TOKYO - Typhoon No. 15, currently over waters east of Japan, could approach or make landfall along the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region on the afternoon of August 11 after changing course from northwestward to westward, bringing a risk of strong coastal winds and widespread heavy rain.
The storm is not expected to strengthen enough to develop a storm-force wind zone, but authorities are urging caution over strong winds in coastal parts of Tohoku and the possibility of intensifying rainfall across a broad area.
The typhoon was moving westward east of Japan as of the morning of August 9. Its movement is expected to slow during the day before it turns northward on August 10.
By August 11, interaction with a low-pressure system in the upper atmosphere approaching Japan is expected to steer the typhoon back toward the west, putting it on a course toward the Pacific side of Tohoku during the afternoon.
The storm currently has a central atmospheric pressure of about 994 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds of 18 meters per second.
Further significant development is considered unlikely because the typhoon is forecast to move over waters with sea surface temperatures of around 25 to 26 degrees Celsius.
At its expected peak around 3 a.m. on August 11, maximum sustained winds are forecast to reach about 23 meters per second. The storm is not expected to develop a storm-force wind zone before reaching the Tohoku coast.
Strong winds along coastal areas will be one of the main concerns, while rainfall could also strengthen across a wide area as the typhoon approaches.
Considerable uncertainty remains over the exact track and potential landfall point. Current forecasts range from areas around central Tohoku to locations farther south.
If the storm takes a more southerly course, the Kanto region could also face a greater risk of heavy rain.
Residents are being advised to closely monitor the typhoon's movement through August 11 as forecasts are refined.
Source: ウェザーニュース
