TOKYO - A tropical depression south of Japan is expected to develop into Typhoon No. 24 by September 1 and could approach the Japanese archipelago later in the week, raising the risk of renewed warning-level rainfall and widespread flooding in Hokuriku and heavy rain in the Kanto and Tokai regions.
The tropical depression was located far south of Japan at 9 a.m. on August 31 and was moving slowly north. It had a central atmospheric pressure of 1,000 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds near its center of 15 meters per second.
The system is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon by 9 a.m. on September 1, with central pressure falling to 998 hectopascals, maximum sustained winds of 18 meters per second and maximum gusts of 25 meters per second.
The storm is expected to move slowly north before becoming nearly stationary between September 1 and September 2.
It is then forecast to accelerate, reaching waters east of Okinawa by around 9 a.m. on September 3.
By September 4, the system is expected to approach waters south of Kyushu near Tanegashima and Yakushima before shifting eastward and reaching an area south of Shikoku around September 5.
Forecast uncertainty remains considerable, however, and the storm's precise path could change significantly as it approaches Japan.
The tropical system could also intensify the seasonal autumn rain front, creating a renewed threat of warning-level rainfall in Hokuriku, where recent torrential rain has already caused extensive flooding.
Authorities are warning that another round of heavy rain could cause large-scale inundation in the region, while the Kanto and Tokai areas also face a risk of substantial rainfall.
The developing storm comes as parts of Japan continue to endure extreme heat.
Temperatures reached 38.3 degrees Celsius in Hita, Oita Prefecture, on August 31, while Fukui City, where homes and other properties were damaged by flooding, recorded 35.2 degrees.
Residents carrying out cleanup and recovery work in affected areas are being urged to take precautions against heatstroke as severe heat continues.
Authorities are urging people to closely follow the latest typhoon, rainfall and evacuation information as the system develops and its projected course becomes clearer.
Source: FNN
