09 Apr 2022 | 12:34 AM UTC
West Pacific: TS Malakas tracking west-northwest in the West Pacific Ocean early April 9; close approach to Yap, Micronesia the afternoon of April 10
TS Malakas tracking west-northwest in the West Pacific Ocean early April 9; close approach to Yap, Micronesia the afternoon of April 10.
Event
Tropical Storm Malakas is tracking west-northwest in the West Pacific Ocean early April 9. As of 07:00 CHUT, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 91 km (56 miles) south-southeast of Ifalik, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia.
Forecast models indicate the system will turn to track northwestward, making a close approach to Yap Main Islands, the afternoon of April 10, passing well northeast of the islands. The storm is forecast to continue in its current trajectory through April 11 before gradually turning to track northeastward towards Iwo Jima, Japan, through April 13. 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 issued a typhoon warning over Yap coastal waters; typhoon conditions, including damaging winds, are possible April 10 or 11. Potentially hazardous sea and coastal conditions are also forecast over the Mariana Islands. Dangerous rip currents are likely across the east-facing reefs of the Marianas through late April 10. A small craft advisory is in place for the Marianas coastal waters through early April 11 due to strong winds and rough seas.
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
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. Flight disruptions at airports in the region, such as Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) in Guam and Yap International Airport (YAP) in the Federated States of Micronesia, and temporary closures of ports are also possible.
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.
