01 Sep 2022 | 02:41 AM UTC
Philippine Sea: Super Typhoon Hinnamnor tracking south-southwestward toward Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, early Sept. 1 /update 3
Super Typhoon Hinnamnor tracks south-southwest early Sept. 1; landfall likely over Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, late Sept. 3.
Event
Super Typhoon Hinnamnor is tracking south-southwestward over the Philippine Sea early Sept. 1. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 478 km (297 miles) south-southwest of Kadena Airbase, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken into a typhoon early Sept. 2 as it tracks southwestward before making a sharp turn northward and making landfall as a typhoon over the Yaeyama Islands late Sept. 3. After landfall, Hinnamnor is likely to maintain its strength as it enters the East China Sea Sept. 4-5, passing east of mainland China. The storm is forecast to make another landfall as a typhoon over Tsushima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, early Sept. 6. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Sept. 1, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued red high wave warnings across Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako and Yaeyama islands. Yellow thunderstorm, storm surge, and gale advisories are also in effect for Okinawa Prefecture as well as Kagoshima Prefecture's Amami Region.
Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau has issued yellow strong wind advisories across most of Taiwan through at least early Sept. 3. Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the system progresses.
Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, has issued evacuation orders for coastal areas of the city. Reports indicate that at least 180 households in Kitadaito Village and 120 households in Minamidaito Village in Okinawa Prefecture are without power due to the storm.
Japan Airlines has canceled some flights at Tokunoshima (TKN), Yoron (RNJ), Kitadaito (KTD), Minamidaito (MMD), Okinawa Naha (OKA), Kumejima (UEO), Miyako (MMY), Tarama (TRA), Yonaguni (OGN), and New Ishigaki (ISG) airports Sept. 1. All Nippon Airways has also canceled some flights at Miyako (MMY) and New Ishigaki (ISG) airports Sept. 1. Further flight cancellations are likely as the storm 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 typhoon or 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.
