Japan braces for powerful typhoon: about 500 flights canceled.

Japan cancels about 500 flights due to approaching Typhoon Ampil

In Japan, due to Typhoon Ampil, which is expected on August 16, about 500 domestic flights will be canceled. CNN reports this.

«As of Thursday morning local Time, Typhoon Ampil is already moving at a speed of 140 km/h, according to the latest report from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). This makes it the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane in the Atlantic basin», – the publication writes.

Typhoon Ampil is strengthening in the Pacific Ocean, moving north towards Japan, and the storm will bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Izu Islands and the coastal areas of the Kanto and Tohoku regions. It is likely to strengthen over the next 36 hours as the storm moves over very warm water, which means there is more moisture in the air to accelerate the typhoon.

According to CNN, airline JAL reported the cancellation of 191 flights. Another at least 280 flights were canceled by the country's second-largest carrier, ANA.

The railway company JR also does not rule out stopping the Shinkansen high-speed express on several lines running in the east and northeast of the country.

«In particular, six lines of Japan's extensive high-speed train network are suspending communication between certain stations and warn of significant delays on Friday, including the important Tokaido line, which connects Tokyo with Osaka», – writes CNN.

According to meteorologists, the typhoon will approach Japan's capital region in the morning of August 16. The wind gusts speed in the area of the tropical storm currently reaches 30-45 m/s.

«Although the typhoon is unlikely to make landfall, it is forecast that from Thursday to Saturday strong winds will be in the regions, with some areas expecting up to 200 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours. Ampil will come closest to the Kanto and Tohoku regions on Friday», – notes Japan Times.

The Japan Meteorological Agency also urged residents of these areas to remain on high alert for strong winds, high waves, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rain.