Japanese railways and airlines are taking precautionary measures as Typhoon Ampil intensifies in the western Pacific, with the storm set to impact the region during the peak summer travel season.
As of early Thursday local time, Typhoon Ampil was clocking sustained winds of 140 kph (85 mph), categorizing it as a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic basin, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).
The storm is expected to further intensify over the next 36 hours due to warm water conditions, which provide ample moisture to fuel the typhoon. By Friday evening, as it approaches Japan southeast of Tokyo, it could escalate to the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane, as per forecasts.
Major airlines, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon Airways, have collectively canceled around 500 flights serving Haneda and Narita airports in the capital, in anticipation of the storm's impact.
Rail travel has also been disrupted, with six lines on Japan's bullet train network suspending services between certain stations and warning of significant delays on Friday. The Tokaido line, crucial for connecting Tokyo with Osaka, is among those affected.
Japan's meteorology officials have cautioned that northern and eastern parts of the country may experience violent winds, rough seas, heavy rain, flooding, landslides, and overflowing rivers. They have advised the public to exercise caution and remain prepared.
The storm's center is projected to remain slightly offshore as it veers northeast and moves away from Japan, according to resources and Japan's Meteorological Agency. Should it maintain this trajectory and only graze the coast, its impact on Japan might be limited to rain and wind, particularly in areas like Tokyo.
However, a more substantial impact could occur if the storm alters its course to approach the coast directly or makes landfall.
Typhoon Ampil is anticipated to weaken by Saturday morning local time as it enters cooler waters over the weekend, diminishing its intensity.
