Japan: Typhoon Ampil tracking northeastward away from Chiba Prefecture as of early Aug. 17 /update 5

Typhoon Ampil is tracking northeastward in the western Pacific Ocean close to Japan's Chiba Prefecture early Aug. 17. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 400 km (249 miles) east-northeast of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken as it tracks generally northeastward away from Japan through Aug. 18 before transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone late Aug. 18. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 17, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a bulletin warning of heavy rainfall, possible landslides, strong winds, lightning, and large waves over Kanto and Tohoku regions through at least Aug. 17. Additional rainfall totals of around 8 cm (3 inches) are forecast in Tohoku Region through early Aug. 18. Waves of up to 7 meters (23 feet) are expected in Tohoku and Kanto regions Aug. 17.

As of early Aug. 17, the JMA has issued purple landslide warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale) for central Fukushima Prefecture and red heavy rain/landslide warnings across eastern parts of the prefecture. Red high wave warnings remain in effect for eastern Fukushima, eastern Miyagi, and eastern Iwate prefectures. Various other yellow weather warnings are in place across the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

Widespread transport delays occurred during the passing of the storm. All Nippon Airways (NH), Japan Airlines (JL), and several smaller airlines canceled hundreds of domestic and international flights to and from Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in the Greater Tokyo area. Domestic travel continues to be affected Aug. 17, with dozens of flights canceled. Shinkansen trains are operating normally Aug. 17. Most other train services have resumed operations after safety checks, but some trains remain canceled. Ferry services have also resumed.

Authorities have rescinded all evacuation orders. Various sporting events have been canceled and leisure attractions closed across Kanto and Tohoku regions. Authorities have reported at least two storm-related injuries in Kanagawa Prefecture and one each in Ibaraki and Fukushima prefectures. Minor storm damage has been reported in Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture and Ota and Shibuya wards in Tokyo Prefecture. Downed powerlines and flooded roads have been reported in parts of Chiba 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 and render 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.