Super Typhoon Sanba Headed Towards Okinawa, Japan and Korea

[Via the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan]"The Embassy alerts U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Japan that the Kadena Weather Authority and the Japan Meteorological Agency are tracking Typhoon Sanba (Typhoon Number 16) across the Western Pacific.  At this time, Sanba is expected to approach Okinawa from the southeast and is expected to strengthen significantly as it heads directly for mainland Okinawa.  There is also the possibility that Sanba's track may affect parts of southern Kyushu.  However, there is always a possibility that the typhoon will change course.  Heavy rain and strong winds can be expected across the entire region. We will continue to monitor Typhoon Sanba's track.

Please monitor the storm's projected path by consulting media sources and the following websites:

• Japan Meteorological Agency: http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/
• Kadena Weather: http://weather.kadenaforcesupport.com/.

AFN radio at 89.1 FM provides regular weather bulletins.  Locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions.  Carry your travel documents at all times (e.g.,. U.S. passport, birth certificate, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location.  You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates on your whereabouts.The Kadena Weather Authority at Kadena Air Base is in Tropical Cyclone Condition Of Readiness (TCCOR) and currently at alert status 4, meaning destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours. TCCOR 4 will be continuously in effect as a minimum condition of readiness from 1 June to 30 November. Now is the time to stock-up on food and typhoon supplies.Additional information on storm preparedness may be found on the "Natural Disasters" page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.   http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1207.htmlUpdated information on travel in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).Please consult the Country Specific Information Sheet for Japan, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1148.html.[ad]For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of either the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or one of the U.S. Consulates in Japan listed below:U.S. Embassy TokyoAmerican Citizen Services1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420Tel: 03-3224-5174After Hours: 03-3224-5000Fax: 03-3224-5856http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/tacs-main.htmlThe U.S. Embassy serves Americans in Tokyo, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Yamagata and Yamanashi.Consulates:Osaka-Kobe:11-5, Nishitenma 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543; Tel: 06-6315-5912, Fax: 06-6315-5914; serving Americans in Osaka, Aichi, Ehime, Fukui, Gifu, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Ishikawa, Kagawa, Kochi, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Okayama, Shimane, Shiga, Tokushima, Tottori, Toyama, and Wakayama prefectures.http://osaka.usconsulate.gov/Nagoya:Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001; Tel (052) 581-4501, Fax: (052) 581-3190; providing emergency consular services only (including death and arrest cases) for Americans living in Aichi, Gifu, and Mie prefectures.http://nagoya.usconsulate.gov/Fukuoka:5-26, Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052; Tel: 092-751-9331, Fax: 092-713-9222; serving Americans in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga and Yamaguchi prefectures.http://fukuoka.usconsulate.gov/Sapporo:Kita 1-jo, Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821; Tel: 011-641-1115, Fax: 011-643-1283; serving Americans in Akita, Aomori, Hokkaido, Iwate and Miyagi prefectures.http://sapporo.usconsulate.gov/Naha:2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa 901-2104; Phone: 098.876.4211, Fax: 098.876.4243; serving Americans in Okinawa and the Amami Oshima Island group http://naha.usconsulate.gov/ "END MESSAGE[ad]

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 

[ad]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.ad]