Tropical Storm Lingling makes rare rapid landfall in Kagoshima, Japan

Tropical Storm Lingling (Typhoon No. 12 in JMA numbering) made landfall near Hioki City in Kagoshima Prefecture during the evening of August 21, shortly after forming from a tropical depression earlier that day.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), as of 01:00 local time (LT) on August 22, Lingling had a central pressure of 1 006 hPa, with sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and peak gusts of 90 km/h (56 mph).

Although the system did not exhibit a defined storm-force wind area, strong winds exceeding 54 km/h (34 mph) were observed within 150 km (95 miles) east and 110 km (70 miles) west of the center. Gusts reached 111 km/h (69 mph) in Kagoshima City shortly after 17:00 LT on August 21.

Warm, moisture-laden air moving into southern Kyushu caused highly unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to the development of intense rain clouds over Kagoshima Prefecture.

On Tanegashima Island, 46 mm (1.81 inches) of rain fell in one hour before midnight. Around midday, radar indicated rainfall rates of 120 mm/h (5 inches/hour) near Ichikikushikino City, prompting JMA to issue “record-breaking short-term heavy rainfall information.”

In the 24-hour period ending at midnight on August 22, cumulative rainfall totals reached 270 mm (10.63 inches) in Hioki City, 250 mm (9.84 inches) in Minamisatsuma City, and 247 mm (9.72 inches) in Kagoshima’s Kiire district, exceeding the monthly average rainfall for August in a single day.

Landslide warnings were issued throughout Kagoshima Prefecture, with at least five landslides reported in Ichikikushikino City, including near residential areas in the Seifuku and Arakawa districts. No injuries have been reported, but evacuation orders were issued citywide, and emergency personnel conducted door-to-door notifications.

Flood alerts were issued for multiple rivers in Minamisatsuma and Minamikyushu cities. The Otani River overflowed in Kawanabe Town, flooding roads and submerging vehicles. In one incident, a person stranded on a car roof was rescued after eyewitnesses alerted authorities.

Similar conditions extended into Miyazaki Prefecture further north. Due to the typhoon’s slow northeastward movement, rainfall is expected to continue in affected areas.

JMA forecasts up to 180 mm (7.09 inches) of additional rainfall in southern Kyushu and 80 mm (3.15 inches) in northern Kyushu by late night on August 22. A linear precipitation band is likely to develop over Kagoshima Prefecture (excluding the Amami region), increasing the risk of flash floods and further landslides.

JMA forecaster Eiji Nagata stated that the typhoon’s slow progression is due to weak steering currents resulting from the Pacific high-pressure system over Kyushu and the absence of westerlies. Nagata noted that rain clouds will linger over the region, continuing to raise total rainfall. He advised residents to evacuate before nightfall or any further intensification of rainfall and to remain alert for local evacuation orders.

According to the JMA, it is rare for a typhoon to form near Kyushu and make landfall within such a short time.

In 1999, Typhoon No. 16 formed near Kyushu on September 14 and made landfall in Miyazaki Prefecture about two hours later. In 1973, Typhoon No. 6 formed and made landfall in Kumamoto Prefecture five hours later.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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