Typhoon FANAPI is passing Sakishima Islands. Hateruma airport recorded the maximum gust of 63.8m/s at 1:45 JST. This typhoon has more developed eyewall on the east side, so the maximum wind was recorded after the center has passed. The south side of Iriomote Island also recorded the maximum gust of 60.4m/s at 0:40 JST. Due to the strong wind, about the half of all households in Yaeyama seems to be losing electrical power. The typhoon is now at the peak of intensity, and will soon make landfall on the east coast of Taiwan.

Typhoon FANAPI is moving west-north-west in south of Yaeyama Islands, and most of Sakishima Islands are inside the 50-kt storm wind circle. Strong gust of 38.5m/s was already recorded at Ishigaki city, but the peak of the wind seems to come tonight from now. Weather radar indicates that there are developed clouds in the north over Iriomote Island in addition to well-developed clouds in the south from the beginning. However, the amount of rainfall from this typhoon seems to be relatively small so far, and more risky factors to watch are winds and waves. A compact typhoon like this brings strong winds just when the center is near, so Hateruma Island may be the most affected area. For your information, AMeDAS observation data near the typhoon can be picked up from AMeRAS : Synchronic Ranking / Maximum Wind.

Typhoon FANAPI has intensified in south of Okinawa and finally became the strongest typhoon in this season (It is not so strong yet in a regular season, however). The eye of this typhoon is now getting visible. This typhoon is not so large, but is expected to intensify more, so the direct strike of the typhoon may give a significant impact. It is forecast to move a little south of Sakishima Islands, but the east coast of Taiwan will be hit directly by the typhoon.

Typhoon FANAPI was formed in south of Okinawa. This is a compact typhoon, and is forecast to move to Sakishima Islands with steady intensification. This typhoon is another one which was formed in the west of 135E line, which means that the typhoon track of this season is still biased toward west.