26 Jul 2021 | 04:02 AM UTC
North Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Nepartak tracking northwestwards in the North Pacific Ocean July 26 /update 2
Tropical Storm Nepartak tracking northwestwards in the North Pacific Ocean July 26. Landfall forecast near Sendai, Japan, early July 28.
Event
Tropical Storm Nepartak is tracking northwestwards in the North Pacific Ocean July 26. As of 12:00 JST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 946 km (588 miles) east of Yokosuka, Japan. Nepartak is forecast to strengthen gradually as it continues tacking northwestward across the North Pacific Ocean toward the Tohoku Region in northern Honshu through early July 29. Initial forecasts indicate the system will make landfall north of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, as a tropical storm early July 28. After landfall, Nepartak is likely to continue northwestward over southwestern Iwate and Akita prefectures through early July 29 before entering the Sea of Japan. Nepartak is forecasted to turn sharply to track northeastward and make a second landfall as a tropical depression over Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido Prefecture, evening July 29. Significant uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur over the coming hours.
Government Advisories
Officials in Japan will likely issue advisories in the coming days, depending on the storm's forecast and trajectory.
Hazardous Conditions
The storm may bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas to areas along its track over the coming days. 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 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.
