Quick update on Typhoon USAGI. It appears the cyclone has reached it's maximum intensity of 120 Kts. (140 mph), or of Catagory 4 strength, and has fully matured. The satellite presentation is quite dramatic. The once large, cloud-filled eye has totally cleared out and contracted smaller, a sign of rapid strengthening.

You may follow along on the Navel Research Labs' great Tropical Cyclone website at:

http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/tc-bin/tc_hom.../track_vis/dmsp

... for the latest track info and a huge selection of still and animated satellite imagery, for those not yet familiar with this great site.

The track has been shifted slightly to the right and it now looks like it will make landfall *just* to the left of the channel *between* the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, for those of you familiar with the layout of the islands.

Please view the provided *attachment* for an excellent view of Japan from the space shuttle, with the major islands labeled and the track of Usegi shown clearly in red.

As this 'Cat 4' typhoon approaches these islands, it's most dangerous part, the infamous 'right-front quadrant' with its' 120 Kt. winds, will be generating a tremendous storm surge into the numerous bays and waterways that are just to the north of Shikoku Island.

A quick view of the attached photo and you will realize what a huge problem this will create for this area.

A Katrina-like storm surge will surely ensue in some areas if Usagi stays on it's projected path (recurving red arrow) and its' potent right-front quad traverses the channel (Blue letter 'C' in the photo) between Kyushu and Shikoku, pushing a huge surge into the inland waterways and bays and onto the coastlines.

I'm sure you'll hear a lot more about Usagi and its' destruction and misery inflicted on Japan in the international news in the coming days, before all is said and done. This will be significant, even for Japan, a country very well prepared for the destructive effects of major typhoons.

As an aside, after doing a little research using NRL's amazing website and other sources, I've confirmed what I had suspected in my last post.

Typhoon Usegi is, indeed, the Regenerated Hurricane Cosme remnant circulation, after it crossed over the dateline and into much warmer waters and reduced shear, which were factors in it's earlier demise as it approached and passed south of the Hawaiian Islands 10 or so days ago. Very Interesting. I've seen this happen more than a few times over the years. And sometimes waves originating off the coast of Africa make it all the way into the Eastern or even the Central Pacific before cyclogenesis occurs. The various basins are more connected than you might think. Food for thought.

More on Usegi later. Be sure to check Google News (or whatever) for the latest scoop on what is likely to be a *very nasty* typhoon for southern Japan !!