Tag Archives: Honshu

Typhoon Jongdari Makes Landfall on Honshu

Typhoon Jongdari made landfall on Honshu near Ise in the Mie Prefecture on Saturday.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) at the time of landfall.  Jongdari weakened to a tropical storm after the center moved over Honshu.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Jongdari was located at latitude 34.7°N and longitude 135.0°E which put it about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Kobe, Japan.  Jongdari was moving toward the west-northwest at 25 m.p.h. (40 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 980 mb.

The center of Typhoon Jongdari made landfall in the Mie Prefecture on Honshu near Ise and Toba.  Jongdari then moved west-northwest near Matsusaka and Tsu.  It passed near Nara and Osaka before moving to its current position southwest of Kobe.  Typhoon Jongdari brought gusty winds and it dropped locally heavy rain over parts of the Mie, Nara, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo Prefectures.  The ground in some of those places is very moist from recent rains and flash flooding could occur if more heavy rain falls.  The relatively rapid movement of Tropical Storm Jongdari will help to reduce the amount of rain that falls over specific locations.

Tropical Storm Jongdari will continue to weaken as it moves over western Honshu and northern Kyushu.  Jongdari is moving around the northern side of an upper level low south of Japan.  The upper level low will steer Tropical Storm Jongdari quickly to the west during the next 12 hours.  Jongdari will move southwest on Sunday when it moves around the northwestern part of the upper low.  On its anticipated track Tropical Storm Jongdari will move near Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kitakyushu and Fukuoka.  The tropical storm will continue to drop locally heavy rain while it weakens over western Japan.

Typhoon Jongdari Turns Toward Honshu

Typhoon Jongdari turned toward Honshu on Friday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Jongdari was located at latitude 31.0°N and longitude 143.7°E which put it about 415 miles (665 km) southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Jongdari was moving toward the north at 24 m.p.h. (39 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (170 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (205 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 957 mb.

An upper level low west of Typhoon Jongdari was affecting the circulation.  Winds blowing around the eastern side of the upper low were cutting under the upper level divergence at the top of the circulation of Jongdari.  In addition, drier flowing around the southern half of the upper low was being pulled into the western side of the circulation of Typhoon Jongdari.  The effects of the upper low were causing the circulation of Typhoon Jongdari to become asymmetrical.  Many of the stronger thunderstorms and stronger winds were occurring in bands in the eastern half of the circulation.  Bands in the western half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  With fewer strong thunderstorms in the western part of the typhoon with downdrafts to bring stronger winds to the surface the wind field was also becoming asymmetrical.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation on the eastern side of Jongdari, but they only extended out about 50 miles (80 km) on the western side.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 230 miles (370 km) to the east of the center, but only extended out about 170 miles (280 km) to the west of the center of circulation.

The upper level low will continue to affect Typhoon Jongdari.  Jongdari will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  So, there will be sufficient energy in the upper ocean to support a strong typhoon.  However, the upper low will inhibit upper level divergence to the west of the circulation.  Upper level divergence will be strong to the southeast of Typhoon Jongdari.  Drier air flowing around the upper low will inhibit the formation of thunderstorms in bands in the southwestern part of the circulation.  Typhoon Jongdari is likely to weaken slowly, although it could maintain its intensity at times as it moves around the northern side of the upper low.

The upper low will also steer Typhoon Jongdari during the weekend.  Jongdari will turn more toward the west-northwest when it moves around the northern part of the upper low.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Jongdari could pass south of Tokyo in about 18 hours.  The center of Jongdari could be very close to Hamamatsu in about 24 hours.  It could make landfall near Matsuzaka in a little over a day.  Typhoon Jongdari could pass very close to Osaka and Kobe and it could pass just south of Kyoto.  Heavy rain fell on parts of Japan earlier this month and Typhoon Jongdari could cause serious flooding in some locations.

Typhoon Jongdari Nears Iwo To

Typhoon Jongdari neared Iwo To on Thursday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Typhoon Jongdari was located at latitude 24.2°N and longitude 140.5°E which put it about 105 miles (170 km) southwest of Iwo To.  Jongdari was moving toward the northeast at 13 m.p.h. (21 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 975 mb.

Former Tropical Storm Jongdari strengthened as it neared Iwo To on Thursday.  An eye developed at the center of circulation and the Japan Meteorological Agency classified Jongdari as a typhoon.  The eye was surrounded by a ring of strong thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the core of Jongdari.  Thunderstorms in the core of Jongdari were generating strong upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 20 miles (30 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 130 miles (210 km) from the center.

