Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Muifa tracking northwestward across the Philippine Sea late Sept. 9 /update 1

Event

Tropical Storm Muifa is tracking northwestward over the Philippine Sea as of late Sept. 9. As of 21:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 683 km (424 miles) south of Kadena Airbase, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen into a typhoon as it continues to track generally northwestward over the Philippine Sea Sept. 10-11. The system is then forecast to weaken slightly as it makes a turn to the north-northwest Sept. 12 and is currently forecast to make landfall over the Yaeyama Islands late Sept. 12. The system is expected to continue to weaken slightly as it turns to track northward as it enters the East China Sea Sept. 13-14. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Sept. 9, neither the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) nor the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has yet issued any watches and warnings in relation to the storm. The JMA has warned of rough seas and strong winds affecting parts of Okinawa Prefecture from Sept. 11 and heavy rainfall from Sept. 12. Officials will likely issue relevant weather alerts and warnings over the coming days as the system progresses.

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 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
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau