Typhoon Bolaven (Formerly Bagyong Julian) continues to weaken as it moves near Okinawa but remains a very strong Category 4 system. It was last located approximately 210km southeast of Okinawa. Maximum sustained winds are down to 215kph with gusts of up to 260kph. Bolaven is currently moving northwestward at 15kph.
IR Image from NRLMRY
Latest satellite image shows the well-defined pinhole eye of Bolaven continuing to persist. Moreover, we continue to see strong convective activity around the center despite the dry air intrusions since last night. Radial outflow remains excellent, and the weak wind shear and favorable sea surface temperatures should still allow Bolaven to maintain its present intensify for at least another 12 hours.
Radar Image from JMA
Latest radar from Okinawa confirming the presence of multiple concentric eyewalls. The inner eyewall is starting to show signs of strengthening in the past 3 hours which may suggest that the eyewall replacement cycle is winding down. Outer rainbands are also starting to affect Okinawa and nearby islands and are capable of bringing 20 to 30mm of rain in an hour. Some stations have actually reported around 30 to 50mm of rain so far since this morning. Daito Islands have also reported nearly 100mm of rain since yesterday. For more radar images, warnings, and forecasts from JMA, please click HERE
Along with the heavy rains, Tropical Storm force winds began in Okinawa 3 hours ago and stations here continue to report sustained winds of up to 80kph with guts of up to 130kph. Winds will continue to strengthen throughout the day and as the multiple eyewalls continue to move across Okinawa, expect rains of up to 150mm tonight. The peak winds of up to 200kph are expected to occur between 3pm and 9pm as the eye of Bolaven passes across Okinawa.
We'll have more update later this afternoon. If you have any storm images or videos to share, please email them to us at philippineweather@yahoo.com
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Issued (0330 UTC) 1130am PhT 082612
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