MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Oct. 19, 1979, Typhoon Tip, one of the most intense and largest tropical cyclones on record caused widespread flooding across Japan and left a huge dent on Camp Fuji. On that fateful day, heavy rains eroded the wall to the fuel farm, consisting of two rubber storage bladders. The erosion of the wall caused 5,000 gallons of gasoline to disperse and eventually ignite, killing 13 Marines.During the summer of 2005, Typhoon Nabi stormed through Iwakuni causing some flooding on station, significant damage near Kintai Bridge, and a high level of concern among many. This year, station residents must be prepared to face off against Mother Nature and her arsenal of typhoons yet again. Typhoon season is from June 1 to Nov. 30, and the station enters Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness IV, indicating storms are possible within 72 hours, during that period.“A typhoon system is nothing more than a hurricane that develops in the Western Pacific,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. William H. Scott, Airfield and Harbor Operations Department Weather Service officer-in-charge. “Japan is affected by approximately 26 typhoons annually. On average Iwakuni is directly impacted by eight of these tropical systems.”It is the responsibility of station residents to prepare in advance for the potentially devastating Far East storms, according to Scott.According to Scott, one of the most important things is building and maintaining a typhoon kit with a minimum of: a first aid kit, a flash light with batteries, a battery operated radio, two gallons of water per person for a period of two days, tape for windows, canned food, and a can opener. Special needs items such as medications or child care essentials should be included as required. Every year, residents should prepare a hurricane kit to help sustain them for a minimum of two days.The typhoon kit helps residents better prepare themselves and their family members against unnecessary hardships, according to Scott.In addition to the typhoon kit, shelters are available for station personnel as directed by the commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni. If personnel are a little shaky about staying in their quarters prior to a typhoon, they can take shelter at the IronWorks Gym. The gym will provide a safe haven equipped with cots, blankets and other amenities.The station weather office issues warning through TCCOR's, keeping station residents informed of possible storm threats.“The purpose of the TCCOR warning system is to issue guidance concerning hazardous and destructive weather phenomenon associated with tropical systems,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas A. Reyes, meteorological and oceanographic forecaster.According to Scott, if conditions warrant, the station enters TCCOR Storm Watch after a typhoon has passed. Clear skies are not an indication that the typhoon is no longer a threat. Normal activities are only resumed after the All Clear is sounded.“Storm Watch is a Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness,” said Lance Cpl. Joy Ehrhard, meteorological and oceanographic analyst and native of Eau Claire, Wis. “It indicates that although destructive winds have already subsided and are no longer forecast, there is still a possibility of danger due to the proximity of the storm and due to the (non-forecasted) changes in storm track and strength.”After a typhoon has passed, there might be some damage to the station. In case of downed power lines and torn buildings, facilities personnel must secure all dangers before residents return to daily routines.“In case of significant damage, immediately call the facilities trouble desk at 253-3131. For small damaged items, report them to housing,” said Lt. j.g. Joseph Dunaway, facilities maintenance officer. “It is very important to stay away from downed power lines during and after a typhoon … due to electric shock.”Proper planning and preparation for typhoon season mitigates many self-inflicted hardships often endured by many station residents.“Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare,” stressed Scott.During an actual typhoon, residents can tune into American Forces Network radio at AM 1575 for current information on weather conditions and command information.For more information on typhoons, check out the Joint Typhoon Warning Center Web site at http://www.npmoc.navy.mil/jtwc.html.Scott also stressed that at the very minimum all active duty service members should familiarize themselves with the Destructive Weather Bill or MCAS Order 3140.3X at https://weather.iwz.usmc.mil.