TOKYO - Typhoon No. 13 (Dolphin) continued to intensify over the Marshall Islands on July 29 and is forecast to become a violent typhoon by July 31 before approaching the Ogasawara Islands early next week, potentially bringing severe winds, high waves and other effects to Japanese territory.
As of 3 p.m. on July 29, the very strong typhoon was moving northwest at 15 kilometers per hour near the Marshall Islands. It had a central atmospheric pressure of 955 hectopascals, maximum sustained winds of 45 meters per second and maximum gusts of 60 meters per second.
Satellite images showed a large and increasingly well-organized mass of clouds surrounding the storm. Analysis indicated that extremely tall cumulonimbus clouds were continuing to develop near its center, a sign that the typhoon remained in a period of rapid intensification.
The storm is expected to strengthen further and reach the Japan Meteorological Agency's highest intensity classification of "violent" by 3 p.m. on July 31.
Forecasts indicate that Dolphin could reach its peak strength around 3 p.m. on August 1 near Minamitorishima, with a central pressure of about 910 hectopascals, maximum sustained winds of 55 meters per second and gusts of up to 80 meters per second.
At that intensity, the storm would be comparable to what is commonly described internationally as a super typhoon.
Dolphin is then expected to pass near Minamitorishima while maintaining violent strength before moving toward the Ogasawara Islands.
By 3 p.m. on August 3, the storm is forecast to be near the Ogasawara Islands and moving west-northwest at about 20 kilometers per hour. It is expected to remain a very strong typhoon, with a central pressure of 925 hectopascals, sustained winds of 50 meters per second and maximum gusts of 70 meters per second.
The latest forecast suggests the Ogasawara Islands could experience a near-direct strike. Residents and authorities have been urged to prepare for potentially destructive winds, torrential rain, storm surges and extremely high waves.
Computer simulations from meteorological agencies in several countries have shifted the projected track somewhat farther west compared with forecasts issued a day earlier, increasing concern that the typhoon could pass directly over or very close to the islands.
The longer-range path remains uncertain, and further changes are possible. However, the storm may continue moving toward waters south of Japan after passing the Ogasawara Islands, creating the possibility of effects elsewhere in the country.
Large swells generated by the powerful typhoon may reach areas far from its center, including the Izu Islands and Pacific coastal regions of eastern and western Japan.
Dangerous waves could arrive before the storm itself, posing risks to swimmers, surfers, fishing vessels and other marine activities. People near the coast have been advised to follow warning flags, lifeguard instructions and evacuation information issued by local authorities.
Forecasters urged residents to continue checking the latest typhoon information because the expected track and intensity may change substantially over the coming days.
Latest: Typhoon No. 13 Forecast to Make Closest Approach to Japan Next Week
Source: ウェザーニュース
