Typhoon season hits Kadena early

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tara A. Williamson
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  With Kadena entering typhoon season early because of the tropical storm set to hit Wednesday, Okinawa residents are advised to review the tropical cyclone conditions of readiness, or TCCOR, levels now as well as make a plan of action in case of an emergency.

Typhoons, much like hurricanes in the U.S., pack powerful winds and heavy rain and can be very destructive.

They occur when warm water of the South Pacific Ocean between the Republic of the Philippines and Guam combines with cool winds.

Typhoon season typically spans from June to November on Okinawa.

"This storm, being earlier than expected, means it's a smaller tropical storm," said Tech Sgt. Joseph Round of the Kadena weather flight. "The stronger storms don't hit us until August and September."

Though as many as 26 tropical storms have been recorded in a season, only three or four generally pass close enough to Okinawa to concern island residents.

As part of the Pacific Command's Tropical Cyclone Warning System, the Kadena weather flight monitors these tropical storms and typhoons with sophisticated weather forecasting and tracking equipment and serves as a focal point for typhoon information on Okinawa.

Thanks to the rapid weather updates, typhoon tips and precautions broadcasted over American Forces Network-Okinawa radio, 89.1 FM, and television, coupled with the reinforced concrete buildings on-island, most of the surprise and danger has been removed from these storms.

Sergeant Round said current local weather information, including the current TCCOR level, is available on the Kadena weather flight's homepage or the Joint Typhoon Warning Center's homepage.

Also, island residents can go to the Kadena Air Base Facebook page to learn about the storm's affect on the Kadena area itself.

Read the Kadena Air Base Emergency Actions Guide from the base disaster preparedness office for more details on typhoon preparedness.