The outer bands of what has been a Category 5 Super Typhoon Hagibis are beginning to reach the Suzuka circuit where this weekend’s 2019 Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled to be held. The storm has weakened to a Category 4 level but remains a powerful Western Pacific Ocean tropical cyclone.
Hagibis was still 700 miles south of Tokyo as of Thursday, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center and despite its reduction to a Category 4 level storm, is still packing 130 mph wind speeds.
Hagibis is expected to make a curving turn toward Tokyo tomorrow and how much of a turn it makes will likely determine how much Suzuka will get hit by Hagibis as it moves over the southern portion of Japan’s largest main island, Honshu.
Additionally, if Hagibis makes landfall over southern Honshu, a heavy storm surge is expected and would likely be highest to the east of the center along coastal areas facing the Pacific Ocean and in smaller bays opening to the south.
Regardless of the exact location of Hagibis’ landfall, heavy rain is expected to trigger flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in higher elevations.
FiA – Formula One’s governing body – has indicated that they are “closely monitoring” the situation and tomorrow are expected to make an announcement based on the forecast regarding qualifying and the race.