TOKYO — Typhoon Jangmi, also known as Typhoon No. 6, has formed within the monsoonal gyre over the Philippine Sea. The storm is forecast to track near Okinawa, Japan, on Monday before moving toward the southeastern part of the country.
By early Monday morning, Typhoon Jangmi was moving at 10 mph (16 km/h), with sustained winds of 67 mph, gusts of up to 100 mph, and a central pressure of 975 hPa. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that the typhoon’s central pressure could fall to about 965 hPa, with maximum sustained winds increasing to 70 mph and gusts reaching 110 mph on Monday.
Residents in parts of Japan have been advised to take precautions due to expected strong winds and heavy rain from the approaching typhoon. The storm raises the risk of flooding, storm surges, and landslides in affected regions.
A monsoonal gyre is a large, slow-rotating weather system that spawns typhoons through smaller vortices formed within it. Typhoons that develop within such a system are typically characterized by broad areas of low pressure and extensive wind fields, often without a distinct eye.
Authorities in Okinawa and surrounding prefectures have urged residents to secure loose outdoor items, prepare emergency supplies, and monitor official weather updates as the typhoon approaches. Local governments have begun checking drainage systems and landslide-prone areas to mitigate potential damage.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued heavy rain and strong wind advisories for Okinawa and parts of Kyushu, warning that rainfall could exceed 200 millimeters in some areas over a 24-hour period. Coastal regions may experience high waves and storm surges, prompting additional safety measures.