Super typhoon Ioke heads to Wake Island
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Super typhoon Ioke heads to Wake Island*
30 Aug 2006 05:54:00 GMT
Source: Tropical Storm Risk
Mark Saunders
Super typhoon Ioke is forecast to strike Wake Island at about 08:00 GMT
on 31 August. Data supplied by the US Navy and Air Force Joint Typhoon
Warning Center suggest that the point of landfall will be near 19.0 N,
167.0 E. Ioke is expected to bring 1-minute maximum sustained winds to
the region of around 259 km/h (161 mph). Wind gusts in the area may be
considerably higher.
According to the Saffir-Simpson damage scale the potential property
damage and flooding from a storm of Ioke's strength (category 5) at
landfall includes:
* Storm surge generally greater than 5.5 metres (18 feet) above normal.
* Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings.
* Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown
over or away.
* All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down.
* Complete destruction of mobile homes.
* Severe and extensive window and door damage.
* Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before
arrival of the centre of the storm.
* Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than
4.6 metres (15 feet) above sea level and within 460 metres (500 yards)
of the shoreline.
* Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 8-16
km miles (5-10 miles) of the shoreline may be required.
There is also the potential for flooding further inland due to heavy rain.
The information above is provided for guidance only and should not be
used to make life or death decisions or decisions relating to property.
Anyone in the region who is concerned for their personal safety or
property should contact their official national weather agency or
warning centre for advice.
This alert is provided by Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) which is sponsored
by Benfield, Royal & SunAlliance, Crawford & Company and University
College London (UCL). TSR acknowledges the support of the UK Met Office.