Tropical Storm Etau (2015)
Severe Tropical Storm Etau caused extensive and destructive flooding across eastern Japan during early September 2015. Originating from a tropical disturbance near Guam on September 2, Etau was first classified a tropical depression on September 5. Tracking generally north, the cyclone gradually intensified and reached its peak strength with winds of 95 km/h (60 mph) on September 8. The following day, Etau made landfall in Honshu, Japan. It subsequently transitioned into an extratropical cyclone later that day over the Sea of Japan.
Etau approaching Japan on September 8 | |
| Meteorological history | |
|---|---|
| Formed | September 6, 2015 |
| Extratropical | September 9, 2015 |
| Dissipated | September 11, 2015 |
| Severe tropical storm | |
| 10-minute sustained (JMA) | |
| Highest winds | 95 km/h (60 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 985 hPa (mbar); 29.09 inHg |
| Tropical storm | |
| 1-minute sustained (SSHWS/JTWC) | |
| Highest winds | 110 km/h (70 mph) |
| Lowest pressure | 978 hPa (mbar); 28.88 inHg |
| Overall effects | |
| Fatalities | 8 confirmed |
| Damage | $2.44 billion |
| Areas affected | Japan (particularly eastern Honshu), Russian Far East |
| IBTrACS | |
Part of the 2015 Pacific typhoon season | |
Record-breaking rains fell across Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, triggering destructive floods. Evacuation orders were issued to approximately 2.8 million people. Levee breaches took place along multiple rivers, most notably the Kinugawa which subsequently inundated the city of Jōsō. Eight people were killed across eastern Japan and total damage amounted to ¥294 billion (US$2.44 billion).