Philippine Sea: Severe Tropical Storm Khanun tracking southeastward away from the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, as of early Aug. 6 /update 11

Event

Tropical Storm Khanun is tracking southeastward in the Philippine Sea, away from the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, early Aug. 6. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 202 km (125 miles) northeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen into a typhoon as it gradually turns to track north-northwestward toward southern Kyushu, Japan, before making landfall in the Osumi then Koshikijima islands in Kagoshima Prefecture early Aug. 9. The storm is forecast to make further landfalls over Nagasaki Prefecture late Aug. 9, and Tsushima Island early Aug. 10. Khanun will then continue north-northwestward and make another landfall over South Korea's Busan Metropolitan City early Aug. 10 before weakening as it tracks across far eastern South Gyeongsang, North Gyeongsang, then Gangwon provinces through Aug. 10 and over eastern Kangwon Province in North Korea through early Aug. 11. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 6, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining purple (the highest level on a three-tier scale) landslide warnings across Okinawa main island. Red storm, heavy rain, landslide, flood, and high wave warnings are in effect across parts of Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami and Osumi islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, as well as numerous yellow warnings across the rest of Japan. The JMA has advised residents to move into a sturdy building and stay away from windows indoors, be extremely vigilant against strong winds, and be careful of high waves. The heaviest rainfall totals of around 30 cm (12 inches) are likely in parts of the Amami Islands, Okinawa, and southern Kyushu through early Aug. 7. Heavy rainfall is forecast to persist over much of central and western Japan Aug. 7-10.

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 that burnt down a house. The inclement weather has injured at least 88 people in Okinawa Prefecture. Authorities are maintaining evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of people across Ginowan, Itoman, Nago, Naha, Nanjo, Tomigusuku, and Urasoe cities and other smaller towns and villages in Okinawa Prefecture. At the height of the typhoon, hundreds of thousands of households were without power across Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands; crews have mostly restored power supplies. As of early Aug. 6, more than 32,000 households remain without power in Okinawa Prefecture.

Airlines canceled hundreds of flights across Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures Aug. 1-7. Some flights have resumed but flight cancellations and delays are ongoing as of early Aug. 6. Naha Airport (OKA) is closed Aug. 6. Further flight cancellations and delays are likely due to the adverse weather conditions. Reports indicate that cargo ships between mainland Japan and Okinawa Prefecture are scheduled to resume Aug. 8. In Kagoshima Prefecture, the Shima Bus on Amami Oshima Island is suspended Aug. 6. JR Kyushu has suspended the Kirishima train on the Nippo Main Line, and the local train between Shibushi Station on the Nichinan Line and Aoshima Station in Miyazaki Prefecture Aug. 6. Trains between Kagoshima Chuo and Miyakonojo stations on the Nippo Main Line are also operating with reduced services.

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)
China Meteorological Administration
Korea Meteorological Administration