Typhoon Jebi path update MAPPED: Jebi upgraded to Super Typhoon — when will it hit Japan?

According to the Weather Channel, Typhoon Jebi is the strongest typhoon of 2018 so far. 

With wind speeds reaching in excess of 160mph, Jebi was today upgraded to a Super Typhoon. 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a super typhoon is one that reaches “maximum sustained 1-minute surface winds of at least 65 m/s (130 kt, 150 mph). 

“This is the equivalent of a strong Saffir-Simpson category 4 or category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic basin or a category 5 severe tropical cyclone in the Australian basin.” NOAA satellites have captured the swirling eye of typhoon Jebi as it passes over the Pacific Ocean. 

When will typhoon Jebi hit Japan?

Typhoon Jebi is expected to track no track northwest toward Japan over the weekend. 

Meteorologists are predicting that Jebi will make landfall to the east coast of Japan by Tuesday, September 4. 

Although the winds will have weakened from the severe 165mph, they will still be a strong 105mph when Jebi makes land.  AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said: ”Damaging winds and coastal flooding may be the most significant impacts with this storm.

“While we expect some weakening as Jebi nears landfall in Japan, it should still have the equivalent strength to that of a Category 3 hurricane.”

First hitting the eastern coast of Japan, the typhoon will then track up Japan, meaning that the prefectures of Mie, Aichi and Shizuoka are most at risk. 

The damage could be significant with Accuweather warning the strength of Jebi could be severe. The meteorological agency said: “Well-built homes and businesses can sustain major damage, especially to roofs. 

“Many trees can be snapped or uprooted, which can further damage property. 

“Widespread power outages and water shortages can last for several days or weeks in the areas hit hardest by Jebi’s destructive winds.”

The typhoon will experience weakening over the weekend, dipping from 165mph on Saturday to 150 mph on Sunday.  Jebi will then weaken further next week, reaching 125mph on Monday before declining to 105mph on Tuesday when landfall is made. 

It will then significantly weaken on Wednesday with a wind speed of only 65mph as the typhoon tracks away from Japan. 

Excessive rain has been a widespread problem already across much of Japan, which has been impacted by two typhoons, a depression and a severe tropical storm since the middle of August.

Heavy flooding has already impacted the country, with more than 200 people killed following torrential rain in July. 

The downpours caused landslides which devastated structures, and river banks burst following the excessive rainfall, flooding towns and villages.