 11:42 on Monday, for several prefectures along the west coast of Honshu island, as well as Kanagawa prefecture. Up to 18 cm (7 in) of rainfall is forecast to fall in Kyushu, as well as 20 cm (8 in) of rainfall in Tōkai, and 30 cm (12 in) in Shikoku through 18:00 on Monday. Dangerous sea conditions and storm surge are expected in the coming days. Further transport and power disruptions, including to flights, rail, and ferry services, are likely.

As of 09:50 on Monday, Tapah is located at approximately 38.0°N 135.0°E (map here) and moving northeast through the Sea of Japan at 65 kph (40 mph). The JMA forecasts that Tapah will impact Hokkaido and other northern prefectures through 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.