Japan, South Korea: Tropical Storm Nanmadol tracking northeastward off Japan late Sept. 19 /update 6

Event

Tropical Storm Nanmadol is tracking northeastward off Japan as of late Sept. 19. As of approximately 23:00 JST, the system's center of circulation is located in the Sea of Japan approximately 155 km (96 miles) north of Osaka, Osaka Prefecture. The storm previously made landfall near Kagoshima, Kyushu Prefecture, early Sept. 18.

Forecast models indicate that Nanmadol will continue weakening while tracking northeastward across northern Honshu. The storm is forecast to make additional landfalls near Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture and Niigata, Niigata Prefecture, early Sept. 20. Nanmadol is likely to weaken further as it tracks northeastward across the Tohoku region and is forecast to become a Tropical Depression after it exits into the North Pacific Ocean from southeastern Iwate Prefecture, the afternoon of Sept. 20. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast. Significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Sept. 19, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued purple (highest level on a three-tier scale) storm, storm surge, high wave, and landslide warnings across some of Oita and Ehime prefectures as well as all of Hiroshima, Shimane, Hyogo, and Ishikawa prefectures. Officials have issued orange warnings for storm inundation and flooding in most prefectures in Kyushu and Honshu. Officials will likely continue to issue relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the system progresses.

The Korea Meteorological Administration is issuing strong wind warnings for coastal areas in the west, southwest, and southeast areas of the country.

As of late Sept. 19, at least two people have been killed, 87 others injured, and one person is missing. The storm has damaged multiple buildings. Authorities are conducting search and rescue operations in affected areas.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 9,164,000 people across Kyushu, Shikoku, and Chugoku regions. Approximately 350,000 homes are without power in areas that the storm has passed through. Commercial disruptions are likely, especially in central and northern Honshu, as the storm will probably result in further power outages and may force stores to close temporarily.

Authorities have suspended operations on the Kyushu Shinkansen and on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Hakata stations Sept. 19. Services are scheduled to be suspended on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya stations from 16:00 Sept. 19, and on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Shin-Osaka stations from 14:00 Sept. 19. West Japan Rail Company officials announced plans to resume services from Sept. 20. Central Japan Railway Company services along several routes, including those connecting Shin-Osaka and Nagoya stations as well as between Nagoya and Tokyo stations, are possible Sept. 20.

Japan Airlines (JL) and All Nippon Airways (NH) have canceled most flights in Kyushu, Shikoku, and Chugoku regions Sept. 19-20. Amakusa Airlines (MZ) has canceled all flights from the afternoon of Sept. 17. Other airlines have also canceled flights in Kyushu and Shikoku Sept. 19-20. Additional flight cancelations are likely as the storm approaches and conditions worsen.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous. The inclement weather could trigger further localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a 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.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Japan Meteorological Agency
Korea Meteorological Administration