Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens – Typhoon ROKE (18W)

This emergency message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Japan that the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued alerts for Typhoon 18W (Roke).

As of 12 noon (local time), Tuesday, Sept. 20, is located 230 Nautical Miles South of Sasebo, Japan at 29.3 degrees north latitude, 132.1 degrees east longitude, moving Northward at 11 knots in the direction of Tokyo. After passing by the coastal regions of Wakayama and Mie prefectures, it is expected to make landfall near Hamamatsu on Wednesday morning. Torrential rain is forecasted to reach the coastline of southern Japan on Tuesday, September 20.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reports that the maximum sustained wind speed near the center of the typhoon is currently 70 knots with gusts of 100 knots. Typhoon Roke's winds are expected to weaken slightly over the next 36 hours as it makes landfall. Sustained maximum winds when the typhoon reaches Tokyo are predicted to be as high as 60 knots, gusting to 75. Roke, as a typhoon, would bring flooding rain, damaging winds and potentially inundating storm tides to the southeastern side of Honshu.

Tuesday Sept. 20, the Nagoya city government issued a recommended evacuation for school districts in neighborhoods adjacent to the Shonai River and Tenpaku River in central Nagoya. Detailed information in Japanese may be found online here. Continue to monitor news and official information in your area for the latest news and updates.

U.S. Naval Base Yokosuka is currently in Tropical Cyclone Condition Of Readiness (TCCOR)alert status 3, meaning that destructive winds of 50 knots or greater are possible within the next 48 hours. Residents should stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, and cash in case of storm-related power outages. Be prepared for the alert status to be raised as the typhoon approaches. At TCCOR 2 all outside items should be removed or secured.

For further details, see the website of either the Japan Meteorological Agency or the U.S. Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center's Tropical Cyclone Warning.

We will continue to monitor Typhoon Roke's track and will issue updated messages as appropriate. Please monitor the typhoon's track by listening to the radio, watching television, or monitoring AFN radio at 89.1 FM. Locate shelter, monitor media reports, and follow all official instructions. Carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates about your whereabouts.

Additional information on the Pacific Typhoon Season may be found on the Pacific Typhoon Season webpage. Updated information on travel in Japan may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Please continue to monitor the Embassy's website for updated information. Please consult the Country Specific Information Sheet for Japan, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of either the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo or one of the U.S. Consulates in Japan listed below:

American Embassy in Tokyo
American Citizen Services
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
Tel: 03-3224-5174
Fax: 03-3224-5856
http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/tacs-main.html

The Embassy helps Americans in Tokyo, Chiba, Fukushima, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Yamagata and Yamanashi.

American Consulate General Sapporo
American Citizen Services
Kita 1-jo, Nishi 28-chome
Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821
Tel: 011-641-1115
Fax: 011-643-1283

The Consulate in Sapporo helps Americans in Akita, Aomori, Hokkaido, Iwate and Miyagi. As there are times when both officers are away from the office, we ask that you make an appointment before coming to the Consulate General.

American Consulate Nagoya
Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor
1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001
TEL (052) 581-4501
FAX (052) 581-3190

Consulate Nagoya provides emergency consular services including death and arrest cases for Americans living in Aichi, Gifu, and Mie prefectures. Please call Nagoya or Osaka for confirmation before traveling to Nagoya if you believe you have an emergency situation. Routine American Citizen services are provided by appointment only. If an appointment is not available, American residents may also receive service at the Consulate in Osaka.

American Consulate General Osaka-Kobe
American Citizen Services
11-5, Nishitenma 2-chome
Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543
Tel: 06-6315-5912
Fax: 06-6315-5914

The Consulate in Osaka helps Americans in Osaka, Aichi, Ehime, Fukui, Gifu, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Ishikawa, Kagawa, Kochi, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Okayama, Shimane, Shiga, Tokushima, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama.

American Consulate Fukuoka
American Citizen Services
5-26, Ohori 2-chome
Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052
Tel: 092-751-9331
Fax: 092-713-9222

The Consulate in Fukuoka helps Americans in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga and Yamaguchi prefectures. All American Citizen Services are by appointment only.

American Consulate General Naha
2-1-1 Toyama,
Urasoe City
Okinawa 901-2104
Tel: 098-876-4211
Fax: 098-876-4243

The Consulate in Naha helps Americans in Okinawa and the Amami Oshima Island group (which is the southern island group of Kagoshima Prefecture).

Travel, safety and security information is also available directly from the Department of State.