Tokyo prepares for Typhoon Ampil with evacuations and flight cancellations. Reuters
As Typhoon Ampil approaches Japan, residents are being urged to evacuate from affected areas, and some are already facing power outages. The typhoon, currently situated about 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka near Greater Tokyo, has grown into a powerful storm equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane. With winds reaching up to 212 kilometres per hour (131 mph), the storm is moving northward at 18 kilometres per hour (11 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
The storm's rapid intensification over the past few days is due to its passage over very warm waters, which has increased the moisture in the air and fueled its growth. Ampil could become even stronger in the next 12 hours as it nears Japan, reaching its peak intensity as it approaches the country.
In anticipation of the typhoon’s impact, officials in Isumi, a coastal city expected to be heavily affected, have issued evacuation orders for nearly 17,000 households. The focus is on helping the elderly and those with disabilities evacuate safely. Similar warnings have been issued for Yokohama, south of Tokyo, where all residents are advised to be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Powerful Typhoon Ampil triggers storm alerts as it approaches eastern Japan. The Japan Times
By Friday morning, as the storm’s rain and wind began to impact coastal regions, over a thousand homes lost power, as reported by TEPCO, the electricity provider. The situation has led to widespread disruptions in transportation. Major airlines, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, have cancelled around 500 flights serving Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports. Additionally, Japan’s extensive bullet train network is experiencing service suspensions and delays, particularly on the Tokaido line, which connects Tokyo with Osaka.
Meteorologists have warned that northern and eastern parts of Japan could experience severe conditions, including strong winds, rough seas, heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and overflowing rivers. The public is advised to stay alert and be prepared for potentially dangerous weather.
The typhoon’s path is expected to keep it slightly offshore as it moves northeast, possibly reducing its impact on Japan. However, if the storm shifts closer to the coast or makes landfall, the effects could be more severe, bringing substantial rain and wind to areas including Tokyo. The storm is forecasted to weaken by Saturday morning as it moves into cooler waters over the weekend.
