Philippine Sea: TD Songda forms in the Philippine Sea and is tracking northwestward early July 29

Event

Tropical Depression Songda has formed in the Philippine Sea and is tracking northwestward as of early July 29. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 615 km (382 miles) east-northeast of Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Island.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will maintain its strength as it continues tracking northwestward before making landfall as a tropical depression over Toshima Village in the Satsunan Islands of Kagoshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan late July 29 and entering the East China Sea later that day. Songda is forecast to weaken slightly as it turns to track west-northwestwards across the East China Sea, making landfall near the border between Jiangsu Province and Shanghai Municipality, China early July 31 before dissipating over southern Jiangsu Province later that day. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

Authorities have yet to issue any warnings regarding the storm as of July 29; however, officials will likely issue 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 regional airports 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
Japan Meteorological Agency