Tag Archives: Okinawa

Tropical Storm In-Fa Forms Southeast of Okinawa

Tropical Storm In-Fa formed southeast of Okinawa on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm In-Fa was located at latitude 22.4°N and longitude 132.3°E which put it about 420 miles (675 km) southeast of Okinawa. In-Fa was moving toward the north-northwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system southeast of Okinawa exhibited more organization on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm In-Fa. The distribution of thunderstorms around In-Fa was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of Tropical Storm In-Fa. Bands on the western side of the tropical storm consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level low centered west of Japan was producing westerly winds that were blowing toward the top of In-Fa. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were also contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.

Tropical Storm In-Fa will move into an environment that is forecast to become more favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. In-Fa will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C during the next two days. The upper level low west of Japan is forecast to move toward the north. When the upper low moves north, the upper level winds around In-Fa will weaken and the vertical wind shear will decrease. Tropical Storm In-Fa is likely to strengthen during the next 48 hours. When the upper level winds weaken, In-Fa could intensify more quickly. Tropical Storm In-Fa could strengthen to a typhoon within 72 hours.

Tropical Storm In-Fa will move south of a surface high pressure system centered southeast of Japan on Sunday. The high will steer In-Fa toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. A second surface high pressure system over eastern Asia is forecast to move north of Tropical Storm In-Fa on Monday. The second high pressure system will steer In-Fa more toward the west early next week. On its anticipated track Tropical Storm In-Fa could approach Okinawa in 60 hours. In-Fa could bring wind and rain to the southwestern Ryukyu Islands. In-Fa could eventually affect Taiwan and eastern China later next week.

Typhoon Haishen Brings Wind and Rain to Northern Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Haishen brought wind and rain to the northern Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Haishen was located at latitude 28.3°N and longitude 130.4°E which put it about 170 miles (280 km) east-northeast of Okinawa.  Haishen was moving toward the north-northwest at 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 110 m.p.h. (175 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 945 mb.

The center of Typhoon Haishen passed west of Minami-Daito Jima on Saturday.  A weather station there measured a wind speed of 72 m.p.h. (116 km/h) and a pressure of 943.6 mb.

The circulation around around Typhoon Haishen developed concentric eyewalls on Saturday.  The smaller original eyewall started to weaken as low level convergence became more concentrated into the much larger outer eyewall.  The strongest winds were originally found in the inner eyewall, but those wind speeds decreased.  The stronger winds were blowing in the larger outer eyewall on Saturday night.

The concentric eyewall structure produced an increase in the size of the circulation around Typhoon Haishen.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 325 miles (530 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Haishen was 19.2.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 37.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 56.4.  Typhoon Haishen was capable of causing widespread serious damage.

Typhoon Haishen will move into a less favorable environment during the next 24 hours.  Haishen will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  Drier air over Asia will get pulled into the circulation.  Wind shear will increase when Typhoon Haishen moves farther north because it will get closer to the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes.  The effects of the concentric eyewalls, drier air and more wind shear will cause Typhoon Haishen to gradually weaken.

Typhoon Haishen will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Haishen toward the north.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Haishen will pass near the western part of Kyushu in about 12 hours.  Haishen will reach South Korea in about 24 hours.  Typhoon Haishen will bring strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Kyushu and South Korea.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods, especially in places that received heavy rain from Typhoon Maysak a few days ago.

Typhoon Maysak Brings Wind and Rain to the Ryukyu Islands

Typhoon Maysak brought winds and rain to the Ryukyu Islands on Monday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 27.5°N and longitude 126.5°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) west-northwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 130 m.p.h. (210 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 160 m.p.h. (260 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 932 mb.

The eye and eyewall of Typhoon Maysak passed west of Okinawa on Monday.  Rainbands on the eastern side of Maysak passed over Okinawa and some of the other southern Ryukyu Islands.  A weather station at Naha reported a sustained wind speed of 58 m.p.h. (93 km/h).  A station at Kitahari (Kumejima Airport), which was closer to the center of Typhoon Maysak reported a sustained wind speed of 89 m.p.h. (144 km/h).

Satellite and radar images suggest that concentric eyewalls may have formed at the core of Typhoon Maysak.  The inner eye had a diameter of 8 miles (13 km).  A much larger outer eye with a diameter of approximately 100 miles (160 km) surrounded the inner eye.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the large core of Maysak.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.

The circulation around Typhoon Maysak was large.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Maysak was 25.1.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 25.5 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI).  Maysak was capable of causing widespread major damage.

