10 Apr 2022 | 10:55 PM UTC
West Pacific: TS Malakas tracking northwest in the West Pacific Ocean away from Yap, Micronesia, early April 11 /update 2
TS Malakas tracking northwest in the West Pacific Ocean, moving away from Micronesia early April 11.
Event
Tropical Storm Malakas is tracking northwest in the West Pacific Ocean early April 11. As of 04:00 CHUT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 165 km (102 miles) 296 km (184 miles) north-northwest of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.
Forecast models indicate the system will gradually strengthen as it moves away from Micronesia, eventually gaining typhoon strength by late April 11 and intensifying into a Very Strong Typhoon by late April 12. At the same time, the system will gradually turn to track northeastward, remaining well away from land and beginning to weaken as it makes a close approach to Japan's Ogasawara Archipelago early April 16. The storm's track and intensity forecast remain somewhat uncertain, and the system may change accordingly over the coming days.
Government Advisories
The US National Weather Service has canceled its typhoon watch over Yap coastal waters. Dangerous rip currents and high surf are likely across the east-facing reefs of the Marianas through early April 11. A small craft advisory is in place for the Marianas coastal waters over the same period due to strong winds and rough seas. A wind advisory is in effect for the Mariana Islands through the evening of April 11; easterly winds of 35-55 kph (25-35 mph) are forecast.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Weather warnings could remain active even after the system's immediate threat has diminished, as some areas may still be susceptible to rain-induced hazards. The possibility of localized evacuations cannot be discounted if weather conditions prove particularly hazardous.
Hazardous Conditions
Hazardous conditions will likely develop in the Ogasawara Archipelago as the storm system approaches; sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable.
Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
