Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Gaemi is tracking north-northeastward in Philippine Sea toward Okinawa Prefecture early July 22 /update 2

Tropical Storm Gaemi, known in the Philippines as Carina, is tracking north-northeastward over the Philippine Sea early July 22. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 950 km (590 miles) south-southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will turn to track northward across the Philippine Sea while strengthening into a typhoon through early July 23, passing well east of the northern Philippines. Gaemi is forecast to gradually turn to track northwestward while strengthening further and making a close approach as a typhoon to Japan's Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, the afternoon of July 24, before continuing northwestward and making landfall over northeastern Taiwan late July 24. The system will likely continue northwestward and make another landfall as a typhoon over Fujian Province, China, late July 25. After landfall, Gaemi is likely to weaken rapidly as it tracks northwestward across Fujian and then Jiangxi provinces in China through July 26 before dissipating over northern Jiangxi Province early July 27. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) has issued a tropical cyclone bulletin warning of rainfall of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) across far northeastern mainland Cagayan Province through noon July 23 and across Batanes Province through noon July 24. Lesser rainfall of 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) is forecast across most of the rest of the far northeastern Philippines. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 1 is in place over Batanes, eastern mainland Cagayan, and northeastern Isabela provinces.

Authorities in Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Philippines, have issued preemptive evacuation orders for residents in coastal villages of the city as well as Molo and Arevalo districts due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Airlines in the Philippines have canceled some flights connecting Manila with Basco and Tuguegarao due to unfavorable weather conditions. Classes are suspended in Bataan and Cavite provinces as well as Malabon City July 22.

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.

Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.