Typhoon Maysak will move through an environment capable of supporting a strong typhoon during the next 24 hours, but it has likely reached its peak intensity.  The formation of concentric eyewalls normally results in a weaker, but larger tropical cyclone.  The wind speed will decrease when the inner eyewall dissipates.  When that occurs, the maximum wind speeds will occur in the larger outer eyewall.  Since Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C, it will remain a typhoon for another 24 to 36 hours.

Typhoon Maysak will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Maysak toward the north during the next 36 hours.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Maysak will pass west of Kyushu.  Typhoon Maysak could reach South Korea in 36 hours

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 11W was passing southeast of Iwo To.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 11W was located at latitude 21.7°N and longitude 144.2°E which put it about 290 miles (470 km) southeast of Iwo To.  The depression was moving toward the west-southwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

Typhoon Maysak Strengthens to Equivalent of Major Hurricane Near Okinawa

Typhoon Maysak strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane near Okinawa on Monday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 25.5°N and longitude 127.0°E which put it about 110 miles (180 km) south-southwest of Kadena AFB, Okinawa.  Maysak was moving toward the north-northwest at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 155 m.p.h. (250 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 936 mb.

Typhoon Maysak strengthened to the equivalent of a major hurricane on Monday as it approached Okinawa.  A circular eye with a diameter of 30 miles (50 km) was at the center of Maysak.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Maysak.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.

Typhoon Maysak had a large circulation.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 70 miles (110 km) from the center of Maysak.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (320 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Typhoon Maysak was 23.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 24.1 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 47.7.  Typhoon Maysak was capable of causing widespread major damage.

Typhoon Maysak will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Maysak could strengthen further and it could intensify into the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale.

Typhoon Maysak will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Maysak toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Maysak will pass west of Okinawa during the next few hours.  Maysak will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Okinawa.  Typhoon Maysak could approach South Korea in about 48 hours.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Depression 11W formed east-southeast of Iwo To.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 11W was located at latitude 25.5°N and longitude 127.0°E which put it about 315 miles (515 km) east-southeast of Iwo To.  the depression was moving toward the southwest at 14 m.p.h. (22 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1008 mb.

Maysak Intensifies into a Typhoon East of Luzon

Former Tropical Storm Maysak intensified into a typhoon on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Maysak was located at latitude 17.2°N and longitude 128.7°E which put it about 335 miles (540 km) east of Luzon.  Maysak was moving toward the west-northwest at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 976 mb.

The circulation around Typhoon Maysak exhibited greater organization on Saturday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped partially around the center of circulation and an eye could be forming at the center of Maysak.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Maysak.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the core.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center.

Typhoon Maysak will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 to 48 hours.  Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds will be weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Maysak will continue to strengthen and it could intensify rapidly when an eye and eyewall are fully formed.  Maysak could strengthen into the equivalent of a major hurricane within 24 to 36 hours.

Typhoon Maysak will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Maysak toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Maysak will move toward the southern Ryukyu Islands.  Maysak could pass near Okinawa in about 48 hours.  Typhoon Maysak is likely to be the equivalent of a major hurricane when it passes near Okinawa.

Tropical Storm Maysak Forms East of Luzon

Tropical Storm Maysak formed east of Luzon on Friday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Maysak was located at latitude 16.4°N and longitude 129.4°E which put it about 435 miles (700 km) east of Luzon.  Maysak was moving toward the west-southwest at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

More thunderstorms developed near the center of a low pressure system east of Luzon on Friday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Maysak.  Thunderstorms were also forming in bands revolving around the center of Maysak.  Storm nears the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Maysak will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours.  Maysak will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Maysak will intensify quickly and it could strengthen into a typhoon within 24 hours.  Once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall is established Maysak could rapidly intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Maysak will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Maysak toward the north-northwest.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Maysak could approach the Ryukyu Islands within 72 hours.  Maysak could be the equivalent of a major hurricane by that time.

Typhoon Bavi Passes West of Okinawa

Typhoon Bavi passed west of Okinawa on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Bavi was located at latitude 27.2°N and longitude 125.6°E which put it about 595 miles (965 km) south-southwest of Chinhae, South Korea.  Bavi was moving toward the east-northeast at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

A circular eye developed at the center of Typhoon Bavi.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Bavi.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 45 miles from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (225 km) from the center.

Typhoon Bavi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 to 36 hours.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Typhoon Bavi will intensify during the next 36 hours and it could strengthen to the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Bavi will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Bavi toward the north during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Bavi will pass west of the northern Ryukyu Islands.  Bavi could be southeast of South Korea in about 72 hours.

