Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Mawar tracking north-northeastward southeast of Miyako Island, Japan as of early June 1 /update 12

Event

Tropical Storm Mawar (named Betty in the Philippines) is tracking north-northeastward across the Philippine Sea, southeast of Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan early June 1. As of 12:00 JST, the storm was approximately 319 km (198 miles) southwest of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Prefecture.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken further and make landfall over Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture late June 1 before weakening slightly and making a close approach to the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, early June 2, passing southeast of the islands. Mawar is likely to continue tracking northeastwards far south of mainland Japan's southern then eastern coast through early June 4. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.

As of June 1, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued purple (highest level on a three-tier scale) storm surge warnings across central and southern Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture June 1 and orange storm and high wave warnings across the rest of Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture June 1-2. Yellow thunderstorm and gale advisories are also in effect over the rest of southern and western Japan. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Authorities in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, have issued evacuation orders for coastal areas of Nanjo and Tomigusuku cities, Aguni and Izena villages, and Minatogawa district in Yaese Town. Evacuation orders for the elderly and other vulnerable people are in place for most of Okinawa Prefecture.

All Nippon Airways (NH) have canceled all flights at Naha (OKA), Miyako (MMY), and Painushima Ishigaki (ISG) airports June 1. Japan Airlines (JL) has canceled all flights at Naha Airport (OKA) and some flights at other airports across Okinawa Prefecture. Further flight cancelations are likely as the storm approaches and weather conditions deteriorate.

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 other regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a severe health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical cyclone 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 (JMA)