Japan: Typhoon Lan tracking northwestward toward Kinki Region as of early Aug. 13 /update 1

Event

Typhoon Lan is tracking northwestward in the Philippine Sea towards the Kinki Region, Japan, early Aug. 13. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 622 km (387 miles) south of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen slightly as it tracks generally northwestward and makes landfall over the border of Mie and Wakayama prefectures, Japan, early Aug. 15. Lan is forecast to weaken rapidly into a tropical storm as it tracks northwards across the Kinki, then eastern Chubu regions through Aug. 15 before entering the Sea of Japan early Aug. 16. The storm is likely to weaken further as it tracks north-northeastwards along the eastern coasts of the Tohoku then Hokkaido regions before making landfalls over the far northwestern tip of Hokkaido Prefecture late Aug. 17 and over far southeastern Sakhalin Oblast, Russia early Aug. 18. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 13, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued red (the middle level on a three-tier scale) high wave warnings across the Izu Islands, as well as numerous yellow warnings across the rest of Japan. The JMA has advised residents to be vigilant for storms, landslides, flooding, and high waves across most of Japan. Thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are likely across eastern Japan through Aug. 15 and across western Japan Aug. 14-15. The heaviest rainfall of 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) across the Tokai region and 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) across the Kanto, Koshin, and Kinki regions are forecast Aug. 14 through early Aug. 15.

Authorities have warned of the possible suspensions of the Tokaido Shinkansen Aug. 14-16, Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima stations Aug. 15-16, Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen, and conventional lines in the Keihanshin area Aug. 14-16. Traffic restrictions, including road closures, are possible on East Japan and the Metropolitan expressways Aug. 13-16 and on the Central Nippon Expressway Aug. 15-17.

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)