05 Jul 2022 | 12:59 AM UTC
Japan: Tropical Depression Aere makes landfall, tracking north-northeastward over western Kyushu July 5 /update 2
Tropical Depression Aere makes landfall, tracking north-northeastward over western Kyushu, Japan, July 5; system to dissipate by July 10.
Event
Tropical Depression Aere has made landfall over western Kyushu and is tracking north-northeastward July 5. As of 03:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 42 km (26 miles) southwest of Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will maintain its current strength as it tracks north-northeastward over Kyushu and then east-northeastward across the Seto Inland Sea and southern Honshu July 5-6. Aere is then forecast to slightly strengthen as it moves into the North Pacific Ocean July 6-8 before it tracks northward and dissipates east of northern Honshu by early July 10. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early July 5, the Japan Meteorological Agency had issued purple emergency heavy rain/landslide warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for parts of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu Region and parts of Ehime and Tokushima prefectures in Shikoku Region. Red heavy rain/landslide warnings have been issued for parts of Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Oita prefectures in Kyushu Region, Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku Region, and Wakayama Prefecture in Kansai Region. Yellow heavy rain/landslide, heavy rain/flood, storm, high wave, and thunderstorm warnings have been issued across other parts of Kyushu, Shikoku, and Kansai regions. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of heavy rainfall, lightning, strong wind gusts, and high waves on the Pacific side of western Japan July 5-6. Officials have forecast rainfall totals of up to 25 cm (10 inches) in Shikoku and Kansai, 20 cm (8 inches) in Tokai, 15 cm (6 inches) in northern Kyushu, and 12 cm (5 inches) in southern Kyushu through 06:00 July 6. Heavy rainfall is also likely from western Japan to the Tokai Region through July 6.
As of early July 5, authorities had issued evacuation orders for Uwajima in Shikoku's Ehime Prefecture due to the risk of landslides. Officials had also issued evacuation orders, primarily for the elderly, in parts of Kyushu's Miyazaki and Oita prefectures, as well as in Kansai Region's Wakayama Prefecture.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, flash flooding, landslides, and additional evacuations 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. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Advice
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical cyclone 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.
