TOKYO - Typhoon No. 31 was located near Minamitorishima Island in the Pacific Ocean, as of 3 a.m. on October 30, and was expected to approach the Ogasawara Islands south of Tokyo over the October 31-November 1 weekend while maintaining very strong intensity, bringing a growing risk of dangerously high waves, powerful swells and extremely rough seas.
The storm had a central atmospheric pressure of 940 hectopascals, with maximum instantaneous wind speeds reaching 65 meters per second, equivalent to 234 kilometers per hour. Satellite imagery showed a clearly defined eye surrounded by a dense mass of clouds, indicating that the typhoon remained highly developed.
According to the forecast, Typhoon No. 31 is expected to continue moving westward over the next several days while maintaining its strength, reaching waters near the Ogasawara Islands around Saturday, October 31. The storm may begin turning slightly northward around that time, although the timing and extent of the change in direction remain uncertain.
The Ogasawara Islands, including Chichijima, are expected to experience deteriorating marine conditions through the weekend. Large swells approaching from the south, combined with high waves generated near the typhoon's center, could produce extremely rough seas on both Saturday and Sunday.
Wave simulations indicate that areas of particularly high seas surrounding the storm will move closer to the islands as the weekend progresses. Even if the typhoon's center remains offshore, powerful swells could reach coastal areas, creating hazardous conditions for fishing vessels, marine transport and activities near the shoreline.
The severity of the impact will depend heavily on the storm's precise track. A shift farther north than currently forecast could bring the typhoon closer to the Ogasawara Islands, increasing the possibility of stronger winds, higher waves and more widespread disruption.
Beyond the weekend, forecasters are monitoring the possibility that Typhoon No. 31 could eventually turn northward toward waters south of Japan's main islands.
Current projections suggest that any significant northward movement is more likely to occur around Wednesday, November 4, or Thursday, November 5, or later. However, uncertainty remains considerable because the possible effects on western and eastern Japan fall beyond the immediate forecast period.
Whether the typhoon will eventually approach Honshu, remain offshore or follow another route cannot yet be determined with confidence. Its future movement will depend on changes in surrounding atmospheric conditions over the coming days.
Residents of the Ogasawara Islands and people involved in maritime activities are being urged to closely monitor updated typhoon forecasts and wave warnings, particularly as dangerous sea conditions are expected to develop over the October 31-November 1 weekend.
The potential impact on mainland Japan will become clearer as the typhoon's northward movement and subsequent track are more accurately established.
Source: ウェザーニュース
