Typhoon Fitow threatens south Japan and eastern China

Tropical Storm Fitow reached typhoon status as it continues to track north towards the southern Japanese islands. Dry air inflow from a high pressure area to the west fed the system that now developed strong winds of 80 knots with gusts up to 100 knots.

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According to latest report by Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the center of Typhoon Fitow was located approximately 289 nm south- southeast of Kadena AB. Fitow has tracked northward at speed of 8 knots over the past six hours. Maximum significant wave height is 9 meters (30 feet). Upper-level analysis indicates Typhoon Fitow is in a favorable environment with low (05 to 10 knots) vertical wind shear and robust radial outflow.

MTSAT AVN Color IR and visible satellite images taken at 22:01 UTC on October 3, 2013 (Credit: NOAA/MTSAT)

The current tracks from JMA and JTWC forecast storm impacts Miyako Jima as well as southern and east coastlines of Okinawa and eastern China after. Along with strong typhoon winds, the risk of storm surge is very high. 

JTWC forecast track (Credit: JTWC)

JTWC forecasted landfall south of Shanghai after the next 72 hours and dissipation due to frictional effects. Residents of Shanghai should prepare for strong typhoon winds impact.

Satellite Animations

• Storm-Centered Infrared (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Infrared (Aviation Color Enhancement) (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Water Vapor (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)
• Storm-Centered Visible (Colorized) (MTSAT; NOAA/SSD)

• Tropical West Pacific Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• Tropical West Pacific Enhanced Infrared (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• Tropical West Pacific Water Vapor (MTSAT2; NOAA)
• Tropical West Pacific Visible (MTSAT2; NOAA)

Featured image: MTSAT Infrared satellite image taken at 20:30 UTC on October 3, 2013 (Credit: NOAA/MTSAT)