18 Sep 2024 | 03:17 AM UTC
Philippine Sea: Tropical Storm Pulasan tracking northwestward towards Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, as of early Sept. 18 /update 1
TS Pulasan tracking northwestward in the Philippine Sea. Close approach to Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, late Sept. 18.
Tropical Storm Pulasan is tracking northwestward across the Philippine Sea toward Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, early Sept. 18. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 537 km (334 miles) southeast of Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken slightly and make a close approach to Okinawa Prefecture late Sept. 18, passing just southwest of Okinawa Main Island. Pulasan is forecast to weaken slightly but remain at tropical storm strength 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 as it tracks northwestward across Zhejiang Province and dissipate over southern Anhui Province early Sept. 21. 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 of 12 cm (5 inches) in southern Kyushu and Amami regions and 15 cm (6 inches) in the Okinawa region are forecast Sept. 18 and 15 cm (6 inches) in southern Kyushu and 10 cm (4 inches) in the Amami regions Sept. 19. High waves of up to 7 meters (23 feet) are forecast over Amami and Okinawa regions Sept. 18 and 6 meters (20 feet) over southern Kyushu Sept. 18 and across southern Kyushu, Amami, and Okinawa regions Sept. 19.
The China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue (lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; moderate to heavy rain is forecast in parts of coastal Zhejiang northern Fujian Sept. 18-early Sept. 19.
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.
