MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Station sustained more than $1 million in damages as a result of Typhoon Songda, Sept. 6, 2004, most of which could have been prevented with simple precautionary actions.
Typhoon season in the local region begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. Last year, 13 typhoons hit Japan, a record year, nine of which caused Iwakuni to go into increased conditions of readiness.
Japan’s climate is strongly influenced by two ocean currents. The Japan Current, or Kuro Shio, is a warm ocean current that flows northward through the islands. In contrast, the cold Okhotsk Current originates in polar waters and flows southward along Hokkaido. During the summer months in Japan, ideal conditions for typhoons arise when these two currents meet.
There are many measures in place for Station residents to gather information for incoming typhoons.
The Station Weather Office issues warnings through the Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness warning system for all possible storm threats to the Station and its residents. The Station will be placed in TCCOR IV, indicating a possible threat of a tropical cyclone within 72 hours, beginning June 1 and lasting throughout the typhoon season.
The TCCOR system has a total of five storm ratings, TCCOR IV being the least severe. Tropical Cyclone Condition IE (EMERGENCY) is the most severe warning and is only issued when destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are occurring on Station. While under TCCOR I through IE Station residents are required to stay indoors and all traffic will cease.
From that point there are three TCCOR levels in place to expedite recovery procedures. TCCOR IR (Recovery) states Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are no longer occurring. Emergency crews and safety facilities personnel assess Station readiness for normal operations. While under TCCOR IR, only personnel needed for the relief effort are allowed outside.
When TCCOR All Clear is broadcast, the storm has passed and all normal Station functions will resume.
Once a heightened TCCOR level is broadcasted via channel six, American Forces Network and AFN Radio, Station residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures that will ensure the highest level of safety for the impending storm.
Residents are encouraged to secure all equipment such as bicycles and grills indoors, windows are also encouraged to be covered.
“In preparation for the season, Station residents need to prepare a typhoon kit that should include at a minimum flashlights, battery-powered radio, canned food, can opener, bottled water and any item they would possibly need should power and water be out for 24 to 48 hours,” said Chief Warrant Officer David Fulton, Station Weather Office weather officer. “The most important thing for residents to remember is that typhoons are highly unpredictable and while the weather office will do it’s best to provide the most accurate information, residents should never become complacent about approaching storms. Never take the attitude, ‘the last storm was supposed to hit us and didn’t.’ Treat every warning and storm the same and take the proper steps to ensure they are prepared for each storm.”
Each unit is also expected to take proper precautions for approaching storms.
“If personnel took correct steps in preparation for typhoons, for example raised all high value equipment from the floors, shut down and covered the computers or any high value equipment with plastic, it might just save man hours and money,” said Master Sgt. Eric Krievs, Station communications chief.