Typhoon “Chaba” about to hit Okinawa, turn toward Kyushu, Japan

Typhoon "Chaba" is moving toward Okinawa Islands, Japan and is expected to pass right over them around 12:00 UTC on Monday, October 3, 2016, as a Category 4 hurricane equivalent.

At 15:00 UTC on Sunday, October 2, the center of Typhoon "Chaba" was located about 535 km (332 miles) S of Okinawa and 800 km (500 miles) NW of Taipei, Taiwan.

Chaba had maximum sustained winds of 203 km/h (126 mph) and gusts to 250 km/h (155 mph). This placed Chaba at the upper edge of Category 3 hurricane equivalent. It was tracking northwestward at 26 km/h (16 mph) over the past six hours, according to the JTWC.

At 18:00 UTC, it had estimated central pressure of 935 hPa, according to the JMA.

Environmental conditions are still favorable for intensification and Chaba is expected to become a Category 4 hurricane equivalent over the next 12 hours. Wind gusts to 268 km/h (166 mph) are possible as Chaba tracks over Okinawa. 125 – 250 mm (5 – 10 inches) of rain is expected.

Chaba is expected to turn toward Kyushu around 12:00 UTC on Tuesday, October 4 and make landfall around 18:00 UTC. Chaba will then move over Japan, dumping heavy rain.

Typhoon "Chaba" JTWC forecast track at 15:00 UTC on October 2, 2016

Typhoon "Chaba" at 12:00 UTC on October 2, 2016. Credit: JTWC

Typhoon "Chaba" on October 2, 2016. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS

Featured image:  Typhoon "Chaba" on October 2, 2016. Credit: NASA/NOAA/DoD Suomi NPP/VIIRS