Typhoon 9 made landfall on the coasts of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces in China early Sunday morning [3].
The storm's unusual intensity is linked to a rare dual-eye structure, a discovery that provides critical insights into how certain typhoons generate extreme wind fields and heat.
Data from a jet aircraft that penetrated the storm's eye revealed two distinct eyes [1]. This abnormal formation contributed to the unusually strong winds and extreme heat associated with the system [1].
In China, the impact was widespread. Authorities forced more than 2.4 million people to evacuate in the Zhejiang and Fujian provinces [1]. The storm produced high waves and structural damage across the coastal regions [1].
The typhoon also affected Japan. On July 11, the storm made a direct hit on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa [3]. The resulting power outages left 27,000 households without electricity [1]. Damage was also reported in Kyushu [1].
Reporting from the field highlighted the severity of the wind. A local reporter, weighing 80 kg, said they could not stand without holding on and found it difficult to speak [1]. Other reports noted that strong winds and loose soil caused the top portion of a mountain peak to collapse [1].
While the storm has already struck China, some forecasts earlier this week suggested the system could approach the Kanto and Tokai regions of Japan later this weekend [2].
“Over 2.4 million people evacuated in the Zhejiang and Fujian provinces”
The observation of a dual-eye structure via jet aircraft penetration suggests a complex internal storm dynamic that can amplify wind speeds and heat transport. This rare meteorological event underscores the volatility of current typhoon patterns and the necessity of high-resolution atmospheric data to improve evacuation timing and disaster preparedness in coastal Asia.
