Typhoon Season Upon Us

Posted on June 13, 2007 by Maria Cohrs Jonckheere

As typhoon season approaches in Japan, it is important for both expats and those from the country to prepare for potential storms which could result in any number of catastrophes. And while some areas including the Ryuku Islands and locations along the Pacific Ocean side are more at risk than mainland Japan, typhoons can strike anywhere in the country. Powerful tropical cyclones with hurricane-force winds can impact a number of areas, ranging from minimal disruptions to daily life to severe damage and devastation.

While typhoons can strike any month in Japan, the actual season may range from May to November and often peaks in August and September. Being a resident of Okinawa, we have already begun to notice heavier rains and stronger winds in the past couple of weeks. And as the island is prone to high-powered tropical storms, typhoon awareness is a must. As a side note, most of you expatriates from the U.S. commonly refer to a typhoon as a hurricane - its name when in the Atlantic Ocean - and in the Indian Ocean it is known as a cyclone.

It is crucial to become well informed of the steps to take before, during and after a typhoon hits or in the case of a typhoon. Having researched possible options for information, I came across a few good resources. These include the Japanese Meteorological Agency as well as the U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center, which is based in Hawaii and provides tracking services for the Pacific. Both agencies have websites which allow you to view and track general weather and possible storms. The U.S. Navy uses a three-level classification for storms in the Pacific: storms with winds less than 62 kph are classified as tropical depressions; winds between 63- 118 kph are referred to as tropical storms; and winds of 119 kph and above are typhoons or super typhoons.

Finally, there are very basic steps you should take to help mitigate the risks of impact – at the very least to limit outdoor activities and avoid the coastlines. Stock your closet in preparation with a recommended 7 days of supplies. Below is a very simple list which is not limited to but includes important items which you are advised to keep on hand:

•Flashlight

•Batteries

•Battery-operated radio

•Candles and charcoal

•Non-perishable foods/manual can opener and water (galloon per person daily)

•First aid it, blankets

•Toilet paper, soap/detergent and disinfectant

•Paper cups/plates and plastic utensils