07 Jul 2022 | 04:19 AM UTC
Japan: Extratropical Cyclone Aere tracking eastward in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of Chiba Prefecture early July 7 /update 6
Extratropical Cyclone Aere tracking east in North Pacific Ocean, southeast of Chiba, Japan, early July 7; adverse weather possible.
Event
Extratropical Cyclone Aere is tracking eastward in the North Pacific Ocean, southeast of Chiba Prefecture early July 7. As of 06:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 461 km (287 miles) east-southeast of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture. Aere made landfall as a depression near Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu Region early July 5 before being downgraded into an extratropical cyclone a few hours after making landfall. The system has tracked across northern Kyushu and the western Seto Inland Sea and made further landfall over Ehime Prefecture July 5 and southern Wakayama Prefecture early July 6. The storm system could bring adverse weather to parts of eastern Japan in the coming days.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will continue to track generally eastward over open water through early July 8 before making a sharp turn to track north-northwestward. The storm is forecast to weaken gradually, eventually dissipating east of northern Sendai Prefecture early July 10. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early July 7, the Japan Meteorological Agency has rescinded all advisories and warnings in relation to Aere. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the system tracks closer to land. Authorities also rescinded all evacuation orders July 5. Reports indicate that at least 134 structures have been damaged or flooded, including 61 buildings in Kochi Prefecture and 33 in Kyoto Prefecture.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Flash flooding, landslides, and additional evacuations are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous. 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 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 cyclone 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.
