Japan: Typhoon Cimaron to hit near Kyoto August 23

Event

Typhoon Cimaron is expected to make landfall on Shikoku and southern Honshu islands, passing close to Kyoto, on Thursday, August 23. As of 09:00 (local time) on Tuesday, August 21, the storm is producing sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph). Conditions in the western Pacific suggest Cimaron will continue to strengthen as it moves northwest toward Japan. A peak intensity of 157 km/h (98 mph) is expected just before it arrives on land. Damaging winds, heavy rain, high surf, and mudslides are possible on Shikoku, southern Honshu, and Kyushu. After crossing the islands, Cimaron is forecast to curve northeastward in the Sea of Japan and affect northern Honshu and Hokkaido beginning Friday evening, August 24.

Context

Cimaron is the second storm forecast to affect Japan this week, following a slightly more northerly path than its predecessor Soulik. Typhoons and tropical cyclones are common in the eastern Pacific from June through November.

Advice

Individuals present in the above regions are advised to keep abreast of the situation, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, obey instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid flood-prone areas until the situation stabilizes. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.