Hundreds of thousands of residents in parts of Japan are being urged to evacuate as Typhoon Ampil approaches the east coast near the capital, Tokyo. The powerful storm has caused some homes to lose power and disrupted travel on Friday.
Typhoon Ampil, currently located 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka, Greater Tokyo, has intensified into a severe storm, equivalent in strength to a Category 4 hurricane. It is generating winds up to 212 kilometers per hour (131 mph) while moving north at a speed of 18 kph (11 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
Over the past 48 hours, Ampil has rapidly strengthened due to its passage over very warm ocean waters, which have added moisture to the atmosphere and fueled the storm. The typhoon is expected to reach its peak intensity within the next 12 hours as it passes by Japan.
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Evacuation advisories have been issued to more than 178,000 households, affecting nearly 404,000 people in the cities of Mobara and Asahi near Tokyo, and Iwaki in Fukushima prefecture, regions that are expected to experience the full force of the storm by late Friday. Local authorities have particularly urged the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those living in high-risk areas to evacuate as a precaution.
In addition, a similar evacuation advisory has been issued in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, with warnings for all residents to be ready to evacuate if necessary.
As the rain and winds intensified in coastal regions by Friday afternoon, more than 2,000 households lost power, according to Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
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The typhoon has also led to widespread disruptions in transportation during Japan’s peak summer travel season. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled approximately 500 flights in total at the capital’s Haneda and Narita airports, according to reports from NHK.
Rail services have been significantly affected as well. Six lines on Japan’s extensive bullet train network have suspended operations between certain stations, warning of major delays, particularly on the key Tokaido line, which connects Tokyo with Osaka.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for parts of northern and eastern Japan, cautioning against violent winds, rough seas, heavy rain, flooding, landslides, and overflowing rivers. Residents have been advised to exercise caution and remain prepared.
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While the storm’s center is expected to remain slightly offshore as it moves northeast, the impact on Japan could vary. If the storm brushes the coast, it may bring rain and wind to several areas, including Tokyo. However, a change in direction could lead to a stronger impact if the center of the storm approaches the coast or makes landfall.
Typhoon Ampil is anticipated to weaken by Saturday morning and continue to lose strength as it moves into cooler waters over the weekend.
