Typhoon Ma-on (2011)

Typhoon Ma-on (Ineng)
Typhoon (JMA scale)
Category 4 (Saffir–Simpson scale)

Typhoon Ma-on near peak intensity on July 16
Formed July 11, 2011
Dissipated July 31, 2011
(Extratropical after July 24)
Highest winds 10-minute sustained: 175 km/h (110 mph)
1-minute sustained: 215 km/h (130 mph)
Gusts: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Lowest pressure 935 hPa (mbar); 27.61 inHg
Fatalities 5 dead
Damage $50 million (2011 USD)
Areas affected Northern Mariana Islands, Japan
Part of the 2011 Pacific typhoon season

Typhoon Ma-on, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Ineng, was a large and powerful typhoon that affected southern Japan in July 2011. It was the sixth named storm and second typhoon of the 2011 Pacific typhoon season. Originating from an area of low pressure near Wake Island on July 9, the precursor to Ma-on gradually developed as it moved westward. By July 11, it had become sufficiently organized to be declared a tropical depression, although the cyclone's circulation remained broad. Over the following days, Ma-on gradually intensified and attained typhoon status on July 14. Favorable environmental conditions allowed for additional strengthening, and the storm ultimately attained peak ten-minute sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph) on July 16. After turning northward in response to a weakening subtropical ridge, the typhoon underwent a series of eyewall replacement cycles that caused it to weaken. On July 19, Ma-on struck Shikoku before turning southeastward and moving back over water. Slow weakening continued as Ma-on succumbed to the effects of high wind shear. The system ultimately became extratropical on July 24, and was last noted by the Japan Meteorological Agency a week later near the Kamchatka Peninsula.

Initially, Ma-on posed a slight threat to the Mariana Islands and prompted the issuance of tropical storm warnings. However, the system remained far away from the area and only produced scattered rainfall. In Japan, hundreds of people evacuated from mudslide-prone areas. Torrential rains produced by the storm, estimated at more than 1,200 mm (48 in), led to widespread and damaging floods. Five people perished as a result of Ma-on, and damage reached ¥3.9 billion (2011 JPY, $50 million 2011 USD).

Meteorological history

Map plotting the track and intensity of the storm according to the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale

The origins of Ma-on were from an area of convection that meandered near Wake Island on July 9.[1] The disturbance slowly consolidated and developed a low-level circulation. Based on the presence of low wind shear and generally favorable environmental conditions, tropical cyclone forecast models anticipated that the system would develop into a tropical cyclone.[2] Early on July 11, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) issued a tropical cyclone formation alert,[3] and a few hours later the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the formation of a tropical depression about halfway between Wake Island and the Northern Marianas Islands.[4][5] The JTWC followed suit and initiated advisories on Tropical Depression 08W.[6]

The depression tracked westward due to a ridge to its north.[7] Its circulation was initially broad and ill defined, with patches of disorganized convection due to dry air. The depression was able to intensify due to generally favorable conditions,[8] and the JMA upgraded the depression to Tropical Storm Ma-on at 0600 UTC on July 12.[9] Gradually the thunderstorms became concentrated around the center, despite restricted outflow to the north and west. Ma-on intensified at a slower than climatological rate, although an eye feature became evident by early on July 13.[10] At 0000 UTC that day, the JMA upgraded Ma-on to a severe tropical storm,[11] and 24 hours later the storm intensified into a typhoon to the northeast of the Northern Marianas.[12] By that time, it was also located about 970 km (575 mi) southeast of Iwo Jima. A ragged eye became apparent on satellite imagery, and after developing an anticyclone aloft, its outflow became much better defined.[13]

By July 15, Typhoon Ma-on had a well-defined eye with the strongest convection in its southern periphery. It continued intensifying, and the JTWC estimated 1-minute sustained winds of 220 km/h (135 mph).[14] Late on July 15, Ma-on weakened slightly due to stronger wind shear, which caused its eyewall to break apart in the northwest quadrant.[15] It re-intensified the next day after an eyewall replacement cycle commenced.[16] At 0600 UTC on July 16, the JMA estimated peak 10-minute sustained winds of 175 km/h (110 mph) while the typhoon was located about 1185 km (735 mi) southeast of Okinawa.[17] Around that time, Ma-on began a motion to the northwest due to a weakening of the subtropical ridge,[18] and it briefly entered the area warned by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA); the agency gave it the local name Ineng.[19]

