24 Sep 2022 | 02:42 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Depression Talas tracking east-northeastward over the Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 24 /update 3
TD Talas tracking east-northeastward over the Philippine Sea early Sept. 24. No landfall forecast.
Event
Tropical Depression Talas is tracking east-northeastward over the Philippine Sea early Sept. 24, south of Shizuoka Prefecture. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 266 km (166 miles) southwest of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will continue to weaken as it tracks east-northeastward and dissipates southeast of Chiba Prefecture early Sept. 25. No landfall is forecast. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur over the coming hours.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that the tropical system will interact with a weather front moving over the country from the Sea of Japan and bring thunderstorms from western to the Pacific side of eastern Japan through Sept. 25. Forecast models indicate rainfall accumulations of 20 cm (8 inches) over Tokai Region; 15 cm (6 inches) in Kanto-Koshin Region; 15 cm (6 inches) in Hokuriku region; and 10 cm (4 inches) in Hokkaido and Tohoku regions through early Sept. 25. Strong wind gusts, lightning, and tornadoes are possible in affected areas. Heavy rainfall could result in landslides and flooding over low-lying areas and sites near water bodies. Strong winds and rough seas are forecast for the coastal regions through Sept. 25.
As of early Sept. 24, the JMA has issued purple (the highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings over eastern Fukushima and Shizuoka prefectures and red heavy rainfall, landslide, and flood warnings over northwestern Chiba, the rest of Fukushima, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, southern Saitama, Tochigi, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region. Yellow heavy rainfall, landslide, flood, thunderstorm, high wave, strong wind, and storm surge advisories are in place across much of central and northern Japan. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days, dependent on the development of the storm.
As of early Sept. 24, authorities in Shizuoka Prefecture have issued Level 5 (highest level on a five-tier scale) evacuation orders for over 127,000 people in Hamamatsu City. Level 4 evacuation orders are in place for Fuji and Yaizu cities in Shizuoka Prefecture and Ishioka City in Ibaraki Prefecture due to the risk of flooding and landslides. Several rivers across Shizuoka Prefecture are at dangerously high levels, and some have reportedly burst their banks, including the Aburayama River. The Tokaido Shinkansen remains suspended between Mishima and Nagoya stations through at least 12:00 Sept. 24. Some Sanyo Shinkansen trains have also been suspended. Authorities have confirmed one fatality and three others injured in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, early Sept. 24 due to a landslide. At least 36 houses in Shizuoka Prefecture have been damaged by floodwaters. The Chubu Electric Power Grid has confirmed that in Shizuoka City, around 9,960 households in Aoi Ward and around 16,660 households in Suruga Ward are without power; restoration efforts are underway.
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. The system tracked across western Japan into the Tohoku region through early Sept. 20. Talas 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 Typhoon Nanmadol; additional rainfall will probably result in landslides over steep terrain and flooding in low-lying areas and near water bodies, especially 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.
