East China Sea: TD Songda tracking west-northwestward in the East China Sea early July 30 /update 1

Event

Tropical Depression Songda is tracking west-northwestward in the East China Sea early July 30. As of 12:00 KST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 500 km (311 miles) south of Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will strengthen into a tropical storm in the coming hours and enter the Yellow Sea early July 31. Songda is likely to gradually turn to track northeastward while weakening, making landfall as a tropical depression over southwestern South Hwanghae Province, North Korea early Aug. 2. The storm is forecast to continue tracking northeastward across South Hwanghae Province before dissipating over far southwestern North Hwanghae Province later the same day. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early July 30, the China Meteorological Administration has issued a blue (lowest level on a four-tier scale) typhoon warning; moderate to heavy rain is forecast over the southern coast of Jiangsu and the northern coast of Zhejiang provinces as well as Shanghai Municipality.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a typhoon advisory for the waters south and southeast of Jeju Island and the eastern outskirts of Namhae Island. Heavy rain warnings are in place across most of Jeju Island. Officials will likely issue or update relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the storm system progresses.

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. 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 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.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
China Meteorological Administration
Korea Meteorological Administration