2023 Pacific Typhoon Season Report

Typhoon Khanun Takes Aim at Okinawa

Typhoon Khanun, a powerful and expansive storm, is tracking northward and is expected to make landfall in Okinawa Prefecture around Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The JMA has issued a warning for Okinawa and the Amami Islands, urging residents to brace for heavy rain, strong winds, and possible flooding.

2023 Pacific Typhoon Season Recap

The 2023 Pacific typhoon season was the fourth consecutive below-average season and became the third-most inactive typhoon season on record in terms of named storms, according to the RSMC Tokyo - Typhoon Center.

Only 14 named storms formed during the 2023 season, well below the average of 26.7. Only eight of those storms reached typhoon strength, compared to the average of 16.2.

Typhoon Lan Impacts Western Japan

Typhoon Lan made landfall in western Japan on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that caused widespread damage.

Local officials issued evacuation warnings for over 1 million people in the affected areas, and power outages were reported in thousands of homes.

Outlook for the Remainder of the 2023 Season

The RSMC Tokyo - Typhoon Center predicts that the 2023 Pacific typhoon season will continue to be less active than normal.

However, the center warns that even during a below-average season, powerful and destructive typhoons can still occur.

Conclusion

The 2023 Pacific typhoon season has been relatively quiet so far, but the recent landfall of Typhoon Lan in western Japan and the approaching Typhoon Khanun serve as reminders that these powerful storms can strike at any time.

Residents in affected areas should stay informed about the latest forecasts and warnings from the JMA and take necessary precautions to stay safe.