31 Aug 2022 | 09:47 AM UTC
Philippine Sea: Super Typhoon Hinnamnor tracking west-southwestward Sea toward Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, evening Aug. 31 /update 2
Super Typhoon Hinnamnor tracks west-southwest Aug. 31; close approach to Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, through Sept. 4.
Event
Super Typhoon Hinnamnor is tracking west-southwestward over the Philippine Sea the evening of Aug. 31. As of 18:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 170 km (50 miles) southeast of Kadena Airbase, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will track southwestward and weaken into a typhoon early Sept. 1 and pass southeast of the Miyako and Yaeyama islands through early Sept. 2. The storm is subsequently forecast to sharply turn northward and make landfall as a typhoon over the Yaeyama Islands Sept. 3. After landfall, Hinnamnor is likely regain some strength as it enters the East China Sea Sept. 4-5. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of the evening of Aug. 31, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued purple (highest level on a three-tier scale) storm surge warnings across most of Okinawa Prefecture. Red high wave warnings as well as yellow thunderstorm 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 all flights at Kitadaito (KTD) and Minamidaito (MMD) airports as well as canceled some flights at Yoron (RNJ) and Okinawa Naha (OKA) airports Aug. 31. All Nippon Airways has canceled some flights at Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) Aug. 31 and early Sept. 1. Further flight cancellations are likely as the storm approaches.
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.
