23 Sep 2022 | 02:10 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Storm Talas tracking northward over the Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 23 /update 1
TS Talas tracking northward over the Philippine Sea as of early Sept. 23. Landfall over Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, likely early Sept. 24.
Event
Tropical Storm Talas is tracking northward over the Philippine Sea early Sept. 23. As of 12:00, the system's center of circulation was approximately 463 km (287 miles) southeast of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will maintain its strength and make landfall as a tropical storm over Shizuoka Prefecture early Sept. 24. Talas will then rapidly weaken as it tracks northeastward across southern Chubu and southern Kanto regions and exit into the North Pacific Ocean from Ibaraki Prefecture late Sept. 24. The system is forecast to dissipate early Sept. 25 east of Fukushima Prefecture. 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 of thunderstorms from western to the Pacific side of eastern Japan through Sept. 25. Forecast models indicate heavy rainfall of 20 cm (8 inches) over the Kinki and Tokai regions and 12 cm (5 inches) in the Kanto-Koshin region through early Sept. 24. Strong winds, lightning, and tornadoes are likely. Heavy rainfall could result in landslides and flooding over low-lying areas and sites near water bodies.
As of early Sept. 23, the JMA has issued red (middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings over southern Wakayama Prefecture. Yellow thunderstorm, high wave, and storm surge advisories are in place across most of the Kinki and Chubu regions. 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. 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.
