Typhoon MUIFA - observations and damage reports from Okinawa

[Typhoon Hunter]

Tickets booked and arrive in Naha at 1520 tomorrow. If Muifa tracks well south of Okinawa like UKMET and ECMWF are showing I can hop down to Miyako - that would be deja vu!

[Infdidoll]

What makes me nervous if somehow this things turns away from us and the crowd goes and yet again it turns and stop preparing for them..because I have heard it a few times today.."Oh, I haven't dont a thing..it will miss like all the others"

I think there does come a point when you have to let idiots be idiots and find out the hard way when they are stuck at home with no supplies in the dark because they were too arrogant to buy batteries. Let them walk outside the next day and find all their stuff gone or destroyed. I just hope those people don't live near me. Just reminds me of our neighbors who had damage because of things people left out during Songda.

We talked about this a lot during Songda. Lots of military dependents with serious attitude problems. You almost want to see a typhoon smack them straight. Most of the military I meet actually seem to take things seriously...it's the bored dependents who enjoy getting on and making fun of others who are concerned that I have no use for. I see a lot of Ivan (and other big storm) veterans and such on this board who can tell these people that hurricanes/typhoons are not always a laughing matter. You never know what they're going to do or if they're going to strengthen.

Ask this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unV5KcSrY-I

After seeing that and how damage we had from just a Cat 2/3, I think I really learned to appreciate just HOW damaging these storms can be. Granted, I think we are looking at a walk in the park compared to the storm in that video! lol

[Typhoon Hunter]

What makes me nervous if somehow this things turns away from us and the crowd goes and yet again it turns and stop preparing for them..because I have heard it a few times today.."Oh, I haven't dont a thing..it will miss like all the others"

I think there does come a point when you have to let idiots be idiots and find out the hard way when they are stuck at home with no supplies in the dark because they were too arrogant to buy batteries. Let them walk outside the next day and find all their stuff gone or destroyed. I just hope those people don't live near me. Just reminds me of our neighbors who had damage because of things people left out during Songda.

We talked about this a lot during Songda. Lots of military dependents with serious attitude problems. You almost want to see a typhoon smack them straight. Most of the military I meet actually seem to take things seriously...it's the bored dependents who enjoy getting on and making fun of others who are concerned that I have no use for. I see a lot of Ivan (and other big storm) veterans and such on this board who can tell these people that hurricanes/typhoons are not always a laughing matter. You never know what they're going to do or if they're going to strengthen.

Ask this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unV5KcSrY-I

After seeing that and how damage we had from just a Cat 2/3, I think I really learned to appreciate just HOW damaging these storms can be. Granted, I think we are looking at a walk in the park compared to the storm in that video! lol

Couldn't agree more regarding the idiots lol.

Just be aware Songda was only a cat. 1 equivalent so if Muifa rakes over Okinawa at its current strength (borderline cat 3 / 4) it will really put Songda in its place. I'm certainly not making light of Songda, it gave us all a good blow.

If it tracks over Okinawa at current strength we can probably expect conditions similar to this if not stronger:

http://youtu.be/KZqLHgnaO7k

[angelisagemini]

It seems like most people are taking this more seriously. We rented a movie from the shoppette tonight and the lines were long, especially for it still being a few days away. I'm hoping it delays a bit so we can sleep in our rooms on Thursday night. Camping in our living room isn't much fun

[RobWESTPACWX]

Glad to see the seriosness of it up there. This one is going to be a pain, already is for my job trying to get stuff out of the way.

Any how looking forward to seeing your footage out of Okinawa James, at this time looks like a day time landfall as well.

[Typhoon Hunter]

Hey Rob!

Good to hear from you. Best of luck with all the extra work this will be bringing you. If it's gonna hit hard let's hope it's during daylight hours, much safer and at least I can film then!

[Infdidoll]

We did get hit with a Cat 1 (Kompasu) in 2010. It wasn't that bad and there wasn't much damage. I think that is what most are comparing Songda to because Songda didn't even seem to be on the same plane as Kompasu. Maybe because Kompasu hit us a little further north where it's less populated or maybe because Kompasu, like Man-Yi in 2007 hit on an East-West trajectory. The few English news agencies that reported called Songda a Category 3: http://www.japanupdate.com/?id=11184 but they also said with winds of 125 mph and didn't bother reporting that was a reported gust, not sustained winds. I think the consensus here was that there could have been tornadoes embedded in the storm for something like that and for damage on the scale that happened to occur? I think being hit from the West may also have a lot to do with it.

