12 Aug 2022 | 09:56 AM UTC
Pacific Ocean: Tropical Storm Meari tracking northeastward off Japan as of Aug. 12 /update 1
TS Meari tracking northeastward in the western Pacific Ocean Aug. 12; landfall forecast over Chibu Prefecture, Japan, late Aug. 13.
Event
Tropical Storm Meari is tracking northeastward in the western Pacific Ocean Aug. 12. As of 15;00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 582 km (362 miles) south-southwest of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the storm system will strengthen slightly as it tracks north-northeastward and then northeastward Aug. 12-13, before making landfall over Chiba Prefecture late Aug. 13. The storm is expected to maintain tropical storm strength as it tracks across Chiba Prefecture before emerging into the Pacific Ocean late Aug.13-early Aug. 14. The system will weaken slightly as it tracks northeastward then north-northeastward off the eastern coast of northern Japan Aug. 14-15 and is expected to become a subtropical low pressure system as it approaches the southern Kuril Islands late Aug. 15. 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. Rainfall totals of around 30 cm (12 inches) in Tokai Region, 20 cm (8 inches) in Kanto Koshin Region, and 10 cm (4 inches) in Tohoku Region are expected Aug. 13. Winds of 72 kph (45 mph) gusting up to 108 kph (67 mph) are forecast in Kanto and Tokai regions and the Izu Islands and 65 kph (40 mph) gusting up to 90 kph (56 mph) in Tohoku Region. Waves of around 5 meters (16 feet) are expected off the Izu Islands and Tokai Region coast and around 3 meters (10 feet) off the Tohoku Region coast.
As of Aug. 12, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across Kanto Koshin, 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, Amori, and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Red flood warnings: Parts of Amori and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Red heavy rain and landslide warnings: Eastern Shizuoka Prefecture in Tokai Region.
Yellow heavy rain, flood, and landslide warnings: Southern Nagano Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region; parts of Akita, Amori, Fukushima, Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region; and parts of Shizuoka Prefecture in Tokai Region.
Yellow gale and high wave warnings: Parts of Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region; Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region; and Aichi, Mie, and Shizuoka prefectures in Tokai Region.
Yellow storm surge warnings: Parts of Amori and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Kanto Koshin, Tohoku, and Tokai regions.
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.
