Typhoon Jelawat (Lawin) Update #18 (LANDFALL)

Typhoon Jelawat (Bagyong Lawin) is now bringing typhoon winds across Okinawa and could make landfall in the island in the next 3 to 6 hours. The eye of Jelawat was last located approximately 60km southwest of Naha, Airport. Jelawat has weakened overnight with maximum sustained winds now down to around 195kph with occasional gusts of up to 240kph. Jelawat is moving northeastward at 25kph.

Kadena Air Base is now under TCCOR 1-Emergency prohibiting all outside activity. Likewise, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued Storm, High Waves, and Storm Surge warnings across Okinawa and the nearby islands. Dangerous typhoon conditions are happening NOW! Please do not go outside and continue to check with the local officials for the latest warnings in your area.

IR Image from NRLMRY

Latest satellite image shows that the eye of Jelawat remains intact although it definitely looks worse compared to yesterday. Convective activity remains rather strong and the system as a whole still looks symmetrical and very expansive as well. Despite the weakening, Jelawat is still a powerful and dangerous Category 3 Typhoon!

Radar from JMA

Latest radar out of Okinawa shows the eye of Jelawat just southwest of the island. Typhoon-force sustained winds of up to 140kph are now being reported in some stations along with occasional gusts of up to 200kph! Furthermore, rainfall rates of as high as 25mm/hr have also been recorded. These very strong winds will continue throughout the day today so please stay safe! Jelawat could move inland and the next 3-6 hours so the worst winds haven't occurred just yet.

We'll have another update later today. As always, please continue watching the news, listening to radio, or going to the internet for the latest info for this storm. Visit Japan Meteorological Agency for the OFFICIAL warnings and forecasts for your area; access JMA by clicking HERE

Stay safe!
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Issued (23 UTC) 7am PhT 092912