01 Sep 2022 | 03:28 PM UTC
Philippine Sea: Typhoon Hinnamnor tracking southward in the Philippine Sea late Sept. 1 /update 4
Typhoon Hinnamnor tracking southward in the Philippine Sea early Sept. 1; landfall likely over Yaeyama Islands, Japan, late Sept. 3.
Event
Typhoon Hinnamnor is tracking southward over the Philippine Sea late Sept. 1. As of 21:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 620 km (385 miles) south-southwest of Kadena Airbase, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the storm is expected to weaken slightly and its movement will slow significantly as it remains almost stationary well south of Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako and Yaeyama islands throughout Sept. 2. The system is then expected to strengthen as it takes a sharp turn first northwestward and then northward Sept. 3, before making landfall over the Yaeyama Islands late Sept. 3 or early Sept. 4. After landfall, Hinnamnor is initially forecast to strengthen as it continues to track north-northwestward into the East China Sea Sept. 4, before weakening as it turns to track north-northeastward as it passes eastern mainland China Sept. 5. The storm is expected to weaken further as it tracks northeastward towards the Korean Straight and makes another landfall over Tsushima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, Sept. 6. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of strong winds and rough seas over parts of Okinawa Prefecture through at least Sept, 3. Maximum wind speeds of around 72 kph (45 mph) and gusts up to 108 kph (67 mph) are expected in the region Sept. 2 and could reach 144-180 kph (89-112 mph) with gusts of 198-252 kph (123-157 mph) Sept. 3. Waves of around 7 meters (23 feet) in height are expected Sept. 2 and around 10 meters (33 feet) Sept. 3. As of late Sept. 1, the JMA has issued red high wave warnings across Okinawa Prefecture's Miyako and Yaeyama islands and yellow high wave warnings across the rest of Okinawa. Yellow heavy rain, landslide, and flood warnings have also been issued in parts of the Miyako and Yaeyama islands and yellow thunderstorm, storm surge, and gale advisories are also in effect for parts of Okinawa Prefecture.
Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau has issued yellow strong wind advisories across most coastal areas of Taiwan through at least early Sept. 3.
The China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue level typhoon warning (the lowest level on a four-tier scale) as of Sept. 1. The administration has warned of moderate to heavy rainfall in eastern Zhejiang Province as well as strong winds in many coastal waters.
Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the system progresses.
Nanjo City, Okinawa Prefecture, issued evacuation orders for coastal areas of the city due to the threat of storm surge Aug. 31; however, it is not clear if residents have since been able to return. The prefectural road on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture was partially blocked by a fallen tree late Sept. 1.
Japan Airlines has canceled some flights at Tokunoshima (TKN), Yoron (RNJ), Kitadaito (KTD), Minamidaito (MMD), Okinawa Naha (OKA), Kumejima (UEO), Miyako (MMY), Tarama (TRA), Yonaguni (OGN), and New Ishigaki (ISG) airports Sept. 1. All Nippon Airways has also canceled some flights at Miyako (MMY) and New Ishigaki (ISG) airports Sept. 1. Further flight cancellations are likely as the storm progresses.
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 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 serious 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.
