NAHA - Large and very strong Typhoon No. 13 (Dolphin) was moving west-northwest near the Ogasawara Islands as of 9 p.m. on August 3 and is forecast to bring violent winds, heavy rain and waves exceeding 10 meters during its closest approach on August 4.
The typhoon had a central atmospheric pressure of 945 hectopascals, maximum sustained winds of 45 meters per second and maximum gusts of 60 meters per second. It was traveling at 25 kilometers per hour.
Satellite images showed a clearly defined eye and the circular cloud pattern characteristic of a powerful typhoon. Thick, high clouds were concentrated near the center and on the eastern side of the storm.
Dolphin is expected to pass near Iwo Jima while maintaining very strong intensity. Although the center is forecast to pass south of the main inhabited islands, its broad circulation is expected to bring severe conditions across the Ogasawara chain.
Winds have already begun strengthening, with the worst conditions expected on August 4. Violent winds could sweep across the islands, while intense rainfall may produce dangerous weather through August 5.
Seas are forecast to become extremely rough, with waves exceeding 10 meters around the Ogasawara Islands. Residents and visitors are being urged to stay away from beaches and ports and remain in safe locations as winds and waves could intensify rapidly.
The typhoon is then expected to continue westward and approach the Daito Islands as a strong storm on August 6. It is forecast to pass north of the islands, bringing increasingly powerful winds and heavy rain.
By August 7, Dolphin is expected to reach the vicinity of Okinawa's main island while retaining maximum sustained winds of around 40 meters per second and gusts of up to 60 meters per second.
The storm could also approach the Amami Islands, with violent winds possible across both Okinawa and Amami. Rainfall is forecast to intensify around the Daito Islands on August 6 and across Okinawa's main island and Amami on August 7.
The typhoon's movement may slow after reaching Okinawa, increasing the possibility of prolonged effects.
High waves are already spreading across a broad area, including parts of the Pacific coast from eastern to western Japan. After striking the Ogasawara Islands, large swells are expected to reach the Daito Islands, Okinawa and Amami.
People planning to travel to the Nansei Islands are being advised to check the latest typhoon forecasts and transportation information frequently, while residents should complete preparations for severe wind and rain.
Latest: Typhoon No. 13 Threatens Japan's Pacific Coast
Source: ウェザーニュース
