11 Aug 2024 | 02:59 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Storm Maria tracking north-northwestward across North Pacific Ocean as of early Aug. 11 /update 3
TS Maria tracks north-northwestward over North Pacific Ocean early Aug. 11. Landfall over Iwate Prefecture, Japan, likely early Aug. 12.
Tropical Storm Maria is tracking north-northwestward across the North Pacific Ocean early Aug. 11. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 443 km (275 miles) southeast of Misawa, Aomori Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken slightly and make landfall as a tropical storm over Iwate Prefecture early Aug. 12. After landfall, Maria is likely to weaken rapidly into a tropical depression as it tracks northwestward across central Iwate, northern Akita, and far southwestern Aomori prefectures and exits into the Sea of Japan late Aug. 12. The storm will likely weaken further and dissipate as it tracks northwestward across the Sea of Japan through early Aug. 13. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Aug. 11, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a bulletin warning that the storm will maintain its strength as it tracks northwestward and make landfall over the Tohoku region Aug. 12, bringing severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and rough seas. Landslides, flooding, and river overflows are possible. 24-hour rainfall totals of 30 cm (12 inches) over the Tohoku region are forecast Aug. 11, 20 cm (8 inches) Aug. 12, and 10 cm (4 inches) Aug. 13. Heavy rainfall over Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures may result in landslides late Aug. 11-early Aug. 12. The JMA has issued the following warnings and advisories:
Red (middle level on a three-tier scale) storm and high wave warnings: eastern Fukushima, eastern Iwate, and eastern Miyagi prefectures.
Yellow advisories: most of the rest of northern Japan.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days. Due to the approaching adverse weather, authorities have issued evacuation orders for the elderly and vulnerable in Tanohata Village, Iwate Prefecture.
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. 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.
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.
