30 Aug 2022 | 11:38 PM UTC
Philippine Sea: Super Typhoon Hinnamnor tracking westward in Philippine Sea toward Okinawa Prefecture early Aug. 31 /update 1
Super Typhoon Hinnamnor tracking westward in Philippine Sea early Aug. 31; close approach to Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 31-Sept. 4.
Event
Super Typhoon Hinnamnor is tracking westward over the Philippine Sea early Aug. 31. As of 03:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 409 km (254 miles) east of Kadena Airbase, Japan.
Forecast models indicate that the storm will make a close approach to Japan's Okinawa Prefecture from Aug. 31 into early Sept. 4. After Hinnamnor's initial approach Aug. 31, the system is forecast to track southwestward and weaken into a typhoon as it tracks near the southern Ryukyu Islands into early Sept. 3. The storm is subsequently forecast to sharply turn northward to the east of Taiwan and regain some strength as it enters the East China Sea Sept. 4-5. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Aug. 31, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a storm warning and a high wave warning for Okinawa Prefecture's Daitojima Region. High wave warnings are also in effect for Okinawa Island as well as Kagoshima Prefecture's Amami Region; additionally, authorities will likely issue a high wave warning for Kumejima as well as storm warnings for Okinawa Island over the coming hours. Heavy rainfall totaling 23-28 cm (9-11 inches) is forecast for much of the Okinawa region through 06:00 Sept. 2. Officials will likely update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the 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 typhoon or 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.
