18 Sep 2024 | 02:27 PM UTC
Japan: Tropical Storm Pulasan tracking northwestward towards Okinawa Prefecture as of late Sept. 18 /update 2
TS Pulasan tracking northwestward in the Philippine Sea late Sept. 18. Landfall forecast over Okinawa Island, Japan, in the coming hours.
Tropical Storm Pulasan is tracking northwestward across the Philippine Sea toward Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, late Sept. 18. As of 21:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 126 km (78 miles) southeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will make landfall over the far south of Okinawa Main Island in the coming hours. Pulasan is forecast to weaken slightly but remain a tropical storm as it tracks northwestward across the East China Sea toward southeastern China through early Sept. 19 before making another landfall over Zhejiang Province late Sept. 19. After landfall, Pulasan is forecast to weaken rapidly into a tropical depression as it tracks northwestward across Zhejiang Province late Sept. 19-early Sept. 20 and then dissipate as it moves north-northwestward over southeastern Anhui and southwestern Jiangsu provinces through late Sept. 20. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of landslides, flooding, lightning, tornadoes, strong winds, and high waves across the Amami, Okinawa, and southern Kyushu regions over the coming days. Rainfall totals of 15 cm (6 inches) in Okinawa and 12 cm (5 inches) in southern Kyushu and Amami regions are forecast Sept. 18-19. Winds gusting up to 126 kph (78 mph) are forecast over Okinawa Sept. 18 and 108 kph (67 mph) over Amami Sept. 18-19 and Okinawa Sept. 19. High waves of up to 7 meters (23 feet) are forecast in Amami and Okinawa and 6 meters (20 feet) in southern Kyushu Sept. 18-19.
The China Meteorological Administration has issued a yellow typhoon warning (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale); heavy rain is forecast in parts of Shanghai, eastern Zhejiang, and northeastern Fujian, with rainfall totals of 10-14 cm (3.9-5.5 inches) possible in eastern coastal areas of Zhejiang. Strong winds are forecast in coastal areas of Zhejiang, Fujian, Shanghai, and southeastern Jiangsu Sept. 18-19 and rough seas are expected over offshore waters of southeastern China.
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.
