Okinawa Prepares for Typhoon 16W (Bolaven), #14; Okinawa in TCCOR 1-C

A powerful typhoon is headed for Okinawa after hitting the island of Taiwan (check out the pictures of the destruction here).

Okinawa typhoon season runs between June to November and 25% of Okinawa’s annual rain fall is brought by typhoons. Most typhoons occur during July, August, and September. Typhoonscan be very powerful and destructive, although similar to hurricanes they rarely reach the same level of force as the similar Atlantic storms. It’s best to stay indoors during a typhoonin Okinawato avoid injury or death from flying debris.English language typhoon information can be found on military weather radio stations 648 AM and 89.1 FM or at Typhoon Information (Japan Meteorological Agency) — Check out Chris Wilson’s blog for some typhoon tips! Here are some 0ther useful emergency information on typhoons and other disasters in Japan.

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CONDITIONS OF READINESSFollowing are Tropical Cyclone (Typhoon) Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR), their meanings and actions to take for safety:TC-4: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater possible within 72 hours. Stock up on food, bottled water, dry milk, batteries, flashlights, candles and other emergency supplies. TC-4 stays in affect from June 1 to November 30 every year.TC-3: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater expected within 48 hours. Initiate a general clean-up around your home, apartment and office. Pick up loose items, such as toys, garden tools and lawn furniture.TC-2: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater anticipated within 24 hours. Secure all outdoor property such as picnic tables, barbecue grills, etc.TC-1: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater are expected within 12 hours. DODDs schools will close at this time. Fill any available containers with water. Make a final check of food, water and other supplies.TC-1 CAUTION: Sustained winds blowing at 34 to 49 knots and are expected to reach 50 knots or more within 12 hours. All outdoor activities, except those in direct support of urgent military missions, will be discontinued. The base exchange and commissary close and all non-mission-essential people should be off the streets and in their residences. All AAFES facilities close.TC-1 EMERGENCY: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots or greater occurring. All outside activities are prohibited.TC-1 RECOVERY: Destructive sustained winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. No outdoor activity is authorized other than workers from pre-designated emergency crews. TCCOR1 recovery Mission-Essential Passes, which are issued to mission-essential agencies only, must be in the driver's possession before attempting to travel on Kadena.TC - STORM WATCH: There is still a possibility of danger to personnel due to the storm's unpredictability or from hazards created by previous high winds. Normal activities may resume with caution two hours after declaration of STORM WATCH. AAFES facilities and the commissary may reopen as well. Stay tuned to AFN television and radio.TC - ALL CLEAR: The 18th Wing commander, as Okinawa's senior TCCOR authority, will announce condition "All Clear" when local recovery operations are complete. Outdoor activity and transit between installations are authorized. Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present, however be alert to possible damage and hazardous conditions on roads, etc. TCCOR-4 stays in effect from June 1 to November 30 every year.LINK

Typhoon Tracker: http://www.stripes.com/blogs/pacific-storm-tracker/pacific-storm-tracker-1.106563Surviving Typhoons Guide