Typhoon Faxai targets Tokyo, over 110,000 ordered to evacuate

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

Powerful wind gusts and significant rainfall up to 300 mm could occur

The powerful Typhoon Faxai made landfall in Chiba, Japan which is approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Tokyo. When the typhoon was offshore on Sunday evening it had sustained winds of 178 km/h, which is equivalent to a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.

When Faxai made landfall wind gusts reached 207 km/h, which is the strongest gust that has ever been recorded in Chiba. Powerful wind gusts and significant rainfall up to 300 mm could occur throughout Monday and have the potential to cause significant damage.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says that "winds and rains could pick up suddenly, causing severe storms at sea, and there is a risk of record-breaking winds in the capital and other regions."

FAXAIIII

The agency states that maximum estimated wind speeds near the center of the typhoon are expected to be near 148 km/h. Although these winds might not impact areas directly, uprooted trees and broken windows could occur. There is also the warning of the potential for landslides, flash flooding, and swollen rivers.

Japan Times has reported that while there have not yet been any immediate reports of injuries from the worsening conditions as the typhoon approaches, eight surfers had to be rescued by helicopter due to high waves off Shizuoka Prefecture after they were swept out to sea.

The typhoon is set to track through the Tokyo region during the early hours of Monday and authorities have issued non-compulsory evacuation warnings to over 110,000 people.

Content continues below

The Central Japan Railway company has announced that it will cancel or suspend around 50 bullet train services between Tokyo and Osaka and several Japan Airlines flights across the region have been cancelled.

With files from Reuters.

WATCH BELOW: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TYPHOON, A CYCLONE AND A HURRICANE?