Typhoon Alley

(Typhoon Jelawat 2012 *Blue arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)

What is a Typhoon?

A typhoon is a violent cyclone that occurs in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Typhoons feature heavy rains and winds that maintain speeds equal to or greater than 74 miles (119 kilometers) per hour. Similar storms that occur in the other parts of the world are called tropical cyclones or hurricanes. The word typhoon comes from the Chinese term tai-fung, meaning great wind. 

(One of my Marines car that is flipped)

Typhoon season begins around June - November and during these times, it seems like every weekend has a typhoon hitting Okinawa. Well it is because this island is in the typhoon alley. Typhoons usually roars over us and ends at Guam, South Korea or Mainland Japan. It is said that this year 2013 is going to have some worse typhoons this season but we are ready.

So far since April 2012, we have been hit by at least 3 typhoons. Typhoon Jelawat being the worst typhoon we been in. When it hit, the power was out for at least 12 hours but there were power outages out in town that lasted longer than that. The video up top was one of the vehicles that was blown away by typhoon Jelawat and below would be another one. It's just crazy that not all these cars are blown away. Most of these tiny japanese cars are light weight and boxy. 

(Car blown away, Camp Kinser)

Typhoons are kept a close eye on, just like the hurricanes back in states. It's not like these typhoons hit randomly, so there isn't an excuse for people not being ready. So prepare your SHIT! 

 (2 typhoons lurking around Okinawa *Red arrow is pointed at Okinawa*)

As you can see from the photo above, we are located in the smack dab in the middle of typhoon alley. Yes, it's awesome that we get to get off work but the bad thing is, if we were hit. We do not know if our water and rations will last if stores were shut down but I think we are ready for this year's typhoon season.  Below is the chart that we use to keep track of how close and strong the typhoon that's coming. 

Current Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness Chart

TCCOR 4: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 72 hours. TCCOR 4 will be continuously in effect as a minimum condition of readiness from 1 June to 30 November annually.
Now is the time to stock-up on food and Typhoon Supplies.

TCCOR 3: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within 48 hours.
Initiate a general cleanup around homes and office.

TCCOR 2: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 24 hours.
Remove or secure all outside items.

TCCOR 1: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. 
No school for DoDDS students. Staff and teachers will work normal hours, unless changed by DoDDS superintendent. Fill any containers you can use for water storage. If you live in low lying quarters, make arrangements to stay with a friend. Make final check of food and other supplies.

TCCOR 1 Caution: Destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are anticipated within 12 hours. Actual winds are 34-49 knots.
All nonessential personnel will be released to their quarters at this time. DoDDS schools will close at this time. Staff and teachers return home or remain home. Base exchange, shops, Commissary, Shoppettes, Gas Station, Services facilities, Clubs, Restaurants, Recreational Facilities and Post Office will close. Movement about the base should be kept to a minimum. SFS will enforce "essential vehicles only"policy.(Reference Base O-Plan 32-1 "Base Disaster Operations Plan)

TCCOR 1 Emergency: Actual winds of 50 knots or greater.
All outside activity is prohibited.

TCCOR 1 Recovery: Destructive winds of 50 knots are no longer occurring. Actual winds are 34-49 knots. 
Nonessential functions remain closed unless directed by the commander. All but emergency essential personnel remain in their quarters.

Storm Watch: The typhoon is moving away but the base is still feeling some effects. Hazardous conditions may exist due to storm damage. In some cases the storm could return to Okinawa , so stay alert. 
All military and civilian personnel will return to work within 2 hours or at normal duty hours unless otherwise instructed by their commander. The Commissary and BX will resume operations, unless directed otherwise by the installation commander.

All Clear: Hazardous conditions and winds are no longer present. Return to normal duties. All Clear is announced when all hazards have been cleared.
DoDDS teachers, staff and students will return to school during normal hours. From June 1st to November 30th Okinawa will return to TCCOR 4.

NOTE: The wind speeds shown above for each TCCOR serve as a guide for decision making. The final decision on TCCOR declaration rests with the Commander, 18th Wing based on wind speed, weather forecast, safety and operational and mission concerns.

Source: USFJ 10-4001 and 18th Wing Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan 10-2

BE READY FOR IT!!!

(Typhoon Bolaven 2012 *Blue arrow is Okinawa & Red arrow is the direction.*)

MOOD- Prepared, Wary & Ready
SONG PLAYING-We Are Young by FUN