The typhoon season in Japan runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. Typhoons are tropical cyclones or giant hurricane-like whirlwinds. These storms, accompanied by heavy rainfall, can cover areas of up to 500 miles in diameter and generate winds up to 180 miles an hour. Typhoons that hit Japan are often accompanied by damaging high tides. Persons living in areas close to the ocean are especially at risk.
Landslides are also a serious concern during periods of heavy rain. Conditions for a landslide are particularly dangerous after rain has fallen at a rate of 20 mm or more an hour or when 100 mm of rain falls nonstop.
Typhoons are a very common occurrence and you will probably experience several during your time in Hyogo. A typical typhoon will mean strong wind and rain, and your school will probably be closed for the day. In most cases they don’t do any damage, so there’s no need to be too anxious about them, but you should be prepared.
Take Precautions
- Secure or move inside outdoor items such as toys, grills, bicycles, furniture, plants and anything moveable on the balcony. Move potted plants and other heavy objects away from windows inside as well.
- Set your freezer to the coldest temperature setting to minimize spoilage if the power is cut off.
- Watch for leaks around windows and doors. If the wind is strong enough, water may be blown into your home even if the windows are closed. Have handy towels, rags and mops.
- If the storm becomes severe, move into a hallway or area where there is the least exposure to external glass windows.
- Draw curtains across the windows to prevent against flying glass should windows crack.
- If a window breaks, place a mattress or sofa seat over the broken pane and secure it there with a heavy piece of furniture.
- A window on the side of the house away from the approaching storm should be cracked a few inches. This will compensate for the differences of indoor and outdoor air pressure.
- Remember that typhoons have “eyes”, areas in their center where the weather appears calm. If the eye passes over your area, it may appear that the storm has finished, with winds then picking up again as the remainder of the storm arrives.
- After the storm is over, check for broken glass, fallen trees and downed power lines which may present safety hazards near children’s school bus stops, outdoor trash areas, around your car, etc.
For more information on typhoons, including English language sources of information on typhoon conditions, please visit here.
The above information comes from the US embassy.
