Typhoon Hagibis is gradually weakening as it heads for landfall in Japan on Saturday. Late on Friday it is equivalent CAT3, still packing formidable winds.
Typhoon Hagibis at 00:10 UTC on Saturday. Image: Himawari-8 / Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
As of 18h UTC typhoon Hagibis still packs 120 mph (193 km/h) maximum sustained winds, an equivalent CAT3. It will weaken by early on Saturday, equivalent CAT2 by 06h UTC and equivalent CAT1 by 18h UTC.
Typhoon Hagibis at 00:10 UTC on Saturday. Image: Himawari-8 / Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
Hagibis is heading for landfal around Tokyo late morning on Saturday (UTC). In addition to hurricane-force winds, the main threat with Hagibis for Japan will be torrential rainfall. Latest model guidance indicates rainfall totals in excess of 400 mm! Expect dangerous, major flooding from this system!
Forecast track of typhoon Hagibis. Map: Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Rainfall totals across Japan under the effects of typhoon Hagibis. Locally in excess of 400 mm! GFS model guidance. Map: Wxcharts
Additionally, major waves are a threatening the coastal areas. Japan Meteorological Agency has issued high wave warning for much of the southern coast of Japan.
Indeed, Japan is already being pounded by major waves from hurricane Hagibis:
Stay tuned for further updates as Japan takes a hit from Hagibis!