Typhoon Bavi Threatens Okinawa with Severe Weather This Week
Typhoon Bavi Approaches Japan
Photo: @DesoxynSUD/X
Tokyo, July 7: The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings regarding Typhoon Bavi, a powerful tropical cyclone, which is projected to approach Okinawa's southern island prefecture later this week.
As reported by the JMA, at 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the ninth typhoon of the season was moving westward near the Mariana Islands at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (kph). It is generating gusts reaching up to 270 kph and has a central atmospheric pressure of 920 hectopascals.
The typhoon is anticipated to shift its path northward, potentially impacting Okinawa with significant intensity around Friday and Saturday. The JMA has advised the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates and warnings.
As Bavi approaches, the waters surrounding Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture are expected to become extremely turbulent starting Thursday, with Okinawa likely to experience severe weather and heavy rainfall from Friday onward.
Depending on the trajectory of the typhoon, rough seas may also develop off the southern coast of Kyushu, Japan's southwestern main island.
Last month, Typhoon Jangmi struck the southern region of Wakayama Prefecture, leading the weather agency to issue a Level 5 special flood warning temporarily.
The JMA had declared a Level 5 Emergency Warning for flooding along the Koza River in Wakayama Prefecture, marking the highest alert level on its scale. Although the warning was later reduced to Level 2, officials continue to advise residents to be vigilant regarding rising river levels and potential flooding.
Heavy and torrential rainfall has been reported along the Pacific coast of both western and eastern Japan, with the JMA cautioning the public about the risks of rain-induced disasters.