Typhoon Jongdari will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next day or two.  Jongdari will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  An upper level low southeast of Honshu will cause easterly winds which will blow over the northern part of the circulation.  Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will be less over the core of the typhoon.  Typhoon Jongdari will strengthen during the next 24 to 48 hours and it could become the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Typhoon Jongdari is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge over the Western North Pacific and the ridge is steering Jongdari toward the northeast.  A general motion toward the northeast is forecast for the next 12 to 24 hours.  The upper low southeast of Honshu will move slowly toward the west.  When Jongdari moves farther north, it will begin to be steered more by the upper level low.  Typhoon Jongdari is forecast to turn more toward the north on Friday.  Jongdari will start to move toward the northwest in about 36 hours, when it moves northeast of the upper level low.

On its anticipated track Typhoon Jongdari will move over Iwo To in a few hours.  It will bring gusty winds and heavy rain.  Typhoon Jongdari could approach Honshu in about 48 hours and it could cause flooding in addition to strong winds and heavy rain.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific, Tropical Storm Wokung was weakening east of northern Japan.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Wokung was located at latitude 42.2°N and longitude 152.5°E which put it about 600 miles (960 km) east of Misawa, Japan.  Wokung was moving toward the north-northwest at 19 m.p.h. (31 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 995 mb.

Tropical Storm Jongdari Forms Southwest of Iwo To

Tropical Storm Jongdari formed southwest of Iwo To on Tuesday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Jongdari was located at latitude 20.9°N and longitude 136.9°E which put it about 410 miles (665 km) southwest of Iwo To.  Jongdari was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 996 mb.

A distinct low level center of circulation developed within former Tropical Depression 15W on Tuesday afternoon and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Jongdari.  The circulation of Jongdari was asymmetrical.  Most of the stronger thunderstorms were forming in bands north of the center.  Bands south of the center consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Stronger storms near the center were beginning to generate upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the core of the circulation.

Tropical Storm Jongdari will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next several days.  Jongdari will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 28°C.  So, there will be sufficient energy in the upper ocean to support intensification.  It will move under the middle of an upper level ridge where the winds are weaker and there will be little vertical wind shear.  Intensification could be slow at first while the circulation becomes more organized, but Jongdari could strengthen more quickly when the inner core becomes more well developed.  Tropical Storm Jongari could strengthen to a typhoon with 48 hours.  It could eventually intensify into the equivalent of a major hurricane.

Tropical Storm Jongari will move around the western end of a subtropical ridge which will steer Jongari toward the northeast during the next two or three days.  When Jongari moves farther north, it will be affected by a second ridge located farther to the north.  The second ridge is forecast to strengthen and push Jongari more toward the northwest.  On its anticipated track Jongari could reach Iwo To in about 48 hours.  It could be a typhoon at that time.  Jongari could approach Tokyo in about four days and it is likely to be a typhoon when it reaches Honshu.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Wokung was churning well southeast of Japan.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Storm Wokung was located at latitude 32.3°N and longitude 158.0°E which put it about 1250 miles (2015 km) east-southeast of Tokyo, Japan.  Wokung was moving toward the north-northwest at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 984 mb.

Tropical Storm Maria Prompts Warning for Guam

Tropical Depression 10W strengthened into Tropical Storm Maria on Wednesday and a Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Guam.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Maria was located at latitude 12.7°N and longitude 145.9°E which put it about 95 miles (155 km) southeast of Guam.  Maria was moving toward the north-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 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.  Tropical Storm Warnings were in effect for Guam and Rota.  Tropical Storm Watches were in effect for Saipan and Tinian.

The center of circulation in former Tropical Depression 10W became more well organized on Wednesday and the Japan Meteorological Agency designated the system as Tropical Storm Maria.  The circulation was still increasing in organization.  There was a distinct low level center of circulation.  Numerous bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation.  Storms near the center were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away from the tropical storm.

Tropical Storm Maria will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next few days.  Maria will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  Tropical Storm Maria will move under the western end of an upper level ridge that is between two upper level lows which are east and west of the ridge.  The upper level winds will be relatively weak and there will be little vertical wind shear.  The combination of the ridge and two upper level lows will increase the upper level divergence.  Tropical Storm Maria will continue to strengthen.  Maria will become a typhoon later this week.  It could intensify rapidly once an eye forms and the inner core is well developed.

Tropical Storm Maria is moving around the western end of a subtropical ridge which is steering Maria toward the north-northwest.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Maria will move near Guam and Rota later today.  A general motion toward the northwest is forecast for the next several days.  Maria could move in the direction of the Ryukyu Islands at the end of the week.

