Typhoon WIPHA has passed over Iriomote Island. The maximum gust of 65.9m/s (the second on record) was recorded at Iriomote, and 59.5m/s was recorded at Ishigaki. According to the record of Iriomote station, the pressure of 928.0 hPa was observed at 09 JST, and this period seems to be when this place was within the eye of the typhoon. Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands were also directly hit by Typhoon 200613 last year, but the damage of this typhoon seems to be comparable to the previous one. (reference: Eyes on the Typhoon and Typhoon Front 2)

Typhoon WIPHA is still deepening, and may hit Yaeyama Islands with its peak intensity. Miyakojima Island is now in the peripheral of the 50-kt wind area, and Yaeyama Islands will shortly enter into the 50-kt wind area. In particular, Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands are on the projected track, and may suffer from very heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Typhoon WIPHA now has the core cloud at the center, and seems to enter into a developing stage. If this typhoon continues intensification from now on, this typhoon may be stronger when it approaches to Yaeyama Islands. It is important to watch the latest typhoon information.

Typhoon WIPHA was formed in east of Philippines. This typhoon is in cotrast to the previous Typhoon NARI; the clouds extend to larger area, while the clouds are not so well organized. This typhoon is forecast to move to Sakishima Islands, or Taiwan.