East China Sea: TD Trases tracking northward in the East China Sea early Aug. 1

Event

Tropical Depression Trases is tracking northward in the East China Sea early Aug. 1. As of 12:00 KST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 369 km (229 miles) south of Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will turn to track north-northwestwards and make landfall as a tropical depression over Jeju Province, South Korea the afternoon Aug. 1, and another landfall over far southwestern South Jeolla Province the evening of Aug. 1. Trases is likely to turn to track north-northeastwards over the far eastern Yellow Sea and make a subsequent landfall over southern South Hwanghae Province, North Korea early Aug. 2. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 1, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue (lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; strong winds are forecast over the northeastern East China Sea as well as the eastern and central Yellow Sea.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings across Jeju Province. Officials will likely issue or update relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the storm system progresses.

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 affected region and temporary closures of ports are also possible. 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.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
China Meteorological Administration
Korea Meteorological Administration