Okinawa still in TCCOR 1-E. 58-mph winds occurring. Dolphin strengthens to Category 2-equivalent typhoon. Okinawa faces typhoon-force winds and heavy rain deep into the weekend. (Photo courtesy of Joint Typhoon Warning Center)
1:20 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, Japan time: U.S. bases on Okinawa remain in the highest state of alert due to Dolphin. has strengthened into a Category 2-equivalent typhoon. Okinawa continues to face a long weekend of typhoon- or tropical storm-force winds and heavy rain. U.S. bases on island are in for a lengthy lockdown as well.
At 9 a.m. Friday, Dolphin was about 80 miles northeast of Kadena Air Base, tracking west at 17 mph, and strengthened to 100-mph sustained winds and 120-mph gusts at center..
U.S. bases on Okinawa remained in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1-E through Friday morning. Destructive winds of 50 knots (58-mph) are occurring. Non-essential personnel are directed to remain in their quarters until the all clear is issued.
If Dolphin keeps moving as forecast, Joint Typhoon Warning Center projects it to maintain Category 2-equivalent intensity as it passes about 55 miles north of Kadena at around 3 p.m. Friday. Sustained 100-mph winds and up to 120-mph gusts. From the north initially, then shifting from the south.
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