28 Jul 2021 | 09:27 AM UTC
Japan: TD Nepartak tracking northwestward over Akita Prefecture July 28 after making landfall over northeastern Miyagi Prefecture early July 28 /update 6
TD Nepartak tracking northwestward over Akita Prefecture, Japan, July 28 after making landfall over northeastern Miyagi Prefecture.
Event
Tropical Depression Nepartak is tracking northwestward over Akita Prefecture July 28 after making landfall near Ishinomaki City, northeastern Miyagi Prefecture early July 28. As of 18:00 JST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 80 km (49 miles) west-southwest of Misawa, Japan. Nepartak is forecast to gradually weaken through July 28 before entering the Sea of Japan later that day. Nepartak is then forecast to track westwards and dissipate over the Sea of Japan by early July 30 without making another landfall. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming hours.
Government Advisories
Officials in Japan have issued the following warnings, among others, as of July 28:
Purple warnings (highest-level on a three-tier scale) for landslides in northern Ibaraki, eastern Fukushima, and eastern Miyagi prefectures.
Orange warnings for heavy rain and flooding in southern Gunma, southern Tochigi, and western Miyagi prefectures.
Yellow thunderstorm, heavy rain, storm surge, flood, and strong wind warnings are in place for the rest of the affected area.
Authorities in Japan have also warned that strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, rough seas, and landslides will likely affect parts of eastern Japan, particularly Tohoku Region, over the coming days. Rainfall totals of up to 8 cm (3 inches) are possible in Tohoku, Kanto, Koshin, and Hokuriku regions through July 29. Wave heights of up to 4 m (13 feet) are possible in Tohoku Region through July 28.
Approximately 20 households lost power in Naraha Town, Fukushima Prefecture.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near streams, creeks, rivers, and urban areas with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs could experience flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Flooding could isolate some communities for several days. Prolonged swells and storm surge generated by the system will likely result in coastal flooding as the system tracks close to land. Persistent onshore flow could make it difficult for the surge to recede and for water levels to decrease in coastal river catchments.
Transport
All Shinkansen trains are operating normally but some regional trains have been canceled or delayed due to heavy rain and debris on the track. The Suigun Line, in the Kanto Region, between Hitachi-Omiya and Hitachi-Daigo stations is closed. In the Tohoku Region, the Tohoku Line between Fukushima and Shiroishi stations is closed but is expected to resume operation 1930 July 28 after the debris is cleared while the Ban-etsu-East Line between Koriyama and Ononiimachi stations is experiencing some delays due to the heavy rain.
In addition to the immediate threat to personal safety, inclement weather associated with the storm could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions in affected areas. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Areal flooding in urban locations could also result in severe traffic congestion, while strong winds will pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Heavy rain and low visibility may trigger flight disruptions at airports.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding could persist well after weather conditions have improved. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may exacerbate residual disruptions.
Advice
Review contingency plans and closely monitor the storm's progress. Heed all government advisories. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Keep battery-powered devices charged as a precaution; power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where storm-related flooding may occur. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport.
