Tropical Storm Jangmi Approaches Japan, Weather Agency Issues Warnings

Tropical Storm Jangmi Approaches Japan, Weather Agency Issues Warnings

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued heavy rain and wind warnings as Tropical Storm Jangmi approaches the Japanese archipelago, with the storm expected to make landfall in the coming hours. The agency reported that the storm was located east of the Okinawa island chain this morning, moving north-northeast at approximately 20 kilometres per hour.

Tropical Storm Jangmi, the third named storm of the Northwest Pacific typhoon season, has sustained wind speeds of 65 kilometres per hour near its centre, with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour. The JMA has warned that the storm could intensify before landfall due to warm sea surface temperatures in the region.

Regions Expected to Be Affected

The storm is projected to track toward the Kyushu and Shikoku regions, with the potential to bring torrential rainfall exceeding 300 millimetres in some areas over a 24-hour period. The JMA has issued landslide and flood warnings for several prefectures, including Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Kochi.

According to NHK's weather coverage, residents in low-lying coastal areas have been advised to prepare for possible storm surge and high waves. The agency has called for voluntary evacuations in vulnerable districts, particularly in areas that experienced severe flooding during previous typhoon seasons.

Transport Disruptions Expected

West Japan Railway Company and Kyushu Railway Company have announced that some train services may be suspended or delayed as a precaution. JR West has indicated that certain local and express lines in southern Kyushu could face cancellations beginning this afternoon, depending on the storm's trajectory.

Several domestic airlines, including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, have warned passengers of potential flight cancellations to and from airports in the affected regions, including Kagoshima Airport and Miyazaki Airport. Travellers have been urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

Government Response and Preparations

The Cabinet Office has convened an emergency coordination meeting to assess readiness, and the Self-Defence Forces have been placed on standby for potential disaster relief operations. Local governments in the projected path of the storm have opened evacuation shelters and distributed sandbags to residents in flood-prone areas.

Prime Minister's office officials have directed relevant ministries to maintain close communication with local authorities and to ensure that medical and emergency supplies are prepositioned. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has increased its staffing levels for the duration of the storm warning period.

Comparison to Previous Storms

Meteorologists at the JMA have noted that the current trajectory of Tropical Storm Jangmi bears similarities to Typhoon Nanmadol, which caused widespread damage to Kyushu in recent years. However, they have emphasised that Jangmi is currently a weaker system and that its intensity remains uncertain as it interacts with atmospheric conditions over the East China Sea.

The JMA is expected to issue updated forecasts every three hours as the storm approaches land, with more frequent bulletins once tropical storm-force winds reach coastal areas.

Public Safety Advisory

The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors during the worst of the storm, to avoid rivers and coastal areas, and to stay informed through official channels. Emergency alerts will be delivered through the J-Alert system and local municipality broadcast networks.

By Kenji Tanaka, Staff Writer