Tropical Storm Bavi Forms East of Taiwan

Tropical Storm Bavi formed east of Taiwan on Friday night.  At 11:00 p.m. on Friday the center of Tropical Storm Bavi was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 122.8°E which put it about 85 miles (135 km) southeast of Taipei, Taiwan.  Bavi was moving toward the north-northeast at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system east of Taiwan strengthened on Friday night and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Bavi.  The circulation around Bavi was asymmetrical.  Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of the tropical storm.  Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Storms near the center of circulation were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the east of the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) to the east of the center of circulation.  The winds on the western side of Tropical Storm Bavi were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Storm Bavi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days.  Bavi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Bavi will intensify and it could strengthen into a typhoon by the end of the weekend.

Tropical Storm Bavi will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Bavi toward the north-northeast during the next few days.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Bavi will pass west of the Ryukyu Islands including Okinawa.  Bavi could approach South Korea in about four days.  The eastern side of Bavi will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the Ryukyu Islands.

Tropical Storm Jangmi Forms South of Ryukyu Islands

Tropical Storm Jangmi formed south of the Ryukyu Islands on Saturday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Jangmi was located at latitude 22.4°N and longitude 126.3°E which put it about 375 miles (605 km) south-southwest of Okinawa.  Jangmi was moving toward the north at 21 m.p.h. (34 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 998 mb.

A low pressure system east of Taiwan and south of the Ryukyu Islands strengthened on Saturday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Jangmi.  The distribution of  thunderstorms around Jangmi was asymmetrical.  Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the eastern half of the tropical storm.  Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 200 miles (325 km) on the eastern side of Tropical Storm Jangmi.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours.  Jangmi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move under the western side of an upper level ridge northeast of the Philippines.  The ridge will produce southerly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical storm.  Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear which will inhibit intensification.  Tropical Storm Jangmi could strengthen on Sunday despite the vertical wind shear.

Tropical Storm Jangmi will move around the western end of a subtropical high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Jangmi toward the north during the next 36 hours.  On its anticipated tack the center of Tropical Storm Jangmi will pass west of Okinawa in 12 to 18 hours.  Jangmi will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Okinawa.  Tropical Storm Jangmi could approach South Korea in 36 hours.

Neoguri Strengthens to Typhoon South of Okinawa, Bualoi Prompts Watches for Marianas

Former Tropical Storm Neoguri strengthened into a typhoon south of Okinawa on Saturday and Tropical Storm Bualoi prompted watches for the Marianas.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Neoguri was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 128.1°E which put it about 200 miles (320 km) south of Okinawa.  Neoguri was moving toward the north-northeast at 12 m.p.h. (19 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 965 mb.

Typhoon Neoguri strengthened rapidly on Saturday.  An eye formed at the center of circulation and a ring of strong thunderstorms surrounded the eye.  The strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Neoguri.  There were more bands of thunderstorms in the northern half of the typhoon.  The circulation around Typhoon Neoguri was small.  Winds to typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center.

Typhoon Neoguri will move through an environment unfavorable for intensification during the next several days.  Neoguri will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  So, there will be enough energy in the ocean to support intensification.  However, an upper level trough over China will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of Typhoon Neoguri.  Those winds will produce moderate vertical wind shear and the shear will be strong enough to cause Neoguri to weaken.  Since the circulation around the typhoon is small, it could weaken more rapidly if the upper level winds get stronger.

The upper level trough over China will steer Typhoon Neoguri toward the northeast during the next few days.  On its anticipated track Neoguri will pass east of the Ryukyu Islands including Okinawa during the next 36 hours.  It could approach Honshu in about 48 hours.  Typhoon Neoguri will likely be a tropical storm by the time it approaches Honshu.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, former Tropical Depression 22W rapidly strengthened into Tropical Storm Bualoi.  Bualoi had almost strengthened into a typhoon by Saturday evening.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Bualoi was located at latitude 11.8°N and longitude 150.8°E which put it about 455 miles (730 km) east of Guam.  Bualoi was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Typhoon Watches were in effect for Rota, Tinian and Saipan.  A Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Guam.

The circulation around Tropical Storm Bualoi organized quickly on Saturday.  The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of circulation.  Microwave satellite images indicated that an eye could be forming.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Bualoi.  Storms near the core were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 90 miles (145 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Storm Bualoi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days.  Bualoi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Bualoi will strengthen into a typhoon on Sunday and it could eventually intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Bualoi will move south of a high pressure system over the Western North Pacific Ocean.  The high will steer Bualoi toward the west-northwest during the next day or two.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Bualoi could reach the Marianas in 36 hours.  Bualoi will very likely be a typhoon when it reaches the Marianas.  The center of Bualoi could pass near Tinian and Saipan.  It could be near Iwo To in about four days.