Typhoon Noul jump starts season Published May 11, 2015 By compiled staff reports 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Typhoon Noul has jump-started the typhoon season and is forecasted to cause destructive winds midday May 12 here. Typhoon season officially starts June 1 and the 18th Wing commander will direct all military installations on Okinawa to transition to Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 4 until Nov. 30. Okinawa sits in the Pacific region's "Typhoon Alley," an area in which typhoons, known as hurricanes when formed over the Atlantic Ocean, are likely to form under appropriate conditions. An average season will see as many as 26 storms, although typically less than five will pass close enough to Okinawa to affect island residents. Typhoons are formed when warm surface water from the Pacific Ocean combines with the high humidity and low, cool winds in the region. They usually form near Guam before heading toward Okinawa and on to mainland Japan. According to the United States Forces of Japan Instruction 15-4001, accomplishment of TCCOR checklist items are based on both timing and the storm's forecasted intensity. This enables commanders to execute items selectively, based on estimated storm strength as well as the estimated arrival time of destructive winds. Below are each of the TCCOR conditions and the proper procedures: TCCOR Storm Watch - Strong winds of 35 knots sustained or greater are possible due to the proximity of a tropical cyclone; however, winds are not forecasted to meet the destructive wind criteria (50 knots sustained or gust factors of 60 knots or greater). Personnel should follow Standard Operating Procedures for TCCOR Storm Watch and stay alert for any changes to TCCOR status. Strong winds will meet TCCOR 1 Caution criteria. The storm is also close enough to the area that a heightened alert status is necessary in order to rapidly establish elevated TCCOR conditions should the storm deviate from the forecasted track or intensity. It is possible to return to TCCOR Storm Watch from another TCCOR level if the storm is no longer forecasted to reach destructive wind criteria. TCCOR 5 - Destructive winds are possible within 96 hours. TCCOR 4 - Destructive winds are possible within 72 hours. Obtain basic emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, water, portable radio and non-perishable food items. TCCOR 3 - Destructive winds are possible within 48 hours. Stock up on food, bottled water, dry milk, batteries, flashlights, candles and other emergency supplies. TC-4 stays in affect from June 1 to November 30 every year. TCCOR 2 - Destructive winds anticipated within 24 hours. Secure all outdoor property such as picnic tables, barbecue grills, etc. TCCOR 1 - Destructive winds are occurring or anticipated within 12 hours. Move sensitive items away from windows or cover them with plastic. Tape windows without Mylar, if winds forecast to exceed 100 knots (115 mph). Fill any available containers with water. Make a final check of food, water and other supplies. TCCOR 1 Caution* - Winds of 35-49 knots sustained are occurring (at a particular installation). All non-essential travel is suspended, non-essential personnel should remain indoors. TCCOR 1 Emergency* - Winds of 50 knots sustained or gust factors of 60 knots or greater are occurring at a particular installation. All personnel should stay away from windows. TCCOR 1 Recovery* - After the passage of a tropical cyclone (TC), when destructive winds have subsided and are no longer forecasted to occur, survey and work crews are sent out to determine the extent of damage and to establish safe zones around hazards (e.g. downed power lines, unstable structures). Until the recovery process is declared complete (TCCOR All Clear), or the risk of injury and/or damage to personnel and property has been mitigated to a safe level, the general base population should remain indoors. TCCOR All Clear* - The storm is over and not forecast to return, and recovery efforts are considered complete by the installation commander. * Note: TCCOR 1 Caution / Emergency / Recovery / All Clear are delegated to installation commanders by the TCCOR Authority. Where can I get information updates? Facebook: KadenaAirBase AFN Radio: AM 648 and FM 89.1 AFN TV channels Commander's Access Channel (on-base residents) Kadena AB Weather recordings: 634-3140