Japanese transport companies are cancelling trips as Typhoon Ampil intensifies in the western Pacific, expected to make landfall on Friday and threatening to disrupt travel plans during the peak summer season, CNN reports, citing Japanese media.
As of early Thursday local time, Typhoon Ampil was recording sustained winds of 140 kph (85 mph), according to the latest advisory from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). That makes it the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic basin.
And it’s likely to strengthen further in the next 36 hours, since the storm is moving over very warm water – meaning more moisture in the air to fuel the typhoon. By Friday evening, as it nears Japan southeast of Tokyo, it could become the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, according to a JTWC forecast.
Two major airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, canceled about 500 flights in total serving the capital’s Haneda and Narita airports, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Rail travel has been disrupted too. Six lines on Japan’s extensive bullet train network are suspending services between certain stations and warning of major delays on Friday – including the important Tokaido line that connects Tokyo with Osaka.
Japan’s meteorology officials have warned that some parts of northern and eastern Japan may see violent winds, rough seas, heavy rain, flooding, landslides and overflowing rivers, according to NHK. They urged the public to exercise caution and stay prepared.
While Typhoon Ampil is forecast to remain slightly offshore as it turns northeastward, bringing rain and wind to areas including Tokyo, its impact on Japan remains uncertain.
The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and Japan’s Meteorological Agency predict the storm will stay offshore, potentially causing only light disruption. However, if the storm’s trajectory shifts, bringing the center closer to the coast or making landfall, a stronger impact is possible. The storm is expected to weaken by Saturday morning local time and dissipate over the weekend as it moves into cooler waters.
