Image courtesy of (Navy Research Laboratory)
Today saw the 3RD MAJOR, 115+ mph, landfalling Typhoon cross the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. Yes, with each time the eye crossing right over the island. Just two weeks ago, an even stronger system than Jelawat, came ashore, it’s name was Sanba, remember my post? Pretty incredible stuff.
As Jelawat slammed ashore early this morning, the southern half of the island got hit hardest with the city of Naha bearing the brunt. Sanba struck more to the north. According to the latest reports, maximum sustained winds were around 115 mph at landfall but according to a tweet posted this morning by storm chaser and videographer, James Reynolds, Naha Airport recorded wind gusts as high as 140 mph. While that is incredible, according to a CNN article, a US air force base recorded an astonishing gust of 180 mph.
While windows from offices were blown out, streets lights were ripped out of the ground, and metal signs flew dangerously through the air, amazingly cars and trucks were tossed due to extreme winds funnelling between the buildings of Naha City.
The storm, while weakening, should impact mainland Japan within hours and should still pack quite a punch.
Jelawat struck with far gtreater force than most if not all forecasters thought. A trough to the west was slower than expected in moving towards the system, this would have created enough shear to weaken the storm. Another factor I believe may have played a role is the abnormally warm waters north of Japan. Not quite sure but I wonder whether this added fuel, despite being north of Jelwat may have still had influence.
Video courtesy of SomefabulousDame
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