Evacuation orders have been issued for thousands of residents in various regions of Japan as Typhoon Ampil nears the coastline close to the capital city of Tokyo, according to ANI.
The report also indicated that several homes in the affected areas have experienced power outages, as cited by CNN. Typhoon Ampil has swiftly increased in intensity over the last 48 hours, drawing additional moisture from the warmer ocean waters, as highlighted in the CNN report. It is anticipated that the typhoon will continue to strengthen over the next 12 hours, potentially reaching its peak intensity as it approaches Japan.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has reported that the storm, situated 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka in Greater Tokyo, has escalated to a strength comparable to a Category 4 hurricane. The JTWC has recorded wind speeds reaching 212 kilometers per hour (131 mph) as the typhoon progresses northward at a rate of 18 kph (11 mph). Meteorological authorities are cautioning about severe weather conditions anticipated in northern and eastern Japan, which may include strong winds, turbulent seas, heavy rainfall, and the risk of flooding and landslides. The public has been advised to take appropriate precautions and remain vigilant in preparation for the storm’s effects.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency indicates that the storm’s center is likely to remain just offshore as it shifts toward the northeast and moves away from Japan. Should it remain offshore and merely skim the coastline, its impact on Japan may be minimal, resulting in rain and wind in certain areas, including Tokyo. Conversely, a change in direction that brings the center closer to the coast or leads to landfall could result in significantly stronger effects.
Preparations are underway by authorities, including evacuation notices issued to nearly 17,000 residences in the coastal city of Isumi, according to reports from Japan’s national broadcaster NHK. Similar advisories have also been extended to residents in Yokohama, located south of Tokyo.
As of this morning, August 16, over a thousand households experienced power outages as rain and wind intensified in coastal regions, as reported by the electricity provider TEPCO. Typhoon Ampil is anticipated to impact Japan later today (August 16), bringing with it strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Consequently, rail and airline services have been suspended despite the peak summer travel season. Additionally, several highways may experience partial closures, as reported by AP.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, the principal airlines in Japan, have reported the cancellation of approximately 500 flights at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, according to NHK.
Additional disruptions have also been noted at Kansai, Osaka, and Chubu airports. In total, these cancellations are expected to impact around 90,000 passengers, as reported by AP, referencing Japanese media sources.
Furthermore, six bullet train lines have either suspended operations or issued warnings regarding significant delays, including the Tokaido line that connects Tokyo and Osaka, as reported by ANI.
The Central Japan Railway announced that Shinkansen services between Tokyo and Nagoya were halted today, with additional suspensions or adjustments to slower schedules for bullet trains in northeastern Japan. AP also noted that Tokyo Disneyland closed early at 3 PM, a departure from its usual 9 PM closing time, due to the approaching typhoon.
Additionally, Yamato Transport, responsible for deliveries in Japan, including those for Amazon, announced that no deliveries would be made in Tokyo and the surrounding affected areas today and tomorrow (August 16-17). The storm is anticipated to weaken by Saturday morning (August 17) as it moves into cooler waters over the weekend.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid rivers and beaches and to remain cautious of strong winds that could cause objects to become airborne.
