Tropical Storm Jangmi, downgraded from a typhoon, is forecast to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of the country from Tuesday through Wednesday. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the storm was located about 40 kilometers west-southwest of Yakushima Island as of 11:45 a.m. Tuesday. NHK reports that it has already caused injuries to more than 10 people and damaged parts of Okinawa.
Thousands Without Power Due to Tropical Storm Jangmi
The injuries resulted from objects blown into vehicles by Tropical Storm Jangmi and from strong winds that knocked people off balance. On Tuesday morning, approximately 17,000 homes in Okinawa and more than 30,000 households in southwestern Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture were without power. Japan’s two largest airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), have canceled a combined 600 flights scheduled between Monday and Wednesday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara warned that public transportation in Tokyo and surrounding areas could face disruptions on Wednesday as the storm approaches. “For those of you living in areas likely to be affected by the storm, please pay close attention to evacuation information issued by your municipalities, and heed early evacuation warnings,” Kihara said at a press conference on Tuesday. “Please remain vigilant and take action to protect your life,” he added.
Storm Could Cause Shinkansen Delays or Cancelations
Japan railway companies have warned that the severe tropical storm could disrupt Shinkansen operations from Tuesday night. Although the Sanyo Shinkansen and Kyushu Shinkansen lines are currently scheduled to operate as usual, operators have said services may be delayed or canceled depending on weather conditions. Travelers are urged to monitor the latest operational updates and check information related to their itineraries before departure.
