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The Izu Islands have endured another powerful blow as Typhoon Nakri swept through the region on Monday, following in the footsteps of Typhoon Halong, which struck seven days prior.

Initial Consequences on the Island of Hachijojima

Local authorities on Hachijojima noted interruptions and destruction to approximately 220 residences after the typhoon brought 37mm (1.5in) of rain in one hour and gusts of up to 95mph (152km/h). Airport operations were disrupted, public facilities harmed, and heavy rainfall triggered landslides across the island chain. The storm also produced waves as high as 9 meters, leading to hazardous shoreline situations. Off the Pacific coast in Oiso, in Kanagawa prefecture, three fishermen were carried off by waves, one of whom has been confirmed dead.

The Evolution of Nakri

The storm has since shifted into an extratropical cyclone, weakening as it moved eastwards over chilled northern Pacific seas, with wind speeds dropping to about 65mph as of Thursday. Moving along the air current, its remnants are on track to reach the Canadian province of British Columbia, delivering intense precipitation, powerful gusts, and coastal flooding.

Recalling Halong's Fury

Seven days before, Halong had unleashed more than 200mm of rain in three hours, as maximum sustained winds reached 122mph. By the late morning of the previous Thursday, precipitation levels climbed to 349mm, breaking the daily rainfall record. The typhoon’s remnants then crossed the north Pacific and arrived in Alaska on Sunday, causing an unprecedented 2-meter coastal surge.

Significant Harm in Alaska

The seaside communities Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were the most affected. A single fatality occurred, houses were ruined, and about 1,500 residents were forced into shelters. The state underwent one of the largest airlifts in its history to relocate affected individuals. Halong remains among the strongest cyclones the region has experienced. Its rapid intensification was fuelled by unusually warm north Pacific waters, which provided extra heat and moisture.

Double Trouble in Mexico

At the same time, the nation faced two consecutive hits last week as the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla and Tropical Storm Raymond combined, dumping about 609mm of rain in four days across central and eastern regions. Steered by a dip in the jet stream, the two weather events struck the same zone one after another. The initial heavy rains from Priscilla made the soil waterlogged, worsening floods as Raymond approached. More than 300 communities were affected by landslides and overflowing rivers. By Wednesday, 66 fatalities were verified and 75 individuals are still unaccounted for. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing, with stagnant floodwaters raising health concerns in remote zones.