24 Aug 2024 | 02:49 AM UTC
Japan: Typhoon Shanshan tracking northward across Philippine Sea as of early Aug. 24
Typhoon Shanshan tracks northward over Philippine Sea early Aug. 24. Landfall over Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, likely late Aug. 27.
Typhoon Shanshan is tracking northward across the Philippine Sea early Aug. 24. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 533 km (331 miles) south of Iwo Jima.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will maintain its strength as it tracks generally north-northwestward, passing west of Iwo Jima early Aug. 25. Shanshan is likely to strengthen further as it tracks northwestward through early Aug. 27 before turning sharply to track northeastward and make landfall over Wakayama Prefecture late Aug. 27. After landfall, the system is likely to weaken but remain at typhoon strength as it tracks northeastward across the Kansai and far western Chubu regions before exiting into the Sea of Japan through the afternoon of Aug. 28. Another landfall is forecast over southwestern Hokkaido Prefecture early Aug. 29. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Aug. 24, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a bulletin warning that the typhoon will track northward, resulting in severe weather from western to eastern Japan around Aug. 27 and across northern Japan around Aug. 28. 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.
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.