Tropical Storm Maria will bring gusty winds and heavy rain to the southern Mariana Islands.  The strongest winds and heaviest rain will affect Guam and Rota.  Gusty winds and heavy rain will also affect Saipan and Tinian.  Heavy rain could produce flash floods.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean, Tropical Storm Prapiroon was moving over the Sea of Japan.  Prapiroon was bringing wind and rain to the northern Islands of Japan including Hokkaido and Honshu.  At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Storm Prapiroon was located at latitude 39.6°N and longitude 135.6°E which put it about 360 miles (585 km) west-southwest of Misawa, Japan.  Prapiroon was moving toward the northeast at 25 m.p.h. (40 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were winds gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

Typhoon Prapiroon Brings Wind and Rain to Kyushu

Typhoon Prapiroon brought wind and rain to Kyushu on Monday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Typhoon Prapiroon was located at latitude 32.8°N and longitude 128.6°E which put it about 110 miles (180 km) southwest of Sasebo, Japan.  Prapiroon was moving toward the north-northeast at 17 m.p.h. (27 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 968 mb.

Rainbands on the eastern side of Typhoon Prapiroon were moving over parts of Kyushu.  Those bands were causing gusty winds and they were dropping locally heavy rain.  The circulation of Typhoon Prapiroon was exhibiting the effects of a more midlatitude environment.  Drier air was wrapping around the western and southern portions of the typhoon.  The bands in those parts of Prapiroon consisted primarily of showers and low clouds.  The western portion of the eyewall was also weakening.  There were still strong thunderstorms in the eastern half of the eyewall and that was where the strongest winds were occurring.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms on the eastern side of the circulation were revolving around the core of Typhoon Prapiroon.

Typhoon Prapiroon will be moving through an environment that will cause it to weaken.  Prapiroon was moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature was near 26°C.  However, it will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 24°C when it moves north of Japan.  An upper level trough west of South Korea will produce southwesterly winds which will cause vertical wind shear.  The combination of cooler water and more vertical wind shear will cause Typhoon Prapiroon to weaken to a tropical storm on Tuesday.  Prapiroon could begin a transition to an extratropical cyclone because of the effects of the midlatitude environment.

Typhoon Prapiroon was being steered toward the north-northeast by the upper level trough.  Stronger westerly winds will steer Prapiroon more toward the northeast when it gets north of Japan.  On its anticipated track the center of Typhoon Prapiroon will pass near the northwestern portion of Kyushu.  The center of Prapiroon is forecast to pass between south Korean and Japan and then to move over the Sea of Japan.  Rainbands on the eastern side of Typhoon Prapiroon will cause gusty winds and drop heavy rain over parts of Kyushu.  Heavy could cause flash floods in some locations.  Prapiroon could also bring wind and rain to southeastern South Korea and parts of northern Honshu.

Elsewhere over the Western North Pacific Ocean Tropical Depression 10W formed southeast of Guam.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Depression 10W was located at latitude 10.6°N and longitude 145.7°E which put it about 205 miles (330 km) south-southeast of Guam.  It was moving toward the north-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 30 m.p.h. (50 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.  A Tropical Storm Warning was issued for Guam.  A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for Tinian and Saipan.

Maliksi Strengthens Into a Typhoon East of Okinawa

Former Tropical Storm Maliksi strengthened into a typhoon east of Okinawa near Minami Daito Jima late on Saturday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Typhoon Maliksi was located at latitude 25.7°N and longitude 131.7°E which put it about 210 miles (335 km) east of Okinawa.  Maliksi was moving toward the northeast at 24 m.p.h. (39 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 970 mb.

The circulation of Typhoon Maliksi became more organized on Saturday.  An inner rainband wrapped around the center of circulation and an eye was apparent on satellite images.  There were intermittent breaks in the rings of thunderstorms around the eye.  Several bands of showers and thunderstorms in the eastern half of the circulation were revolving around the core of the typhoon.  Bands west of the center consisted primarily of showers and low clouds.  Storms near the core of Maliksi were generating upper level divergence which was pumping mass away to the northeast of the typhoon.  The circulation of Typhoon Maliksi was large and winds to tropical storm force extended out about 250 miles (400 km) from the center of circulation.

Typhoon Maliksi will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 to 24 hours.  Maliksi will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  An upper level trough to the west of Maliksi will produce southwesterly winds which will blow toward the top of the circulation.  Those winds will produce some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be strong enough to prevent intensification on Sunday.  The shear will increase after 18 to 24 hours and that will likely cause Maliksi to start to weaken.

The upper level trough is steering Maliksi toward the northeast and that general motion is expected to continue for another two or three days.  Typhoon Maliksi will speed past Minami Daito Jima during the next few hours.  On its anticipated track Maliksi will reach some of the islands south of Honshu in about 24 hours.  Typhoon Maliksi will produce gusty winds and locally heavy rain.

Tropical Storm Saola Speeding Toward Tokyo

Tropical Storm Saola sped toward Tokyo, Japan on Saturday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Storm Saola was located at latitude 32.4°N and longitude 134.4°E which put it about 370 miles (595 km) west-southwest of Tokyo.  Saola was moving toward the northeast at 24 m.p.h. (39 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 979 mb.

