21 Jul 2024 | 02:55 AM UTC
Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Gaemi is tracking west-northwestward in Philippine Sea toward Okinawa Prefecture early July 21 /update 1
TS Gaemi tracking west-northwestward in Philippine Sea early July 21; close approach to Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan late July 24.
Tropical Storm Gaemi, known in the Philippines as Carina, is tracking west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea early July 21. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 1,091 km (678 miles) south of Kadena Airbase, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will gradually turn to track northward across the Philippine Sea through July 22, passing well east of the northern Philippines, before strengthening into a typhoon through early July 24. Gaemi is forecast to make a close approach as a typhoon to Japan's Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, late July 24, before turning to track northwestward and making another close approach to northeastern Taiwan early July 25. The system will likely continue northwestward and make landfall as a typhoon over Zhejiang Province, China, late July 25. 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 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) across northeastern mainland Cagayan PRovince and eastern Babuyan Islands through the evening of July 22 and across Batanes and Babuyan Islands through the evening of July 23.
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.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast typhoon or 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.