Locals were saying damage was far worse than Man-Yi, (a Cat 4 super typhoon) that will hit us close to the trajectory Muifa will if she hits us. However Songda, a weaker typhoon, hit in one of the worst possible angles. I could see that being why a less intense typhoon did much more damage. If that's true and being hit from the East is better, maybe we'll luck out with Muifa and it won't be so bad...and we just better pray we never get hit on the West side with a really intense typhoon! As it is, looks like all models are having it pass further south of us with every update.

[RobWESTPACWX]

I do apologize infidoll for being unable to put out any videos lately. Still attempting to put text out and Pat has been doing a great job covering the vids.

Right now in Australia though, far from home.... NHK newsline puts out the weather updates every hour about 20 after the hour, sometimes they get in depth with the analysis but its nothing scientific. (Might be getting a job on tv there....) I'm sure they will get more in depth though the closer the storm gets to the island.

Here is Pat's newest video as well, a sum up of a lot of the info being passed on here.


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVzWdIymxEk&feature=feedu[/youtube]

[artist]

you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

[angelisagemini]

So I have a noob question. Should I be concerned about possible flooding? We live out in town, and we're just a hop skip and a jump from the ocean. Should I go bunk with some friends in higher places or is that not really an issue? Sorry if this should be common sense, there aren't any typhoons/hurricanes in Chicagoland!

[KWT]

Looks like Muifa is strengthening again, so people stay safe if your in the path and prepare for a top end 4/5....

[artist]

So I have a noob question. Should I be concerned about possible flooding? We live out in town, and we're just a hop skip and a jump from the ocean. Should I go bunk with some friends in higher places or is that not really an issue? Sorry if this should be common sense, there aren't any typhoons/hurricanes in Chicagoland!

Welcome! I am hoping someone that is there will happen along to be able to answer your question for you. How far are you from the sea? Is there any elevation where you are located?
And welcome to storm2K!

[Infdidoll]

So I have a noob question. Should I be concerned about possible flooding? We live out in town, and we're just a hop skip and a jump from the ocean. Should I go bunk with some friends in higher places or is that not really an issue? Sorry if this should be common sense, there aren't any typhoons/hurricanes in Chicagoland!

Welcome! I'm literally a stone's throw from the ocean right on the sea wall and we've never had any problem with flooding (except for the sideways rain that creeped through our sliding glass door and flooded around our living room door). I guess it all depends on your elevation. Are you behind a sea wall? Is there anything between you and the ocean? I know the one right behind our apartment is built pretty well and it would take a tsunami like mainland Japan's to affect it. I have seen storm surge from these storms splash over the wall, but that's about as bad as it got. Our windows were covered in salt water after the last typhoon. Messy clean-up but we were otherwise okay. If it makes you more comfortable to bunk with friends, by all means, I would do it...but most buildings here are elevated off the ground on concrete columns and the massive sea walls are amazing at tackling the storm surge.

Ask as many noob questions as you want. Someone here can usually help you.

[Infdidoll]

I do apologize infidoll for being unable to put out any videos lately. Still attempting to put text out and Pat has been doing a great job covering the vids.

Right now in Australia though, far from home.... NHK newsline puts out the weather updates every hour about 20 after the hour, sometimes they get in depth with the analysis but its nothing scientific. (Might be getting a job on tv there....) I'm sure they will get more in depth though the closer the storm gets to the island.

Here is Pat's newest video as well, a sum up of a lot of the info being passed on here.


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVzWdIymxEk&feature=feedu[/youtube]

That is amazing! Thank you Rob & Pat! Good luck on the job - that is AWESOME news! I think you would be amazing on TV and I'm confident you'll get there sooner or later. NHK's app was my go-to source during the tsunami/nuclear crisis. Your videos have been so helpful to so many. I don't know what it is, but for some of us, to conquer a fear of something, those TV weather people become extremely reassuring in letting us know the score. That is why, in times like these, those videos are so important. People need a security blanket to cling to (even if they won't admit it). Thank you again for what you guys do.

