Japan is facing a rare double typhoon threat as Typhoon 7 (Meari) rapidly intensifies and a second storm system may form within days, potentially bringing extreme winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku by late August. Meteorologists warn the combined systems could create hazardous conditions, with authorities urging residents to prepare for possible evacuations and travel disruptions.
As of August 23, Typhoon 7—currently named Meari—has strengthened into a powerful storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph) and gusts exceeding 250 km/h (155 mph), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The typhoon is expected to track northward toward Okinawa, potentially making landfall near the Ryukyu Islands by August 26 before moving toward Kyushu and Shikoku by August 28. Meanwhile, models suggest a second tropical depression could develop in the western Pacific by August 25, raising concerns of a “double typhoon” scenario—a phenomenon that could exacerbate rainfall and wind impacts across southern Japan.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) and UK Met Office both indicate a high probability of the second system forming, though its exact path remains uncertain. If both storms approach Japan within a short timeframe, the JMA has warned of “significant compounding effects,” including prolonged heavy rain and storm surges along coastal areas.
Why it matters: A double typhoon event would strain Japan’s disaster response systems, particularly in regions still recovering from previous storms. The Fukui Newspaper reports that local governments in Kyushu and Shikoku have begun preparing emergency shelters and evacuation plans, while airlines and ferry operators are reviewing schedules for potential cancellations.
Projected path of Typhoon 7 (Meari) and potential Typhoon 8, based on JMA and NHC models as of August 23. Source: Japan Meteorological Agency.
Typhoon 7 (Meari): Current Status and Expected Impact
Typhoon 7, named Meari by the Japan Meteorological Agency, has rapidly intensified in the past 24 hours, with central pressure dropping to 930 hPa—a reading associated with Category 5-equivalent strength on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm is currently located approximately 300 km southeast of Guam and moving northwest at 20 km/h.
According to the JMA’s latest advisory, Typhoon 7 is expected to:
- Pass near or over Okinawa between August 26–27, bringing winds of 150–180 km/h and rainfall totals exceeding 300 mm in some areas.
- Weaken slightly before making a second landfall near Kyushu or Shikoku on August 28, with sustained winds of 120–150 km/h.
- Continue weakening as it moves inland, but still pose a risk of localized flooding and landslides in western Japan.
The NHC notes that while the storm is forecast to weaken slightly before reaching Japan, its large size means even outer bands could bring damaging winds and torrential rain to parts of the country. “The primary concern is the potential for life-threatening storm surges along the eastern coast of Kyushu and Shikoku,” the NHC stated in its latest update.
Double Typhoon Risk: Could a Second Storm Form?
A second tropical depression is expected to develop in the western Pacific by August 25, with a 70% chance of becoming a typhoon within 48 hours, according to the JMA. If this system—tentatively designated as Typhoon 8—forms and tracks toward Japan, it could create a “double typhoon” scenario, where two storms influence the same region within days.
Historically, Japan has experienced double typhoon events, most notably in 2019 when Typhoons Hagibis and Faxai struck within a week, causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Meteorologists warn that if both storms approach Japan simultaneously, the combined effects could include:
- Enhanced rainfall totals, potentially exceeding 500 mm in localized areas.
- Higher storm surges due to overlapping wind fields.
- Extended power outages and transportation disruptions.
The Weathernews network, which tracks typhoon activity, notes that while the exact timing and path of the second storm remain uncertain, models from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and NOAA’s Global Forecast System (GFS) both suggest a high probability of formation. “The key question is whether the second storm will merge with Typhoon 7 or take a separate path,” said Weathernews meteorologist Dr. Hiroshi Hasegawa in a statement.
Simulated rainfall and wind impacts from a potential double typhoon scenario, based on ECMWF and GFS models. Source: Weathernews.
Regional Alerts: Who Is Most at Risk?
Governments in Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku have issued the following advisories:
- Okinawa Prefecture: A typhoon warning is in effect for the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands, with schools and businesses advised to close starting August 25. The Okinawa government has activated emergency shelters and urged residents to secure homes against high winds.
- Kyushu Region: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto prefectures are under a heavy rain warning, with potential flooding in low-lying areas. The Fukuoka Prefectural Government has suspended ferry services between Kyushu and Shikoku as a precaution.
- Shikoku Region: Ehime and Kochi prefectures are preparing for possible evacuations, particularly in coastal towns. The Ehime government has requested residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stock up on non-perishable food and water.
The JMA has also issued a high-wave warning for the East China Sea, with waves expected to reach 10 meters in some areas, posing risks to maritime activities.
Travel and Transportation: What to Expect
Airlines and rail operators are monitoring the situation closely. As of August 23:
- ANA and JAL have suspended flights to and from Naha Airport (OKA) starting August 26, with alternative routes being arranged via Fukuoka (FUK) or Osaka (ITM).
- JR Kyushu has delayed Shinkansen bullet train services between Fukuoka and Kagoshima, with some routes expected to halt entirely by August 27.
- Ferry operators in the Seto Inland Sea have canceled crossings between Shikoku and Honshu, advising passengers to avoid travel until further notice.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has urged travelers to check real-time updates via its official website or contact their transportation providers directly.
Safety Preparations: What Residents Should Do
The National Disaster Management Center recommends the following steps:
- Secure homes: Reinforce windows, secure outdoor objects, and prepare for power outages by having flashlights and batteries on hand.
- Evacuation plans: Identify the nearest emergency shelter and have an evacuation bag ready, including essential medications and important documents.
- Stay informed: Monitor updates from the JMA and local government websites, as well as emergency alerts via Japan’s Disaster Alert System.
- Avoid flood-prone areas: Heavy rainfall could lead to rapid flooding, particularly in urban areas with poor drainage.
For those in coastal regions, the NDMC advises avoiding beaches and low-lying areas due to the risk of storm surges.
Historical Context: Japan’s Double Typhoon Events
Japan has experienced several double typhoon events in recent decades, with the most notable occurring in:
- 2019: Typhoons Hagibis and Faxai struck within a week, causing widespread flooding in Tokyo and surrounding regions. Hagibis alone resulted in 85 deaths and $15 billion in damages.
- 2015: Typhoons Soudelor and Goni approached Japan within days, leading to evacuations in Okinawa and Kyushu.
- 2004: Typhoons Songda and Aere both impacted southern Japan, with Songda causing significant damage to crops and infrastructure.
While double typhoon events are rare—occurring roughly once every 5–10 years—they pose unique challenges for disaster response teams. “The main difficulty is coordinating evacuations and resource allocation when two storms are active simultaneously,” said Dr. Takashi Iwasaki, a disaster management expert at the University of Tokyo.
Next Steps: What to Watch For
The situation remains fluid, with updates expected from the following sources:
- Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): Typhoon advisories will be issued every 6 hours until the storms pass.
- U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC): Pacific tropical updates will provide additional tracking data.
- Local governments: Okinawa, Kyushu, and Shikoku prefectures will issue specific evacuation orders as the storms approach.
The next critical checkpoint will be the JMA’s 03:00 JST advisory on August 24, which will provide a more precise forecast for the second storm’s development and potential path.
For real-time updates, residents are advised to:
- Follow @jma_kishou on X (Twitter) for official alerts.
- Check Japan’s Disaster Alert System for localized warnings.
- Monitor Weathernews for detailed storm simulations.
As Japan prepares for what could be one of the most challenging typhoon seasons in years, residents and visitors alike are urged to stay vigilant and follow all safety guidance from official sources.
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