Typhoon 30 (Champar) forms near Marshall Islands, may approach Japan next week
In short
Typhoon No. 30, named Champar (チャンパー), formed at 15:00 on 15 October in the Marshall Islands, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. It is the first time since 2013 that 30 typhoons have formed in a year. The agency expects it to become a "very strong" typhoon, and it may affect Japan, though the track forecast has a wide range.
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Typhoon No. 30, named Champar (チャンパー), formed at 15:00 on 15 October in the Marshall Islands, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. A tropical depression became the typhoon at 11°05'N, 158°25'E. Its central pressure was 1000 hPa, the maximum wind near the centre was 18 m/s and the maximum gust 25 m/s. It was moving west-northwest at about 20 km/h. [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 14 , 15 , 21 ]
Outlets noted that it is the first time since 2013 that 30 typhoons have formed in a year, a gap of 13 years. According to Livedoor News and Yahoo! News Japan, a typhoon has formed every month since January, with 10 in August, four in September and three so far in October. Champar is a name supplied by Laos and derives from "red jasmine". The same reports say the Typhoon Committee, which has 14 members including Japan, has 140 names prepared and assigns them in order of formation. [ 1 , 4 , 6 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 21 ]
By 21:00 on 15 October, TBS reported, the central pressure was 998 hPa, the maximum wind 20 m/s and the gust 30 m/s, with the typhoon moving west at 25 km/h. By 09:00 on 16 October it was in waters near the Truk Islands at 11°05'N, 154°05'E, moving west at 20 km/h with a central pressure of 994 hPa. [ 27 , 28 , 36 , 37 ]
The agency expects the typhoon to strengthen while moving west, reaching "very strong" intensity east of the Philippines on the 20th, according to reports on 15 October. TBS said the forecast then was a central pressure of 940 hPa and a gust of 65 m/s, although one TBS headline gave 60 m/s. After the 09:45 update on 16 October, TBS gave 935 hPa and 70 m/s and said the typhoon would be "strong" on the 18th and "very strong" on the 19th. [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]
Reports citing the agency, published by Tokyo Shimbun, Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Nikkei, say the typhoon may approach the Nansei Islands next week or later. They add that the track forecast has a wide range and that attention to later information is needed. NHK reported that the agency calls the forecast for next week onward uncertain at present. TBS said one of the agency's numerical models showed a route directly hitting western Japan on the 24th, and its rain and wind simulations pointed to possible effects in Okinawa, Kyushu, Chugoku and Shikoku. Nippon TV carried a headline quoting a farmer who said he did not want a direct hit. [ 2 , 3 , 14 , 15 , 21 , 29 , 32 , 34 ]
Why it matters
Japanese outlets say the typhoon could affect Japan, with the Nansei Islands, Okinawa and Kyushu named in some forecasts. The track beyond next week is uncertain, and outlets urge people to follow later information.
Key facts
- A tropical depression became Typhoon No. 30 (Champar) at 15:00 on 15 October in the Marshall Islands, at 11°05'N, 158°25'E. [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 11 ]
- At formation its central pressure was 1000 hPa, maximum wind near the centre 18 m/s and maximum gust 25 m/s, moving west-northwest at about 20 km/h. [ 1 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 21 ]
- It is the first year with 30 typhoons since 2013, a gap of 13 years. [ 1 , 4 , 14 , 16 , 21 ]
- By 09:00 on 16 October it was in waters near the Truk Islands with a central pressure of 994 hPa. [ 36 , 37 ]
- The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts it to reach "very strong" intensity, east of the Philippines around 20 October. [ 1 , 4 , 26 , 36 ]
- The 16 October 09:45 update forecast a central pressure of 935 hPa and a maximum gust of 70 m/s. [ 37 , 39 ]
- Reports citing the agency say it may approach the Nansei Islands next week or later, but the forecast track has a wide range. [ 14 , 15 , 21 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Typhoon No. 30 formed at 15:00 on 15 October in the Marshall Islands. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 8 , 14 , 16 ]
- Thirty typhoons in a year is the first such count since 2013. [ 1 , 4 , 14 , 16 , 21 ]
- The typhoon is expected to develop into a "very strong" typhoon. [ 1 , 4 , 6 , 16 , 32 , 36 ]
- It may affect Japan, the track forecast has a wide range, and the agency urges attention to later information. [ 1 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 21 , 32 ]
Still unclear
- The typhoon's track after next week and whether it will reach Japan. Reports say the track forecast has a wide range, and NHK reports the agency calls the forecast for next week onward uncertain at present.
- Whether the typhoon will take a direct route over western Japan. TBS said one of the agency's numerical models showed a direct hit on western Japan on the 24th, and another TBS report said simulations showed it crossing the archipelago, while the agency says the track is not settled.
- How strong the typhoon will become. TBS reported forecast gusts of 65 m/s and 940 hPa in one report, 60 m/s in another and 70 m/s and 935 hPa after the 16 October update.
- When it will reach "very strong" intensity. Reports on 15 October said the 20th, while TBS reports on 16 October said the 19th.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Typhoon No. 30 forms in the Marshall Islands on 15 October. [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 11 ]
- The Japan Meteorological Agency announces the typhoon's formation. [ 9 , 11 , 19 ]
- Position 11°20'N, moving west-northwest at about 20 km/h with central pressure 1000 hPa. [ 23 , 24 ]
- Central pressure 998 hPa, maximum wind 20 m/s, gust 30 m/s, moving west at 25 km/h. [ 27 , 28 ]
- On 16 October the typhoon is in the Marshall Islands moving west at 20 km/h with pressure 998 hPa. [ 30 ]
- On 16 October the typhoon is in waters near the Truk Islands at 11°05'N, 154°05'E, pressure 994 hPa. [ 36 , 37 ]
- The agency's update forecasts 935 hPa and a 70 m/s gust. [ 37 ]