Typhoon Nari sideswipes Okinawa

Published Sept. 14, 2007
By Maj. Dani Johnson
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- In the second typhoon of the season to head towards Okinawa, only the northern portion of Typhoon Nari passed over Kadena Air Base said a base weather official.

Typhoon preparations began on the base early Sept. 14 with the knowledge the storm was not as strong as the July typhoon. As the storm progressed the base did not go into the highest typhoon condition but stopped one level short according to Tech. Sgt. Karen Rattray, 18th Operations Support Squadron weather flight.

According to Sergeant Rattray, the winds were sustained at approximately 35 mph with gusts to 63 mph. The base was declared all clear and it was safe for all base members to leave their residences the morning of Sept. 15.

According to Lt. Col. Dwayne Thomas, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, the damage to the base was very minor with primarily some foliage and tree damage but nothing significant.

The base is back at full operational capability.

Okinawa is in typhoon season from June 1 to November 1. In July, Typhoon Man-Yi directly hit the base and caused significant damage to foliage and trees and minor damage to buildings.