Sea of Japan: Tropical Storm Lan tracking north-northeastward in the Sea of Japan as of early Aug. 17 /update 7

Event

Tropical Storm Lan is tracking north-northeastward over the Sea of Japan early Aug. 17. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 450 km (280 miles) north-northwest of Misawa, Aomori Prefecture, Japan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will weaken slightly as it passes very close to Rebun Island off the northwestern tip of Hokkaido before making landfall over far southern Sakhalin Island, Russia, late Aug. 17. The system is likely to dissipate as it moves into the Sea of Okhotsk early Aug. 18. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 17, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that the system may bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in areas along the Sea of Japan coast through Aug. 17. There remains a risk of flooding and landslides in parts of western and eastern Japan which were impacted by the storm. The JMA is maintaining purple heavy rain and landslide alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for southern Tokushima Prefecture and red heavy rain and landslide alerts for parts of eastern Fukui, Kagawa, Kochi, far northwestern Hokkaido, southern Gifu, northern Mie, Okayama, the rest of Tokushima, Tottori, and Shizuoka prefectures. Numerous yellow weather warnings are in place across other parts of the country. The Hydrometcenter of Russia has issued yellow heavy rainfall and strong wind warnings for southern Sakhalin Island.

At least 49 people were injured, and hundreds of thousands were evacuated as the storm passed over western Kansai Region Aug. 15. The storm has damaged dozens of buildings, and left tens of thousands of homes without power. Hundreds of flights were canceled in central Japan Aug. 14-16, train services were suspended, and numerous roads were closed due to flooding and landslides in affected areas. As of early Aug. 17, services are largely returning to normal across the affected areas; however, lingering disruptions are likely over the coming days due to ongoing flooding and damage caused by the storm.

As of early Aug. 17, authorities are maintaining evacuation orders for nearly 200,000 people in Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture and for thousands of people across Anan City in Tokushima Prefecture and Zentsuji City in Kagawa Prefecture. Several roads in Tottori remain impassable, isolating more than 1,700 people. More than 6,000 households in Iga and Osawe cities remain without power in Mie Prefecture. Response operations to clear roads and repair damage are ongoing across parts of central Japan.

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)
Hydrometcenter of Russia