Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms

In the Western Pacific:

Tropical depression 26 is located approximately 55 nm southeast of Navsta, Guam. Favourable sea surface temperatures will allow the system to gradually intensify, with the potential for rapid intensification.

Typhoon Wipha kills at least 13 in Japan - The powerful typhoon passed close to the Japanese capital, Tokyo. Wipha caused landslides and flooding on Izu Oshima island, south of Tokyo, with several houses destroyed. Many people died when their homes collapsed or were buried in mudslides on the island. Two were found dead near a river. In Tokyo, flights were cancelled, bullet train services suspended and schools closed.

In the Eastern Pacific:

Tropical depression Priscilla is located about 630 mi (1015 km) WSW of the of the southern tip of Baja California. Priscilla is expected to weaken to a remnant low by tonight or Thursday morning.

Tropical Storm Octave, with maximum sustained winds of up to 85kph, was expected to approach the west coast of Baja California by Tuesday morning. The storm was forecast to weaken over the next 48 hours and could be a tropical depression by the time it nears land. The Mexican government issued a tropical storm warning on Monday as Octave took aim at an already disaster-weary Mexico, while a second storm, Priscilla, swirled far out to sea. Heavy rains were already spreading across portions of the southern Baja California Peninsula, an area that could see three to 7.6-15.2cm of rain along with the central peninsula. The storm system arrives just three weeks after the country weathered the dual blast of storms Manuel and Ingrid. At least 157 people were killed in the historic downpours, including 101 in the southern Guerrero state. Dozens were left missing in the mountainous village of La Pintada after a landslide buried a third of the community.