Typhoon Chan-hom is expected to make landfall along the eastern Pacific coast of Japan on the night of August 11. Unlike typical typhoons that approach from the south, this storm is taking an unusual path from the east to the west. Ibaraki Prefecture in the Kanto region, which includes the capital, is a likely landing point, with Fukushima Prefecture in the Tohoku region also being mentioned. Whichever location is hit, it will mark the first time since typhoon statistics began in 1951 that either prefecture has experienced a landfall. The typhoon is forecasted to cross Honshu from east to west and weaken into a tropical depression by August 12 along the Sea of Japan coast in western Japan.
According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, as of 2 p.m. on August 11, Typhoon Chan-hom was located about 130 kilometers southeast of Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture, moving southwest at 30 kilometers per hour. The central pressure of the storm is 985 hectopascals, with maximum sustained winds of 23 meters per second and gusts reaching 35 meters per second. Winds of 15 meters per second or more are being reported within 500 kilometers east and 390 kilometers west of the storm's center. In Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, maximum gusts reached 23.7 meters per second at 1:30 p.m.
The unusual path of this typhoon is attributed to a high-pressure system covering northern Japan, which is blocking its northward movement. The Asahi Shimbun reported that this high-pressure area is centered north of Hokkaido and extends widely to the Sea of Japan. Since 1951, there have only been three instances of a typhoon making landfall on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region, occurring in 2016, 2021, and 2024.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the typhoon's rare approach could lead to stronger winds and higher waves than usual along the Pacific coasts of Tohoku and Kanto. Wave heights are expected to reach up to 7 meters on August 11. The maximum wind speeds in Tohoku and Kanto, including the Koshin region, are forecasted to be 25 meters per second, with gusts up to 35 meters per second, making it difficult to drive at normal speeds.
The warm, moist air brought by the typhoon, combined with cold air aloft, is expected to create unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to heavy rainfall in various areas. By noon on August 12, the expected rainfall over 24 hours is up to 180 millimeters in Tohoku and Kanto, 120 millimeters in the Tokai region, 100 millimeters in the Izu Islands, and 80 millimeters in Niigata Prefecture and Hokuriku. Additionally, another 24-hour period until noon on August 13 is expected to bring up to 150 millimeters in the Tokai region and 120 millimeters in both Tohoku and Kinki regions.
The typhoon's approach coincides with the Obon holiday, causing disruptions to transportation and various events. Although Obon is not an official holiday, many businesses close during this time, leading to a surge in travelers. All Nippon Airways (ANA) reported that as of 9:30 a.m. on August 11, 58 flights arriving at or departing from Haneda and Narita airports were canceled, affecting approximately 11,000 passengers. Japan Airlines (JAL) also canceled four flights to and from Narita Airport. East Japan Railway Company announced potential delays and cancellations for the Tohoku Shinkansen. A fireworks festival scheduled for the afternoon of August 11 in Koto, Tokyo, was canceled, and ferry services between Oarai Port in Ibaraki Prefecture and Hokkaido were suspended on August 11 and 12.
The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents in Tohoku, Kanto, and other parts of eastern Japan to prepare for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising river levels. They also advised caution against strong winds, including gusts and tornadoes. After the typhoon passes on August 12, sudden heavy rain and hail may occur, particularly in southern Kanto due to the influence of cold air aloft.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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