Typhoon season hits Japan Published June 10, 2008 By Senior Airman Laura McFarlane 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- June marks the beginning of typhoon season here at Misawa. Tropical storms and typhoons normally develop in the Pacific Ocean during the months of May through December, and strike Japan between June and October. Heavy rains wash out roads and bridges. With wind speeds from 74 to 148 miles per hour, they have the ability to wipe out hardened structures and facilities. "About 28 typhoons form each year," said Capt. Robert Nelson, 35th Operations Support Squadron. "About three of those pass across Japan." Although the severity of the typhoons may force restructure on a community, Misawa won't see the extreme nature of the storm, he explained. "What we receive here are extra tropical storms that used to be a typhoon," Captain Nelson said. Some features of an extra tropical storm are that it is quick moving, short lived and moves to the east out to sea. They tend to have more lightning than a typhoon but have less wind and rain. Although Misawa may not experience a typhoon, being prepared for such storms remains an essential element. "There are basic categories of items you should stock - water, food, first aid supplies, tools and emergency supplies, and special items," said Master Sgt. Daniel Moss, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management. "You should keep the items you'll most likely need during an evacuation in easy-to-carry containers such as covered trash containers, camping backpacks or duffle bags." Additional preparation factors to keep in mind are: - Review and update family disaster plans - Move high valued items to the center of your quarters away from windows - Ensure vehicles are filled with gas - Avoid parking vehicles under trees - Secure all outdoor loose objects (i.e. trash cans, toys, lawn furniture) - Secure storage shed doors and windows - Stock up on bottled water or store extra drinking water in available household containers - Prepare for flooding in low-lying areas - Have a portable radio and battery operated clock - Keep cash on hand, ATMs may not function While it is unlikely that Misawa will receive a typhoon, residents should be familiar with the Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR) system. The TCCOR system was developed by the Unites States National Hurricane Center. "The TCCOR system is used all over the U.S.," said Airman First Class Brandon LaSmith, 35th CES REM. "Here at Misawa, the weather flight will give TCCOR warnings via 1575 am, the CAC channel, giant voice, etc..." The different levels of tropical cyclone readiness are based upon the timing of destructive winds of 57 miles per hour, (50 knots), or greater. TCCOR levels are defined as: TCCOR 4 - Possibility of destructive winds, 58 mph or greater occurring within 72 hours. - Stay tuned to AFN radio and television and review higher TCCOR levels. TCCOR 3 - Possibility of destructive winds, 58 mph or greater, occurring within 48 hours. - Obtain food and water containers, ensure vehicle fuel tanks are full, secure all outdoor items, review evacuation plans. - Monitor AFN radio and television, review higher TCCOR levels. TCCOR 2 - Possibility of destructive winds, 58 mph or greater, occurring within 24 hours. - Be prepared to tape up windows if the storm's intensity warrants. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. - Monitor AFN radio and television. TCCOR 1 - Possibility of destructive winds, 58 mph or greater, occurring within 12 hours. - Limit travel to mission-essential travel, use stairs instead of elevators, stay inside and away from windows and glass doors. - Monitor AFN radio and television. TCCOR 1 Emergency - Destructive winds occurring at a particular installation. - Stay inside away from windows. - Monitor AFN radio and television. TCCOR 1 Caution - Winds of 39 to 56 mph occurring at a particular installation. - Suspend all non-essential travel, follow directions given by wing leadership. - Monitor AFN radio and television. TCCOR STORM WATCH: Due to the close proximity of a tropical cyclone and/or erratic movements, the typhoon still poses a threat to affect installation RECOVERY: Period of time to determine damage/create safe zones ALL CLEAR: Storm is over and not forecast to return