22 Sep 2022 | 02:58 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Depression 17 tracking west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 22
TD 17 tracking west-northwestward over Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 22. Landfall over Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan likely early Sept. 24.
Event
Tropical Depression 17 is tracking west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 22. As of 12:00, the system's center of circulation was approximately 1,050 km (652 miles) south of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the storm system will strengthen into a tropical storm over the coming hours before strengthening further as it gradually turns to track northeastward through early Sept. 24. The storm is forecast to make landfall as a tropical storm over Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan early Sept. 24 before weakening rapidly while tacking northeastward across southern Chubu, western Kanto, then Tohoku regions in Japan and dissipating over far eastern Iwate Prefecture early Sept. 25. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.
As of early Sept. 22, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has not issued any weather warnings in relation to the storm. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days as the storm approaches.
Most of Japan is still recovering from the passage of Typhoon Nanmadol which made landfall near Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, late Sept. 18, and Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, early Sept. 19, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The system tracked across western Japan into the Tohoku region through early Sept. 20. Tropical Depression 17 is likely to bring heavy rainfall to most of Japan; hampering recovery efforts and exacerbating the current situation. The soils are likely already saturated from the passage of Typhoon Nanmadol; additional rainfall is likely to result in landslides over steep terrain and flooding over low-lying areas and near water bodies.
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.
