Japan: Typhoon Maria tracking northward across North Pacific Ocean as of early Aug. 9 /update 1

Typhoon Maria is tracking northward across the North Pacific Ocean early Aug. 9. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 763 km (474 miles) southeast of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Forecast models indicate that the weather system will strengthen slightly through early Aug. 10 before weakening into a tropical storm while gradually turning to track northwestward through Aug. 11. Maria is forecast to make landfall as a tropical storm over southern Iwate Prefecture early Aug. 12 before tracking west-northwestward across Iwate and Akita prefectures and exiting into the Sea of Japan through Aug. 12. The storm will likely weaken further into a tropical depression as it tracks west-northwestward across the Sea of Japan through early Aug. 14. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Aug. 9, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a bulletin warning that the typhoon will track northward east of Japan and approach northern Japan Aug. 12-13, resulting in severe thunderstorms and rough seas. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.

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.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports 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.