Late on July 17, Ma-on underwent another eyewall replacement cycle and weakened, despite developing improved outflow and convection in the northern quadrant.[20] The typhoon's large size prevented re-intensification – gale force winds extended 370 km (200 mi) east of the center. In addition, the intrusion of dry air diminished thunderstorms in the western periphery. By July 18, Ma-on reached the western extent of the ridge and began a motion to the north toward Japan.[21] The next day, it turned to the northeast as it paralleled the Japan coastline just offshore.[22] At around 1400 UTC on July 19, Ma-on made landfall on Shikoku as a minimal typhoon. Turning to the east, the typhoon weakened to a severe tropical storm before moving over the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula early on July 20.[12] After emerging from the country, Ma-on turned to the southeast. Increased wind shear displaced the convection to the east, although slight re-intensification was expected.[23] However, the JTWC downgraded Ma-on to a tropical depression on July 21 after the storm lost much of its convection.[24] The circulation became ill-defined, and the JTWC discontinued advisories on July 22, noting the system was in the process of dissipation.[25] However, the JMA maintained Ma-on as a severe tropical storm until July 23, by which time the storm had turned to the northeast.[26] The storm became extratropical on July 24 near the Kuril Islands, lasting another seven days before dissipating east of the Kamchatka Peninsula.[12]

Preparations and impact

Typhoon Ma-on approaching Japan on July 18

After Ma-on attained tropical storm status, the Tiyan, Guam National Weather Service office issued a tropical storm watch for Agrihan, Pagan, and Alamagan.[27] It was later upgraded to a tropical storm warning after Ma-on became a typhoon,[28] which was canceled after the storm passed the islands to the north.[29] The typhoon produced high waves in Guam,[30] as well as gusty winds and precipitation in an outer feeder band.[31]

High waves in advance of the typhoon capsized a boat in the East China Sea, although the six passengers were rescued.[32] Moisture from the storm extended west to Taiwan, where over 600 mm (24 in) of rainfall was reported. The heavy rainfall caused flooding and mudslides that blocked roadways and forced evacuations.[33]

In Japan, the typhoon was forecast to strike areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Officials prepared by installing a cover to prevent rain contamination.[34] Ultimately, there still was rain contamination, and Ma-on's passage produced 2,000 tons of radioactive water.[35] Before the storm struck Japan, officials in Miyakonojō, Miyazaki advised the evacuation of about 900 people in areas prone to mudslides.[36] At least 300 airline flights were canceled due to the storm.[37] The typhoon also caused delays in the nation's rail system.[38] Nippon Oil stopped shipping oil during the storm.[39] As Ma-on moved across Japan, it produced winds of 108 km/h (68 mph), along with heavy rainfall of up to 1200 mm (48 in).[40] Rainfall in a 24‑hour period reached 860 mm (38.5 in) in Umaji, Kōchi, which set a 24‑hour rainfall record and exceeded the average July precipitation by 265.5 mm (10.6 in).[37] The rains flooded houses and roads in the region.[41] High rains closed several expressways, and in Shizuoka Prefecture, a blocked road stranded 96 mountain climbers.[38] Strong winds left about 11,000 people without power on Shikoku Island.[41] The combination of winds and rain damaged the 385‑year‑old Nijō Castle in Kyoto. The typhoon injured 60 people,[40] and killed five people.[42] One of the deaths was from a man who drowned while checking on his boat during the storm.[43] Damage was estimated at ¥3.9 billion (2011 JPY, $50 million 2011 USD).[42]

