27 Jul 2021 | 09:36 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Storm Nepartak tracking northward in the North Pacific Ocean July 27 /update 4
Tropical Storm Nepartak tracking northward in the North Pacific Ocean July 27. Landfall forecast near Sendai, Japan, early July 28.
Event
Tropical Storm Nepartak is tracking northward in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan, July 27. As of 18:00 JST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 241 km (150 miles) east-northeast of Yokosuka, Japan. Nepartak is forecast to slightly weaken as it turns to track northwestward across the North Pacific Ocean toward northern Honshu's Miyagi Prefecture and make landfall as a tropical storm near Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, early July 28. After landfall, Nepartak is likely to weaken gradually as it continues to track northwestward over Miyagi and Akita prefectures through early July 28 before entering the Sea of Japan later that day. Nepartak is then forecast to dissipate over the Sea of Japan by July 30. 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 27:
Orange high wave warnings for the eastern coast of Honshu from Fukushima Prefecture north to Iwate Prefecture.
Orange storm warnings for the eastern Fukushima and eastern Miyagi prefectures.
Orange landslide warnings for eastern Fukushima Prefecture.
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 18 cm (7 inches) are possible in Tohoku Region, and up to 8 cm (3 inches) of rainfall are possible in affected parts of Kanto and Hokuriku regions on July 28. Wave heights of up to 6 m (20 feet) are possible in the Tohoku Region, and wave heights up to 5 m (16.5 feet) are possible in the Kanto Region.
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
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.
