11 Aug 2024 | 03:58 PM UTC
Japan: Tropical Storm Maria tracking west-northwestward across North Pacific Ocean toward Tohoku Region as of late Aug. 11 /update 4
TS Maria tracking west-northwestward over North Pacific Ocean early Aug. 11. Landfall over Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, likely early Aug. 12.
Tropical Storm Maria is tracking west-northwestward across the North Pacific Ocean towards Japan's Tohoku Region late Aug. 11. As of 21:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 341 km (212 miles) south-southeast of Misawa, Aomori Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken slightly as it tracks northwestward before making landfall over northeastern Miyagi Prefecture close to the border with Iwate Prefecture early Aug. 12. After landfall, Maria is likely to weaken into a tropical depression as it tracks northwestward across southern Iwateand central Akita prefectures and exits into the Sea of Japan late Aug. 12. The storm will likely weaken further and dissipate as it tracks northwestward then west-northwestward across the Sea of Japan through late Aug. 13. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of late Aug. 11, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a bulletin warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and rough seas across parts of the Tohoku Region through Aug. 13; landslides, flooding, and river overflows are possible during the passing of the storm. 24-hour rainfall totals of 30 cm (12 inches) are forecast over the Tohoku region Aug. 12 and 15 cm (6 inches) Aug. 13. Winds gusting up to 126 kph (78 miles) and waves up to 7 meters (23 feet) feet are possible in parts of the region over the coming days.
As of late Aug. 11, the JMA has issued the following warnings and advisories across the Tohoku Region:
Purple heavy rain/landslide warnings(the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Northern coast of Iwate Prefecture.
Red heavy rain/landslide warnings: Inland areas of Iwate Prefecture.
Red flood warnings: Inland and northern coast of Iwate Prefecture.
Red storm/gale warnings: Across Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures.
Red high wave warnings: Parts of Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures.
Yellow heavy rain, flood, and landslide warnings: Parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures.
Yellow storm/gale warnings: Across the rest of Tohoku Region not under red storm/gale warnings.
Yellow high wave warnings: Parts of Akita, Aomori, and Yamagata prefectures.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Tohoku Region.
Yellow dense fog warnings: Across Aomori Prefecture.
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 purple evacuation orders (the second highest level on a five-tier scale) for Kuji City, Miyako City, Iwaizumi Town, Yamada Town, Otsuchi Town, Tanohata Village, Noda Village, and Fudai Village, as well as some areas of Rikuzentakata City, in Iwate Prefecture. Purple evacuation orders are also in place for Wakuya Town in Miyagi Prefecture and parts of Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture. Red evacuation orders for the elderly and vulnerable have been issued across parts of Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures.
Japan Airlines (JL) and All Nippon Airways (NH) have canceled dozens of flights connecting Haneda Airport HND) in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Oaska with Tohoku Region as of Aug. 11; further cancelations and delays are likely over the coming days. The East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has warned of likely delays and cancelations on the Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, and Akita Shinkansen lines from Aug. 12. The Pacific Ferry, which connects Sendai Port with Tomakomai Port and Nagoya Port, has canceled some sailings Aug. 11 and further cancelations are likely Aug. 12.
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.