East China Sea: Typhoon Khanun tracking northeastward west of Okinawa, Japan, as of early Aug. 4 /update 8

Event

Typhoon Khanun is tracking northeastward in the East China Sea, west of Okinawa main Island, Japan, early Aug. 4. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 322 km (200 miles) west of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken further into a tropical storm as it continues northeastwards towards the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, through Aug. 5 and make landfall over Tokuno Island early Aug. 6. After landfall, Khanun is forecast to reenter the Philippine Sea and strengthen slightly as it gradually turns to track northwards towards western Shikoku, Japan through early Aug. 9. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 4, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining purple (the highest level on a three-tier scale) storm surge warnings across Kume Island in Okinawa Prefecture and red storm, heavy rain, landslide, and high wave warnings across Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture. The JMA has advised residents in the Okinawa and Amami regions to move into a sturdy building and stay away from windows indoors, be extremely vigilant against strong winds, and be careful of high waves. Rainfall totals of 15 cm (6 inches) are forecast in Okinawa and 12 cm (5 inches) in the Amami Islands through early Aug. 5. Heavy rainfall is forecast to persist over the coming days.

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued purple heavy extremely torrential rain advisories (highest level on a four-tier scale) across Nantou County and orange extremely heavy rain advisories across central Taiwan. Strong wind advisories are in effect across the northern and southern parts of Taiwan.

The China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue (lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; heavy rainfall is forecast over Guangxi, Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong, western Hainan, and the eastern coast of Zhejiang provinces. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Authorities have confirmed two fatalities in Okinawa Prefecture late Aug. 1; one in Ogimi Village due to a collapsed garage and another in Uruma City due to an accident burning down a house. The inclement weather has injured at least 66 people. Authorities in Okinawa Prefectures are maintaining evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of people across Miyakojima and Urasoe cities. According to the Okinawa Electric Power Company, the typhoon resulted in power outages to more than 215,000 households; most power has since been restored but more than 52,000 households remain without power as of early Aug. 4. Reports indicate intermittent mobile phone connections across parts of Okinawa Prefecture.

Airlines canceled hundreds of flights across Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures Aug. 1-4. Some flights have resumed but flight cancellations and delays are ongoing as of Aug. 4. All Nippon Airways (NH) has canceled all flights at Miyako (MMY) Aug. 4 and Painushima Ishigaki (ISG) airports early Aug. 4. Further flight cancellations and delays are possible as airlines work to clear backlogs. Reports indicate that cargo ships between mainland Japan and Okinawa Prefecture are scheduled to resume around Aug. 8

Authorities in Taiwan closed the stock and foreign exchange markets as well as schools and businesses in northern Taiwan Aug. 3; most resumed Aug. 4. Officials have canceled more than 120 flights across Taiwan and suspended all domestic ferry lines Aug. 3. Khanun resulted in power outages to more than 35,000 households but most power has since been restored. As of early Aug. 4, more than 1,000 households remain without power.

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. Additional 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