Neoguri becomes 2014’s first super typhoon

World Today

Neoguri has strengthened into the first super typhoon of 2014 and poses a serious threat to lives and property in Japan.

Neoguri intensified into super typhoon strength with maximum sustained winds of 240 kph (150 mph) and life-threatening consequences early Monday morning local time (Sunday afternoon EDT).
Further strengthening will occur through Monday as the super typhoon progresses through an area of very warm water and low wind shear (strong winds above the surface that can shred tropical systems apart).
Residents and visitors in the path of this intensifying and dangerous super typhoon should use the time now to make the necessary preparations and heed all evacuation orders.

Meteorologists expect Neoguri to still be a super typhoon when it crosses the gap between the Ryukyu Islands of Miyako Jima and Okinawa on Monday night (local time).