According to the latest storm news, after leaving the Philippines, Typhoon Shanshan has continuously strengthened and is approaching Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that the strong storm was moving northwest over the southern sea of Japan at a speed of 30 km/h.
On the morning of August 26, storm Shanshan had a central atmospheric pressure of 980 hectares, the strongest wind near the center of the storm was 126km/h, gusting to 180km/h. The storm is expected to continue moving north and reach very strong levels on August 27 before approaching western and eastern Japan.
The JMA forecasts that the sixth storm to form around Japan this month could bring strong winds and severe weather as it approaches land, with winds near the center of the storm reaching 162km/h, gusting up to 216km. /h.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rain to western and eastern Japan, mainly to areas along the Pacific coast, from August 27 to 28.
The storm could bring up to 400mm of rain in Tokai, 300mm in Kinki, Shikoku, southern Kyushu and 200mm in northern Kyushu in the 24 hours until the evening of August 28. Violent seas with high waves are expected to occur on August 27.
Officials warned of extremely strong winds, landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, rising water levels and river flooding as well as high waves. Central Japan Railway Company announced that it may cancel the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train service due to the storm.
Weather experts from Enki Research predict that storm Shanshan could cause heavy damage of up to 10 billion USD due to wind gusts, rising water and flooding rain when it hits Japan.
Chuck Watson, a disaster modeler with Enki Research, predicts damages could range from $6-10 billion if the storm hits Shikoku and crosses southern Honshu. If the storm passes through the Osaka-Kobe area, damage could reach 12 - 20 billion USD.
Facing the complicated weather situation, tourists and expatriates in Japan need to closely monitor weather reports and warnings from local authorities.
If you plan to visit Japan during this time, cancel or postpone trips to areas affected by the storm from August 27-28.
If you are in Japan, strictly follow local government evacuation instructions. Prepare emergency supplies including drinking water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, battery-operated radios, and necessary medications.
Stay away from coastal areas, rivers and low-lying areas at high risk of flooding. Check and update information on flights, trains or other public transport, as service disruptions may occur.
Save contact information with your country's embassy or consulate for assistance when needed.
Careful preparation, caution, and prioritizing personal safety during a storm are the most important things.
