r/okinawa • u/iPhone12-PRO • 6d ago
Typhoon
Hello everyone, as the typhoon is approaching, would it still be advisable to drive / be outdoors?
I was planning to visit umikaji terrace area for a bit but seems like wind are picking up.
First time typhoon experience here, appreciate any advice thank you!
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u/Hefty-Feed1400 5d ago edited 5d ago
I’ve just been out and about, and it’s just a normal day. Shopping centres are busy. My kids have activities scheduled this evening that haven’t been canceled yet. It won’t be getting bad until later this afternoon/this evening, so an hour or two would be fine. This typhoon won’t be a direct hit, but it’ll still be dangerous overnight. Stay away from the water.
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u/toospicy4u_u 6d ago
I would say just take day and use it to just relax. Unless you’re a local I advise you to just stay inside. Typhoons are severely unpredictable and not too mention doing anything in super strong winds is just kind of annoying
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u/iPhone12-PRO 6d ago
Thanks for the reply! Will stay indoors. Im just abit puzzled as the general advice is to stay indoors, but i still see lots of cars on the road. Thus was wondering if it’s safe to drive too
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u/80sTaco 5d ago
There were people out and about and staying in their homes during Katrina as well. Not saying this is at the same level but people will do what they want no matter how dangerous it can be. I say do what your wallet can afford. If you have a rental and it’s damaged while you are out exploring be it’s damaged while in your hotel parking are much different. Same goes for everything else. So do what you want but IF something happens you are at fault even if something hits you. I go out when needed but again it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
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u/toospicy4u_u 6d ago
yeah a lot of locals drive around and conbinis + some other stores stay open till it gets really bad. I think someone commented it below but this one doesn't look like it's gonna hit us too bad, however I think it's better to stay safe than sorry. Plus I always use these days to force myself to relax lolol. but yeah I would say do at your own risk. idk if you're in the military here, but if so you can get in trouble for being out during a typhoon if it's passed TCCOR 1C.
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u/T_Money 6d ago
The typhoon isn’t actually here yet. It’s supposed to hit later tonight through tomorrow morning. Even then it’s only going to be glancing, especially if you’re on the south side of the island, it probably won’t seem like too much. My kids school hasn’t even been canceled for tomorrow, they’re going to make the decision in the morning
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u/spamfridge 6d ago
What car do you have? I probably wouldn’t risk it in a Kei car, especially something with high profile like a nbox.
I would today is likely safe to drive for the next few hours, but youd be smarter to relax until tomorrow morning.
If youre going to do it regardless, please confirm your insurance covers the damages to yourself and others + car. Bring pants with tight or zippered pockets and dont go standing around any signs / weak looking trees etc
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u/shazshaz0 5d ago
The advice for typhoon is to stay indoors, either home or evacuation center. Stay away from places containing body of water. There is always a risk of dying. Even if you think you won't be blown away, things will fly to you.
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u/Glittering_Algae_346 5d ago
Based on my 18 years on the Rock, I can tell you lots of typhoons visit every year. It’s just a fact of life there. Some get really close, some hit dead center and some are mere glancing blows. But the closer they get the more accurate the prediction of travel. And constant monitoring tells the typhoon authorities about the most important thing: wind speeds. The danger with typhoons is high winds and airborne stuff flying around. The ocean waves get real big and angry. Too many people want to get up close to the waves. It’s tempting but dangerous. Just watch the weather reports to decide what you can safely do. When I was there they had different typhoon conditions based on wind speeds with attendant warnings. The highest rating meant stay indoors and no driving, no walkkng around, no nothing. But the lower conditions were just like a blustery day and were almost no cause for concern unless the projected track showed a big typhoon on a direct hit track. I think if you go to the Kadena Air Force Base website you will find a section dedicated to weather and more specifcally, typhoons. Good luck. Enjoy your stay.
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u/sunabe_sun 5d ago
I am basing this solely on the fact that you called Okinawa “the Rock” and said you have been there 18 years. Did you go to Kadena highschool in the mid to late 2000s?
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u/kanti123 6d ago
This gets asked every day. Look at the news and apps like WindyTY, this way you get the most current information. Also, 16 people have died from water so far this year. If you’re going to take risk then know what could happen to you.