Typhoon Shanshan is moving very close to the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The maximum gust speed is forecast to reach 252 kilometers per hour in the region–strong enough to bring down houses.
Bands of heavy rain clouds are expected to develop over Kagoshima and the neighboring prefecture of Miyazaki through Wednesday night. This could suddenly increase the risk of a disaster.
Localized heavy rain is also hitting western and eastern parts of Japan, although the typhoon is still distant from the areas.
Weather officials are urging caution against violent winds, high waves, rough seas, as well as landslides and flooding of rivers.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says the very strong typhoon is moving slowly north-northwest over waters off the city of Amami at 5 a.m. on Wednesday.
The maximum gust speed on Kikaijima Island in the Amami region reached nearly 110 kilometers per hour at around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Rain is intensifying in the Tokai region in central Japan as warm, moist air is flowing in.
The city of Omaezaki in Shizuoka Prefecture had rainfall of 40.5 millimeters during the hour through 4 a.m.
The city of Shinshiro in Aichi Prefecture had a rainfall of 304.5 millimeters during the 48 hours through 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday. That’s the most for August in the city since record-keeping began in 2003.
Shanshan is expected to come close to the Kyushu region, while further picking up strength, through Thursday.
During the 24 hours through Wednesday night, rainfall could reach up to 400 millimeters in these areas, 250 millimeters in northern Kyushu and Shikoku, and 200 millimeters in Tokai.