Commissary shoppers stock up on food and supplies ahead of Typhoon Dolphin, Aug. 4, 2026, at Camp Foster, Okinawa. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — U.S. military installations across the island entered their highest storm-alert level Thursday as Typhoon Dolphin approached with the potential to bring prolonged destructive winds, flooding and power outages.
The bases reached Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness 1 at 7 a.m., meaning sustained winds of at least 58 mph were expected within 12 hours. Personnel stocked up on supplies, placed sandbags outside buildings and moved aircraft away from the storm’s path.
Dolphin was forecast to pass about 40 miles north of Kadena Air Base around 3 p.m. Friday, either as the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane or a weakened tropical storm, with sustained winds potentially reaching 90 mph.
Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Abraham Mylokinski prepares sandbags ahead of Typhoon Dolphin, Aug. 6, 2026, at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)
Marine Corps Installations Pacific warned Thursday via Facebook that the storm’s unusual track posed a significant flooding threat, particularly in low-lying areas, and urged personnel to prepare for severe weather and extended power outages.
The storm’s broad wind field could leave Okinawa under TCCOR 1-E (emergency) longer than during earlier storms this season. That means destructive winds of at least 58 mph are occurring and outdoor activity is prohibited except for lifesaving measures.
At Camp Foster, the commissary was crowded throughout the week as customers bought food, water and emergency supplies. Grocery stores outside the installation were also busy.
Sandbags were stocked outside facilities and positioned at building entrances on Foster and Kadena. Customers continued shopping Thursday morning at Kadena’s commissary while residents filled sandbags at a housing-area distribution point.
The Navy moved aircraft assigned to Okinawa ahead of the typhoon.
“The safety of our Sailors, civilian personnel, their families, and our ships and aircraft are our top priority,” Fleet Activities Okinawa spokeswoman Kristen Wong said by email Thursday.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled some flights to and from Naha Airport on Thursday. Both carriers canceled Friday flights as the storm approached.
Okinawa has already experienced several tropical systems this year, including Typhoon Bavi last month and Tropical Storm Mekkhala and Typhoon Jangmi in June. Jangmi was the first major storm to affect the island in three years.
AloJapan.com