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| Vongfong, the Perfect Storm photo credit: High resolution infrared satellite image of Typhoon Vongfong on Tuesday via The Washington Post |
When it rains, it pours.
This is literally what's about to happen in Japan. After a strong typhoon early this week, the most powerful typhoon of 2014 will hit Japan this weekend until early next week. Reports state that Vongfong (the incoming typhoon) will most likely pass the same track as Phanfone (the typhoon that passed). This means Vongfong might hit Hamamatsu before it slams to Tokyo and further north. The names Vongfong and Phanfone sound funny to me but their magnitude is no laughing matter.
Some reports mentioned the high probability of floods in the Kanto area since Phanfone dropped 2-months worth of rain there. People are also warned against mudslides. If this happens, public transportation might be cancelled, emergency alerts will keep ringing and I'll hear the winds howling like monsters.To sum up, it will be a busy weekend in Japan with the typhoon and all it brings.
The consolation is scientists are having a grand time viewing Vongfong. It's considered a rare case of a perfect storm. According to Liberty Voice, it has "clearly defined eye and perfect symmetry." Looking at Vongfong reminds me of a big boil I had when I was a kid. It's a perfect circle with the eye right in the center. It's silently threatening. Vongfong looks like that from satellite images. By the way, I had to research what a perfect storm means. Because it rarely happens, I never heard of it except for George Clooney's movie. A perfect storm is the result when factors affecting the weather has a strong teamwork. Because of their unity, they can cause a very strong storm that can cause great destruction such as what Vongfong may bring. It currently moves at 155 mph which means it's very very very intense. It can destroy umbrellas, topple down bicycles and lift skirts up to the face. On a serious note, it's a big typhoon so anything can be lost if precaution is not observed.
Before people panic, reports mentioned that Vongfong will weaken as it falls on land. So maybe women can still wear skirts when it hits, the pencil-type at least. Still, all people in Japan should keep safety in mind. Mother Nature is not named a woman for nothing. The typhoon can be unpredictable. I don't want to write another tragic Haiyan-esque post.
So, as Vongfong approaches, don't forget to do the following:
- Always keep your phones and computers charged.
- Keep a flashlight handy.
- Stock up on food.
- Know the nearest evacuation area. (Usually it's the nearest junior high school)
- For foreigners, keep your residence card, passport and some cash handy.
- Check Japan Meteorological Agency and watch the news for updates
- Don't attempt going to work when it's clearly unsafe
For more information on Vongfong, check these sites:
Watch out for my first e-book for ALT's: How to Survive Your First Weeks in Japan. Check out Purple Pen in Japan for regular updates.
