Japan: Tropical Storm Nanmadol tracking north-northeastward across Japan early Sept. 19 /update 5

Event

Tropical Storm Nanmadol is tracking north-northeastward across Japan early Sept. 19, following landfall near Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. As of 12:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 94 km (59 miles) west-southwest of Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Forecast models indicate that Nanmadol will continue weakening while tracking northeastward across the northwestern Chugoku region before exiting into the Sea of Japan late Sept. 19 from Tottori Prefecture. Additional landfalls as a tropical storm are forecast over Ishikawa and Niigata prefectures, early Sept. 20. Nanmadol is likely to weaken further as it tracks northeastward across the Tohoku region and exits into the North Pacific Ocean from southeastern Iwate Prefecture, the afternoon of Sept. 20. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast. Significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of early Sept. 19, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued purple (highest level on a three-tier scale) storm, storm surge, high wave, and landslide warnings across most of Kyushu, most of Shikoku, and most of Chugoku regions while orange warnings have been issued across the rest of southwestern and western Japan. Several rivers across Chugoku and Kyushu regions as well as Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, and Miyazaki prefectures are in danger of flooding. Officials will likely issue relevant weather alerts over the coming days as the system progresses.

The JMA has warned of storms, high waves, storm surges, landslides, and flooding in low-lying and riverine areas across most of western and southern Japan. Forecast models indicate heavy rainfall of 40 cm (16 inches) over Shikoku and Tokai regions, 30 cm (12 inches) in the Kinki and Kanto Koshin region, and 25 cm (10 inches) in the Chugoku region. Lesser rainfall amounts are forecast over the rest of the affected area.

The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued a typhoon warning for coastal waters in the southeastern part of the country. Strong wind warnings are in place across coastal areas nationwide.

As of early Sept. 19, one person remains missing after being washed away from Katsurahama Beach in Kochi City, early Sept. 16. Search and rescue operations are being hampered by the large waves. Authorities have confirmed one death in Mikawa Port of Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture Sept. 17. At least 17 people have been injured and seven houses have been damaged.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 9,164,000 people across Kyushu, Shikoku, and Chugoku regions. Around 56,880 households in Kagoshima, 35,760 in Miyazaki, 1,050 in Kumamoto, and 150 households in Nagasaki are without power. Convenience stores across Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures are closed.

Authorities have suspended operations on the Kyushu Shinkansen and on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Hakata stations Sept. 19. Services are scheduled to be suspended on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Nagoya stations from 16:00 Sept. 19 and on the Sanyo Shinkansen between Hiroshima and Shin-Osaka stations from 14:00 Sept. 19. Authorities have warned that services on the Tokaido Shinkansen may be suspended Sept. 20. The Tohoku and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines may be affected depending on weather conditions. All local train services across Kyushu and the Keihanshin area remain canceled Sept. 19. Most train services in the Shikoku and Chugoku regions are also canceled Sept. 19. Most ferries connecting Shikoku with Kyushu and Kansai remain canceled Sept. 19.

Japan Airlines (JL) and All Nippon Airways (NH) have canceled most flights in Kyushu, Shikoku, and Chugoku regions Sept. 19-20. Amakusa Airlines (MZ) has canceled all flights from the afternoon of Sept. 17. Other airlines have also canceled flights in Kyushu and Shikoku Sept. 19-20. Additional flight cancelations are likely as the storm approaches and conditions worsen.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous. The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose 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.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
Japan Meteorological Agency
Korea Meteorological Administration