Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Khanun tracking northward as of early July 30 /update 2

Event

Tropical Storm Khanun is tracking northward in the central Philippine Sea early July 30. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 1,026 km (637 miles) south-southeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen into a typhoon over the coming hours as it tracks north-northwestward and then northwestward across the Philippine Sea July 28-31. Khanun is forecast to pass between Okinawa main island and Miyako Island early Aug. 1. The system is then likely to maintain typhoon strength as it tracks northwestward across the East China Sea before making another landfall over southern Zhejiang Province, China, late Aug. 2. After landfall, Khanun is forecast to weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks northwestward then north-northwestwards across western Zhejiang then southern Anhui provinces through early Aug. 4. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early July 30, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued yellow (lowest level on a three-tier scale) thunderstorm advisories across Okinawa main island and has advised residents in the Okinawa and Amami regions to refrain from going outside unless absolutely necessary, stay away from windows indoors, and be extremely vigilant against storms July 31-Aug. 1. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

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. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. 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 (JTWC)
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Taiwan Central Weather Bureau
China Meteorological Administration
Korea Meteorological Administration