Japan: Tropical Storm Mawar tracking east-northeastward east of Okinawa Island as of early June 2 /update 13

Event

Tropical Storm Mawar (named Betty in the Philippines) is tracking east-northeastward across the Philippine Sea, east of Okinawa Island, early June 2, following landfall over the island the previous day. As of 06:00 JST, the storm was approximately 52 km (32 miles) east-southeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Prefecture.

Forecast models indicate that the system will weaken further as it makes a close approach to the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, through June 2, passing southeast of the islands. Mawar is likely to continue tracking northeastwards far south of mainland Japan's southern coast through early June 4. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast; changes could occur in the coming days.

As of June 2, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of flooding and landslides across most of Japan through June 3. The heaviest rainfall of 35 cm (14 inches) is forecast over the Tokai and Shikoku regions through early June 3. Around 30 cm (12 inches) of rainfall is also likely in the Kinki Region over the same period. Authorities have issued purple (highest level on a three-tier scale) landslide warnings across northeastern and central Miyazaki, southern Ehime, and northern Tokushima prefectures, and orange landslide and flood warnings across the rest of southeastern Kyushu, the rest of Shikoku, eastern Chugoku, Kansai, and eastern Chubu regions. Orange high wave warnings are in place across northern and central Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture. Yellow advisories are also in effect over the rest of southern, western, and central Japan. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Authorities in Okinawa Prefecture have issued rescinded most evacuation orders but are maintaining them for the elderly and other vulnerable people in Ie, Iheya, and Nakagusuku villages. Reports indicate two injuries in Nishihara Town, Nakagami District, and five injuries in Naha City.

Evacuation orders are in place for Otsuki Town in Kochi Prefecture, Uwajima City in Ehime Prefecture, Mima City and Tsurugi Town in Tokushima Prefecture, Ikoma City in Nara Prefecture, Kobe, Nishinomiya, and Toyooka cities in Hyogo Prefecture, and Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture. Evacuation orders for the elderly and other vulnerable people have been issued for Tosashimizu City in Kochi Prefecture, Iyo, Ozu, and Seiyo cities in Ehime Prefecture, Kanonji City in Kagawa Prefecture, Miyoshi City in Tokushima Prefecture, Kushimoto and Nachikatsuura towns in Wakayama Prefecture, and Itami City in Hyogo Prefecture. Additional evacuation orders are likely as the storm approaches and weather conditions deteriorate.

All Nippon Airways (NH) have canceled all flights at Hachijojima Airport (HAC) June 2-3 and at Naha Airport (OKA) through the afternoon of June 2. Some flights at Naha Airport (OKA) are canceled through the rest of June 2. Japan Airlines (JL) has canceled all flights at Kikai (KKX), Amami (ASJ), Tokunoshima (TKN), Okinoerabu (OKE), and Yoron (RNJ) airports June 2, and some flights at other airports across western and southern Japan are delayed or canceled June 2-3. Further flight cancellations are likely as the storm approaches and weather conditions deteriorate. Authorities have warned that due to heavy rainfall, several expressways will likely close, including the Hokuriku Expressway from the afternoon of June 2, the Shin-Tomei Expressway from the evening of June 2, and the Tomei Expressway between Susono and Numazu interchanges early June 3.

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)