Japan: Typhoon Lan tracking north-northwestward toward Kansai region as of late Aug. 14 /update 3

Event

Typhoon Lan is tracking north-northwestward in the Philippine Sea and is approaching the Kansai region of Japan late Aug. 14. As of 21:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 406 km (252 miles) southwest of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will make landfall over southeastern Wakayama Prefecture early Aug. 15. Lan is forecast to weaken into a tropical storm as it tracks northward across the Kansai region before entering the Sea of Japan late Aug. 15. The storm is likely to weaken further as it tracks north-northeastward and then northeastward across the Sea of Japan Aug. 16-17. Lan is forecast to pass close to the far northwestern tip of Hokkaido Prefecture late Aug. 17 and will transition into a post-tropical cyclone as it approaches the southwestern tip of Russia's Sakhalin Island. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Aug. 14, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued purple (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings for parts of Kyoto Prefecture in Kansai Region and Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region, as well as purple storm surge warnings for parts of Hyogo and Wakayama prefectures in Kansai Region. Red heavy rain, landslide, flood, storm, and high wave warnings are in place across parts of Kansai Region and red storm and high wave warnings in parts of Kanto Koshin and Shikoku regions. Numerous yellow weather warnings have been issued across other parts of Japan. The JMA has advised residents to be vigilant for storms, landslides, flooding, and high waves across most of Japan and for storm surges in western Japan. Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds are likely across much of central Japan from late Aug. 14. Rainfall totals of 45 cm (18 inches) across the Tokai region and 40 cm (16 inches) across the Kansai and Shikoku regions are forecast through late Aug. 15. Further heavy rainfall is likely across central Japan Aug. 16 and northern Japan Aug. 17. Authorities are discharging water from dams across the Chugoku, Kansai, and Tokai regions in advance of the typhoon.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people across parts of Aichi, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. The evacuation of elderly people has been advised for many more areas across parts of central Japan. Several tourist attractions have been closed and a number of sporting and cultural events have been postponed due to the storm's approach.

Authorities have suspended the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama stations and the Tokaido Shinkansen between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations, and reduced the number of trains between Okayama and Hakata stations on the Sanyo Shinkansen and between Tokyo and Nagoya stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen Aug. 15. Further cancellations are possible Aug. 15-16. Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights at airports across central Japan Aug. 15, including Kansai International (KIX), Haneda (HND), Chubu Centrair International (NGO), Osaka International (IMT), Kobe (UKB), and Shizuoka (FSZ) airports. Further flight disruptions are likely over the coming days. Traffic restrictions, including road closures, are possible on the East Japan and Metropolitan expressways Aug. 13-16 and on the Central Nippon Expressway Aug. 15-16. A landslide late Aug. 13 resulted in the closure of National Route 45 in Omoto, Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture.

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)