Typhoon Chaba (Katring) Update #14

Typhoon Chaba strengthened into a Category 3 typhoon last night and continues to do so as it moves near the Ryukyu Islands. Maximum sustained winds are now at 205kph with gusts of up to 250kph. Typhoon Chaba has begun to accelerate to the northeast; moving to the NNE at 20kph. Light with isolated spots of heavy rain are now beginning to affect Okinawa and the neighboring areas.

Radar Image from JMA (http://www.jma.go.jp/en/radnowc/index.html?areaCode=217)

Short term forecast remains the same. Typhoon Chaba will avoid directly hitting the Ryukyu Islands. However, these islands will experience rain and typhoon force winds for the next 36 to 48 hours. As Chaba moves northeastward, it will begin to encounter unfavorable conditions and will weaken down to a Category 1 typhoon; it is forecast to make landfall in Southern Japan by Saturday.

__________________________________
Issued (22 UTC) 6am PhT 102810