Tropical Storm Saola was weakening and making a transition to an extratropical cyclone.  A primary band of showers and thunderstorms wrapped around the eastern side of the circulation.  There were other thinner bands of showers revolving around the core of the circulation.  Strong westerly winds in the upper levels were causing significant vertical wind shear which was tilting the upper part of the circulation toward the northeast.  Cooler drier air appeared to be flowing toward the western part of the circulation.

Westerly winds in the middle latitudes were steering Tropical Storm Saola quickly toward the northeast.  The center of Saola will pass south of Shikoku.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Storm Saola will pass near Tokyo in about 12 hours.  Tropical Storm Saola will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Shikoku and central Honshu.  The heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Typhoon Saola Near Okinawa

The core of Typhoon Saola moved near Okinawa on Friday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Typhoon Saola was near latitude 26.2°N and longitude 128.2°E which put it about 70 miles (110 km) south of Okinawa.  Saola was moving toward the north at 14 m.p.h. (22 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.

The circulation of Typhoon Saola became more well organized on Friday.   The primary rainband wrapped most of the way around the center of circulation.  A large eye was surrounded by a broken ring of showers and thunderstorms.  Low clouds and showers were scattered throughout the large eye.  Several other bands of showers and storms were revolving around the core of Typhoon Saola.  The rainbands were weaker on the northwestern side of Typhoon Saola and there appeared to be cooler, drier air on that side of the typhoon.  Winds to typhoon force extended out about 50 miles (80 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out about 200 miles (320 km) from the center.

Typhoon Saola could be near its maximum intensity.  Saola will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  However Typhoon Saola is near the upper level westerly winds in the middle latitudes and the vertical wind shear will increase on Saturday.  Typhoon Saola could strengthen a little more during the next six to twelve hours, but it will start to weaken when the vertical wind shear increases.

Typhoon Saola is moving around the western end of a ridge which is steering Saola toward the north.  When Typhoon Saola reaches the westerly winds of the middle latitudes, those winds will turn Saola toward the east-northeast.  On its anticipated track Typhoon Saola will bring strong winds and heavy rain to Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands.  The center of Typhoon Saola will be near southern Kyushu in about 12 hours and the center could pass near Tokyo in about 24 hours.

Typhoon Lan Brings Wind and Rain to Japan

Typhoon Lan brought wind and rain to parts of Japan on Sunday.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Typhoon Lan was located at latitude 35.2°N and longitude 139.1°E which put it about 50 miles southwest of Tokyo, Japan.  Lan was moving toward the northeast at 37 m.p.h. (60 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 95 m.p.h. (155 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 960 mb.

Typhoon Lan weakened significantly before it reached Japan.  Lan moved over cooler water south of Japan.  Strong upper level westerly winds caused strong vertical wind shear.  The circulation of Lan pulled drier air into the western half of the circulation.  The combination of cooler water, strong shear and drier air caused the significant weakening.  In addition the shear was strong enough to push the heavier rain to the northeast of the center of Typhoon Lan.

Lan was still a typhoon when it made landfall in Honshu despite the unfavorable environment.  A weather station at the Tokyo International Airport reported a wind speed of 56 m.p.h. (90 km/h).  Some areas in eastern Honshu experienced periods of heavy rain and gusty winds.  The drier air will limit the rainfall after the center of the typhoon passes a given location.

The strong westerly winds will steer Typhoon Lan rapidly toward the northeast.  Lan will move east of Honshu in a few hours.  The strong vertical wind shear and cooler, drier air will cause Typhoon Lan to transition to a strong extratropical cyclone east of Japan.

While Typhoon Lan races across eastern Japan, Tropical Depression 27W organized southeast of Guam.  At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Depression 27W was located at latitude 9.3°N and longitude 147.4°E which put it about 360 miles (580 km) southeast of Guam.  It was moving toward west 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 gust to 45 m.p.h.  The minimum surface pressure was 1004 mb.

Tropical Depression 27W will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for development during the next several days.  It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 30°C.  An upper level ridge centered northeast of the Marianas is producing easterly winds which are blowing over the top of the depression.  Those winds are causing moderate vertical wind shear.  The shear is inhibiting the organization of the circulation and it is slowing the development of the depression.  The shear is forecast to decrease during the next several days and the depression could strengthen into a tropical storm if a distinct low level center forms.

Tropical Depression 27W is near the southwestern end of the ridge to its northeast.  The ridge is currently steering the depression toward the west.  It is forecast to move around the end of the ridge and turn more toward the north during the next few days.  On its anticipated track the depression could be near Guam in about 24 hours.  It could be a tropical storm at that time.