Following Ma-on's passage, temperatures decreased across Japan, which led to a marked decrease in heat stroke deaths. Throughout the month, heat stroke deaths were 70% less than in July 2010.[44]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Significant Tropical Weather Outlook for the Western and South Pacific Oceans July 9, 2011 15z". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on 2011-07-09. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  2. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Significant Tropical Weather Outlook for the Western and South Pacific Oceans July 10, 2011 06z". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  3. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center. "Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert July 11, 2011 06z". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  4. ↑ "High Seas Warning". Japan Meteorological Agency. July 11, 2011. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  5. ↑ RSMC Tokyo — Typhoon Center (2011-08-30). "RSMC Tokyo — Typhoon Center: Tropical Cyclone Best Track Analysis: Typhoon Ma-on". Japan Meteorological Agency. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-06. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  6. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 11, 2011). "Tropical Depression 08W Warning Number 001". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on 2011-07-11. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  7. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 11, 2011). "Tropical Depression 08W Warning Number 002". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  8. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 12, 2011). "Tropical Storm Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 004". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 12, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Advisory". Japan Meteorological Agency. July 12, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  10. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 13, 2011). "Tropical Storm Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 008". United States Navy. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Advisory". Japan Meteorological Agency. July 13, 2011. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 RSMC Tokyo - Typhoon Centre (2012-01-30). Summary of the 2011 Pacific Typhoon Season. Typhoon Committee 44th session. Hangzhou, China: The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and World Meteorological Organization's Typhoon Committee. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-05. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  13. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 13, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 010". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  14. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 15, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 016". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  15. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 15, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 018". United States Navy. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  16. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 16, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 020". United States Navy. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  17. ↑ "Tropical Cyclone Advisory". Japan Meteorological Agency. July 16, 2011. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  18. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 17, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 024". United States Navy. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Typhoon "Ineng" (Ma-on) Severe Weather Bulletin One". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. July 17, 2011. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  20. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 17, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 026". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  21. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 18, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 028". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  22. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 19, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 032". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  23. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 20, 2011). "Tropical Storm Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 036". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  24. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 21, 2011). "Tropical Depression Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 040". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  25. ↑ Joint Typhoon Warning Center (July 22, 2011). "Tropical Depression Ma-on (08W) Warning Number 043". United States Navy, United States Airforce. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  26. ↑ RSMC Tokyo — Typhoon Center (July 23, 2011). "RSMC Tropical Cyclone Advisory: July 23, 2011 00z". Japan Meteorological Agency. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  27. ↑ Michael G. MiddleBrooke (July 13, 2011). "Tropical Storm Ma-on (08W) Advisory Number 6". National Weather Service office in Tiyan, Guam. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  28. ↑ Marcus Landon Aydlett (July 14, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Advisory Number 9". National Weather Service office in Tiyan, Guam. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  29. ↑ William Brandon Aydlett (July 15, 2011). "Typhoon Ma-on (08W) Advisory Number 14". National Weather Service office in Tiyan, Guam. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on July 15, 2011. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
  30. ↑ "Be safe: Heed weather and water warnings; take caution this weekend". Pacific Daily News. July 15, 2011.
  31. ↑ Staff Writer (July 13, 2011). "NWS: Overnight Wind and Rain Blamed on "Tail" of Tropical Storm Ma-On". Pacific News Center. Guam News. Retrieved 2011-07-15.
  32. ↑ "6 fishermen saved after typhoon sinks their boat off east China". Xinhua. July 18, 2011.
  33. ↑ Lee Hsin-Yin (July 20, 2011). "Heavy rains force evacuations, road closures". Central News Agency - Taiwan.
  34. ↑ Yoko Wakatsuki (July 18, 2011). "Japan scrambles to protect damaged reactor from typhoon". CNN. Archived from the original on 2012-03-05. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  35. ↑ "Operating Rate Low for Fukushima N-Plant's Water Treatment System". Jiji Press. July 27, 2011.
  36. ↑ "Big typhoon heads for western Japan". United Press International. July 18, 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-03-05. Retrieved 2012-02-24.
  37. 1 2 "Powerful typhoon may make landfall on Shikoku Island Tuesday". Japanese Economic Newswire. July 19, 2011.
  38. 1 2 "1 missing, 50 injured as strong typhoon lashes Japan". Xinhua. July 20, 2011.
  39. ↑ "Japan refiners halt product shipments as Typhoon Ma-On nears". Chemical News & Intelligence. July 19, 2011.
  40. 1 2 "One dead, dozens injured as Typhoon Ma-On sideswipes Japan". Asia Pacific News. July 20, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-10.
  41. 1 2 "International News". Japan Economic Newswire. July 20, 2011.
  42. 1 2 "Global storm activity increases in July as the Atlantic hurricane season approaches peak period, According to Aon Benfield Study". CPI Financial. 2011-08-23. Archived from the original on 2012-03-05. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  43. ↑ "One dead as typhoon sideswipes Japan". Agence France-Presse. July 20, 2011.
  44. ↑ "Japan Heat Stroke Deaths Down 70 Pct in July". Jiji Press. 2011-08-02.
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