MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- After Okinawa’s recent hit from Typhoon Chan-hom late last week, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, residents should expect a similar impact as Typhoon Nangka continues to creep toward mainland Japan in the next few days.
Currently, Typhoon Nangka stirs as a Category 4 storm and the U.S. military's Joint Typhoon Warning Center shows the center of Nangka moving toward western Japan, including the island of Shikoku. This track is expected to impact Iwakuni on Thursday, with an increase in winds and periods of rainfall.
A typhoon is a mature tropical cyclone and begins as a tropical depression that intensifies to a tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, very strong typhoon and, as the most threatening, a violent typhoon.
Characterized by high winds, rains and tidal surges, typhoons are common amongst the Okinawa Prefecture, but are less likely to hit Iwakuni due to location and protective mountainous terrain, said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dante Rakestraw, the weather services branch officer in charge aboard MCAS Iwakuni.
Staying proactive and preparing for the effects of a typhoon could ensure the safety of station residents, as stated by a recent publication from the Station Safety Center of the Critical Days of Summer Safety Campaign 2015.
What to Know:
- Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness or TCCOR, is the system used to classify the intensity of a tropical cyclone or typhoon and exists as a means of helping residents prepare for oncoming cyclones. TCCOR conditions will advise residents of possible actions to take and the overall station status.
TCCOR 4 – Winds of 50 knots (58 mph) sustained or greater are possible within 72 hours
- Normal operations
- Ensure typhoon kit is adequately stocked
TCCOR 3 – Winds of 50 knots sustained or greater are possible within 48 hours
- Monitor AFN (radio/TV/Facebook) for TCCOR updates
- Initiate a general clean-up, securing loose items
- Double check and obtain your emergency supplies
- Double check bottled water supply
- Fill vehicle gas tank
- Ensure you have cash on-hand
TCCOR 2 – Winds of 50 knots sustained or greater are possible within 24 hours
- Secure your quarters (DO NOT tape windows)
- Report for normal duty hours
TCCOR 1 CAUTION – Winds of 35-49 knots are occurring
- All personnel not on duty will remain indoors
- All non-duty travel is suspended
TCCOR 1 EMERGENCY – Winds of 50 knots sustained or greater are occurring
- All outside activity is prohibited, remain indoors
- Alcohol use is prohibited. Active duty members will remain fit for duty
TCCOR 1 RECOVERY – Winds of 50 knots sustained or greater or no longer forecast to occur. Strong winds may still exist
- Remain indoors
- Emergency crews will begin damage surveys/clean-ups
TCCOR STORM WATCH
If during normal working hours:
- Remain in heightened alert and watch for TCCOR updates
TCCOR STORM CLEAR – The storm is over and not forecast to return, but storm damage can still present a danger
TCCOR ALL CLEAR – The storm is over and not forecast to return. Recovery efforts are complete
- Individuals are permitted outdoors
- Be vigilant as hazards may still be present
- Tropical cyclone definitions:
Tropical storm – A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 34-64 knots (39-73 mph)
Typhoon – Tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 64-129 knots (74-149 mph)
Super Typhoon – Tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 130 knots (150 mph) or greater
- Typhoons are commonly undermined, but can uproot trees and power lines, cut off electricity and water, overturn cars and even tear sections of roofs off buildings
- Emergency care is still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
MCAS Iwakuni Public Affairs will further update residents about the station precautions, actions and changes that may affect the community. Follow the station Facebook page below for Typhoon Nangka’s status.
https://www.facebook.com/MCASIwakuniJapan