Typhoon Ampil, now situated off the Pacific coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, has developed into a very strong storm. It is likely to approach the country’s eastern region of Kanto on Friday and the northeastern region of Tohoku on Saturday. Kanto includes Tokyo.
Bands of heavy rain clouds could form over Kanto, the Izu Islands and Yamanashi Prefecture sometime between Thursday night and Friday, sharply raising the risk of disasters.
People in the storm’s path should stay in safe places and remain on high alert for violent winds, high waves and mudslides. They should also prepare for the typhoon before rough weather hits their areas.
Meteorological agency officials estimate that as of 1 a.m. on Friday, Typhoon Ampil was located 140 kilometers southeast of Hachijojima Island in the Pacific Ocean.
They say the storm is believed to be moving north at 20 kilometers per hour. They say Ampil is forecast to stay on its northward course while gaining strength.
The officials say the typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 162 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of 216 kilometers per hour.
Winds powerful enough to knock down some homes could pound the Izu Islands through Friday dawn. Fierce winds are also expected to blow over waters off Kanto and the Pacific side of Tohoku from Friday through Saturday.
Sustained winds could reach 144 kilometers per hour on the Izu Islands and over waters off Kanto through Friday, and 108 kilometers per hour in Kanto and over waters off Tohoku.
Gusts could reach 216 kilometers per hour on the Izu Islands and over waters off Kanto through Friday, and 162 kilometers per hour in Kanto and over waters off Tohoku.
Rain is expected to intensify in the Izu Islands, Kanto, Tohoku and the central region of Tokai before the typhoon approaches the areas. People in those regions should brace for downpours and lightning.
Bands of torrential rain clouds could develop over central Tokyo as well as the capital’s Tama area and Izu Islands on Friday, greatly increasing the risk of disasters.
Such clouds could also emerge over the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and Yamanashi.
Total rainfall expected for the 24-hour period through Friday evening could be 300 millimeters in southern Kanto and the Izu Islands, 250 millimeters in northern Kanto and the central region of Koshin, and 200 millimeters in Tokai.
Localized rainfall could exceed the forecasts if bands of heavy rain clouds appear.
Meteorological agency officials are warning of violent winds and mudslides, as well as high tides, flooding and swollen and overflowing rivers.
People should check the latest weather and transport information and stay in safe places, such as sturdy buildings.