Typhoon 15 may make landfall in Ibaraki Prefecture tonight, potentially marking the first time such an event has occurred in recorded history [1, 3].
This rare trajectory poses a significant threat to the Kanto and Tohoku regions, where residents face risks of heavy rain, lightning, and tornadoes. Because the storm is moving from east to west, an unusual path caused by a high-pressure system to the north, local infrastructure may be less prepared for a direct hit in this specific area [1, 3, 4].
Weather forecasts indicate that rainfall could reach a maximum of 180 mm by noon tomorrow [1, 3]. The impact is expected to be centered around Ibaraki Prefecture, specifically near the town of Oarai [2, 4].
Wind speeds are a point of varying projection among meteorological reports. Some forecasts suggest maximum instantaneous wind speeds could reach 35 m/s [1], while other reports said there is currently no storm zone with winds exceeding 25 m/s [4]. However, maximum instantaneous wind speeds of over 20 m/s have already been observed in the Tohoku region [1].
Authorities said that the storm may bring not only heavy rain and wind, but also hail and sudden gusts. While some reports suggest the storm will hit Ibaraki [1, 3], others indicate it may land near either Ibaraki or Chiba Prefecture [4].
Residents in the affected areas are advised to monitor local updates as the storm approaches the coast tonight [1, 3].
“Typhoon 15 may make landfall in Ibaraki Prefecture tonight, potentially marking the first time such an event has occurred in recorded history.”
The potential landfall in Ibaraki is an anomaly in Japanese meteorological history. Most typhoons approach from the south or southeast; a direct hit in Ibaraki suggests a shift in atmospheric steering patterns that could challenge existing disaster prevention models for the Kanto region.
