Super Typhoon Lan approaching Japan

Super Typhoon Lan satellite image

Super Typhoon Lan satellite image

Super Typhoon Lan at 1200 UTC 21 October was center about 307 NM east-southeast of Kadena Air Force Base on Okinawa, Japan and was moving N-NE at 16 knots with max winds up to 130 knots.  Lan has a large 45 NM wide eye and hurricane force winds currently extend outward up to 95 NM while 50 knot or higher winds extend outward up to 180 NM.

Wind Field Super Typhoon Lan

Wind Field Super Typhoon Lan

Although sea surface temperatures are high, Lan is moving into an area with substantially lower total heat content and increasing wind shear so max winds are expected to weaken to  100 knots, possibly less as it approaches the east coast of Honshu 22nd 1800-2100 UTC.

JTWC track forecast for Super Typhoon Lan

JTWC track forecast for Super Typhoon Lan

About Fred Pickhardt

I am a marine meteorologist and sailed briefly with American Export Lines in the Far East trade after graduating from State University of New York Maritime College. I have extensive experience in weather analysis, weather forecasting, optimum ship routing, vessel performance evaluations and forensic weather event reconstructions. I founded Ocean Weather Services and as Owner and Chief Consultant currently provide optimum ship routing services and forensic marine weather reports to the maritime industry.
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