13 Aug 2022 | 05:18 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Storm Meari tracking northeastward near Japan as of Aug. 13 /update 2
TS Meari tracking northeastward in the western Pacific Ocean Aug. 13; landfall forecast over Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, afternoon Aug. 13.
Event
Tropical Storm Meari is tracking northeastward in the western Pacific Ocean Aug. 13. As of morning Aug. 13, the system's center of circulation was approximately 283 km (175 miles) southwest of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the storm system will strengthen slightly as it tracks northeastward through Aug. 13, before making landfall over Shizuoka Prefecture afternoon Aug. 13. The storm is expected to maintain tropical storm strength as it tracks across Chiba, Ibaraki, and Kanagawa prefectures before emerging into the Pacific Ocean late Aug.13-early Aug. 14. The system will weaken slightly as it tracks northeastward off the eastern coast of Honshu and Hokkaido. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that the system could bring rough seas, strong winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides to the Pacific side of eastern Japan in the coming days, especially over parts of Tokai Region Aug. 13. All Nippon Airways (ANA) has canceled at least 10 flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), and has warned of further possible delays and cancellations.
As of Aug. 13, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across Chugoku, Hokuriku, Kanto Koshin, Kinki, Northern Kyushu, Tohoku, and Tokai regions (a separate weather front is already bringing heavy rainfall to some parts of Tohuku Region):
Purple heavy rain and landslide warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of Akita Prefecture in Tohoku Region and central Shizuoka Prefecture in Tokai Region
Red flood warnings: Parts of Akita, Amori, and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region; central Shizuoka in Tokai Region; and southern Okayama in Chugoku Region.
Red heavy rain and landslide warnings: Parts of inland and northern Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region; Eastern and western Shizuoka Prefecture in Tokai Region; northern Hokuriku Region.
Yellow heavy rain, flood, and landslide warnings: Parts of northern and southern Hokkaido; parts of Aomori, southern Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region; parts of Kanagawa, Nagano, Tokyo, Yamanashi regions in Kanto Koshin Region; Northern Kyoto and Osaka prefectures in Kinki Region; and parts of Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures in Northern Kyushu Region.
Yellow gale and high wave warnings: Parts of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region; parts of Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region; and Aichi, Shizuoka, and Mie prefectures in Tokai Region.
Yellow storm surge warnings: Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures in Hokuriku Region; parts of Kyoto, Hyogo, and Wakayama prefectures in Kinki prefecture; Tottori and parts of Hiroshima Prefecture in Chugoku Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across much of the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days. 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.
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.
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.
