Typhoon Heading for Fukushima?

A major typhoon is barreling toward Japan.  Typhoon Ma-on is expected to make landfall around noon Sunday.   It's path, shown above, indicates it will hit Tokyo and, just past that along that path, lies Fukushima Prefecture.

According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property damage and flooding from a storm ofMa-on'sstrength (category 4)at landfall includes:

• Storm surge generally 4.0-5.5 metres (13-18 feet) above normal.
• Curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences.
• Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down.
• Complete destruction of mobile homes.
• Extensive damage to doors and windows.
• Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the centre of the storm.
• Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore.
• Terrain lower than 3 metres (10 feet) above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 10 km (6 miles).

This is from reader Chuck's tip, Weather Underground

 

 

The map above is the predicted path of Ma-On next week.  It shows the typhoon could be at category 3 strength pretty much directly over Fukushima by Wednesday.