TOKYO - Typhoon No. 4, Sinlaku, moved northeast on April 19 while accelerating over waters near Minamitorishima, east of the Ogasawara Islands, according to weather officials. Although the storm is rapidly moving away from Japan, rough seas are expected to persist, prompting continued caution across the island chain.
Satellite imagery showed the typhoon still maintaining a broad cloud structure, underscoring its large size. At the same time, the eye near the center had become less distinct, indicating the system was gradually weakening.
As of the latest observation, the storm was moving at roughly 20 kilometers per hour. While the Ogasawara Islands lay just outside the area of storm-force winds, strong gusts and elevated waves continued in surrounding waters.
Forecasters said Sinlaku is expected to come under the influence of upper-level winds, including the jet stream, steering it farther east while disrupting its circulation. The system is forecast to lose tropical cyclone strength and transition into an extratropical low by April 20.
Conditions around the Ogasawara Islands are expected to improve gradually as the storm moves farther away. Areas of high waves and swell are forecast to shift eastward, reducing the impact of wind and surf over time.
Even so, northeasterly winds are expected to remain strong through the night, and unstable atmospheric conditions could bring sudden rainfall.
Warnings for high waves remain in place around the Ogasawara Islands, with authorities urging residents to remain alert for dangerous surf, swells and strong winds.
Source: ウェザーニュース
