East China Sea: Typhoon Khanun tracking west-northwestward west of Okinawa, Japan, as of early Aug. 3 /update 7

Event

Typhoon Khanun is tracking west-northwestward in the East China Sea, west of Okinawa main Island, Japan, early Aug. 3. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 307 km (191 miles) west of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken further as it continues west-northwestwards across the East China Sea, away from Okinawa main island through Aug. 3. The storm is likely to make a sharp turn to track northeastward early Aug. 4 and weaken further into a tropical storm as it approaches the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, through Aug. 5, making landfall over Amami Oshima early Aug. 6. After landfall, Khanun is forecast to reenter the Philippine Sea and strengthen into a typhoon as it tracks towards western Honshu, Japan through early Aug. 8. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 3, 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 20 cm (8 inches) are forecast in Okinawa and 8 cm (3 inches) in the Amami Islands through early Aug. 4. Heavy rainfall is forecast to persist through at least Aug. 6.

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued yellow heavy rain advisories (lowest level on a four-tier scale) across northern, northwestern, and central Taiwan and strong wind advisories across the northern and southern parts of Taiwan. 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 650 people. Authorities in Okinawa Prefectures are maintaining evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of people across Miyakojima, Nago, Tomigusuku, and Urasoe cities and Kunigami and Ogimi villages. According to the Okinawa Electric Power Company, more than 156,000 households remain without power across Okinawa Prefecture as of early Aug. 3; Kyushu Electric Power Company also reported more than 6,550 households in the Amami Islands are without power.

Airlines canceled 314 flights Aug. 3 and 96 flights Aug. 4 across Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures. Miyako (MMY) and Painushima Ishigaki (ISG) airports are closed Aug. 3. Naha Airport (OKA) is operating normally; some airlines have resumed flights Aug. 3. Further flight cancellations and delays are possible as airlines work to clear backlogs. Authorities have also canceled many ferries across the prefectures. Buses on Okinawa main island resumed Aug. 3, but services are likely to be disrupted depending on road conditions. Buses on Miyako and Ishigaki islands are likely to resume after warnings are lifted, and the roads are safe.

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