[angelisagemini]

Welcome! I'm literally a stone's throw from the ocean right on the sea wall and we've never had any problem with flooding (except for the sideways rain that creeped through our sliding glass door and flooded around our living room door). I guess it all depends on your elevation. Are you behind a sea wall? Is there anything between you and the ocean? I know the one right behind our apartment is built pretty well and it would take a tsunami like mainland Japan's to affect it. I have seen storm surge from these storms splash over the wall, but that's about as bad as it got. Our windows were covered in salt water after the last typhoon. Messy clean-up but we were otherwise okay. If it makes you more comfortable to bunk with friends, by all means, I would do it...but most buildings here are elevated off the ground on concrete columns and the massive sea walls are amazing at tackling the storm surge.

Ask as many noob questions as you want. Someone here can usually help you.

Thanks! We're actually right where the seawall ends, there is a much taller building in front of us though. Thanks for easing my fears a little bit there. I'm feeling pretty thankful we have a windowless room to hang out in.

[Infdidoll]

Welcome! I'm literally a stone's throw from the ocean right on the sea wall and we've never had any problem with flooding (except for the sideways rain that creeped through our sliding glass door and flooded around our living room door). I guess it all depends on your elevation. Are you behind a sea wall? Is there anything between you and the ocean? I know the one right behind our apartment is built pretty well and it would take a tsunami like mainland Japan's to affect it. I have seen storm surge from these storms splash over the wall, but that's about as bad as it got. Our windows were covered in salt water after the last typhoon. Messy clean-up but we were otherwise okay. If it makes you more comfortable to bunk with friends, by all means, I would do it...but most buildings here are elevated off the ground on concrete columns and the massive sea walls are amazing at tackling the storm surge.

Ask as many noob questions as you want. Someone here can usually help you.

Thanks! We're actually right where the seawall ends, there is a much taller building in front of us though. Thanks for easing my fears a little bit there. I'm feeling pretty thankful we have a windowless room to hang out in.

The first typhoon is a SCARY experience...luckily the first I experienced was pretty weak, but the last one in May rattled me a little. The thing they tell everyone new here - and it is so true - is that Okinawa was built to withstand typhoons. Everything is concrete and if you are off base, you are REALLY lucky because you may even keep power through the whole typhoon. I had power when nobody else did and was able to update when everyone else was in the dark. I'm a midwestern gal, myself. Only thing we had to worry about there was snow and tornadoes...and the latter still scares me more than any hurricane/typhoon ever could. You don't get 5 days warning that a tornado is coming.

[rdhdstpchld]

Welcome! I'm literally a stone's throw from the ocean right on the sea wall and we've never had any problem with flooding (except for the sideways rain that creeped through our sliding glass door and flooded around our living room door). I guess it all depends on your elevation. Are you behind a sea wall? Is there anything between you and the ocean? I know the one right behind our apartment is built pretty well and it would take a tsunami like mainland Japan's to affect it. I have seen storm surge from these storms splash over the wall, but that's about as bad as it got. Our windows were covered in salt water after the last typhoon. Messy clean-up but we were otherwise okay. If it makes you more comfortable to bunk with friends, by all means, I would do it...but most buildings here are elevated off the ground on concrete columns and the massive sea walls are amazing at tackling the storm surge.

Ask as many noob questions as you want. Someone here can usually help you.

Thanks! We're actually right where the seawall ends, there is a much taller building in front of us though. Thanks for easing my fears a little bit there. I'm feeling pretty thankful we have a windowless room to hang out in.

Oh, the little monopoly houses??!! I like those!

FWIW, I went to the commissary on KAFB today and it was well stocked - bread, milk, water...the whole caboodle. The manager said they've had three times the foot traffic as normal day, but still have plenty to go around. (granted the bread might not taste fresh, they keep a typhoon stock in freezers)-- but it's there if you want it (as of 4pm) -- the water was lower than usual supply-wise but there was PLENTY

[angelisagemini]

We've been here for a year, so my only experience was Kompasu which wasn't bad at all where I live. Songda was a wakeup call though. At least I can thank that storm for destroying this huge tree that could cause some serious damage this time around if it wasn't already destroyed!
You're right about this being better than tornadoes. I do not miss spring storms from back home, or the blizzards come to think of it.

[KatDaddy]

Infdidoll, angelisagemini, and Typhoon Hunter be safe. We are watching from Texas. I have been following Muifa's approach on Okinawa for several days.

[StormingB81]

Everything is done here..well except my Grill that is still outside but that will be inside in a couple of hours when I get home since I have been at work since yesterday..but All set here and prepared and stocked up on water and food.