New Storm Systems Could Approach Western Japan
Listen to the story
Japanese weather forecasters are tracking several storm systems developing south of Japan this week. One system, informally called a typhoon egg, could soon approach western Japan.
This weather system is currently classified as a tropical depression. It is located near the Truk Islands in the Pacific and is moving slowly westward.
According to forecasters, there is a possibility that it will strengthen into a full typhoon within the next 24 hours.
In addition, a separate new typhoon is expected to form. Forecasters predict it could reach the area near the Ogasawara Islands by the 24th with strong intensity.
This developing storm is expected to bring a gale-force wind zone, an area around the storm's center where winds are especially dangerous.
Weather agencies have released a simulation showing expected rain and wind patterns through the 29th, helping the public prepare for possible severe weather.
Forecasters have also warned about a 'worrying vortex,' a swirling mass of cloud and wind, which may move quite close to western Japan in the coming days.
Although the exact path remains uncertain, residents in western Japan are being advised to monitor forecasts closely, as tropical systems in this region can bring heavy rain, strong winds and flooding.
Japan often experiences multiple tropical systems at this time of year, and forecasters continue to update predictions as the storms develop.
Vocabulary9 words
- typhoon egg
- a weather system that might turn into a typhoon
- tropical depression
- a weak storm system that can grow stronger
- Truk Islands
- islands in the Pacific Ocean, also known as Chuuk
- typhoon
- a very powerful storm with strong wind and heavy rain
- Ogasawara Islands
- a group of islands south of mainland Japan
- gale-force wind zone
- an area near a storm with very strong, dangerous wind
- simulation
- a computer model that shows possible future weather
- vortex
- a spinning mass of air, cloud or wind
- western Japan
- the western region of Japan
Quiz
Answer key
1. A weather system that may become a typhoon 2. Near the Truk Islands 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Japanese weather forecasters are tracking several storm systems developing south of Japan, including a _____.
This weather system is currently classified as a _____ near the _____.
There is a possibility it will strengthen into a full _____ within 24 hours.
A separate new typhoon may reach the area near the _____ by the 24th.
This storm is expected to bring a _____, an area with dangerous winds.
Weather agencies released a _____ showing rain and wind through the 29th.
A worrying _____ may move close to _____ in coming days.
Residents are advised to watch forecasts because of possible heavy rain and flooding.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think forecasters use terms like 'typhoon egg' to describe developing storms?
- How do simulations help people prepare for severe weather?
- Have you ever experienced a typhoon or tropical storm? What was it like?
- Why might multiple tropical storms form near Japan at the same time?