21 Oct 2019 | 06:27 AM UTC
Japan: Severe Tropical Storm Neoguri to impact southeastern Japan October 21-22
Severe Tropical Storm Neoguri forecast to impact the Pacfic coast of Japan between October 21-22; heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and associated disruptions expected
Event
Severe Tropical Storm Neoguri is expected to impact parts of eastern Japan on Monday, October 21, through Tuesday, October 22. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued heavy rain, thunderstorm, strong winds, and high waves advisories in all prefectures along the Pacific coast. JMA also announced heavy rain and mudslides warnings at 14:38 (local time) on Monday in Mie prefecture. The storm may bring further flooding to areas previously affected by the passage of Typhoon Hagibis.
As of 12:50 on Monday, Neoguri is located at approximately 30.6°N 133.8°E (map here) with maximum wind gust speeds of 162 kph (101 mph). The storm is tracking north-northeast at 55 kph (34 mph). Neoguri is forecast to produce rainfall totals of 30 cm (12 in) in Tōkai, 20 cm (8 in) in Kansai, and 15 cm (6 in) in Shikoku and on the Izu Islands in the coming hours.
Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming days.
Context
Rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing following the passage of Typhoon Hagibis as the death toll reaches 80 people as of October 21, with a further 11 individuals still missing. Over 45,000 homes were flooded by the storm and another 2400 were destroyed or partially damaged. Approximately 4600 people are still living in evacuation facilities or shelters. More than 80,000 homes remain without running water and it is unclear when utilities will be fully restored. Public transportation disruptions were widespread, with service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Kanazawa only due to resume on October 25. Hagibis collapsed levees at 125 locations on 68 rivers in seven prefectures, increasing the risk of additional flooding.
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.
