Japan halted hundreds of flights and urged nearly 10,000 households to evacuate in certain areas close to Tokyo on Friday, as a potent typhoon led to power outages during a significant summer holiday period. Typhoon Ampil, classified as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), was located off the Pacific coast of Japan's main island at 8.50am (2350 GMT Thursday). The agency identifies two stronger categories - "very strong" and "violent". The typhoon is anticipated to move towards the eastern Kanto region, including the capital, on Friday afternoon. Ampil boasts wind speeds of 45 metres per second with peak gusts reaching 60 metres per second (216 kph/134 mph), according to the JMA.
"The Kanto region is forecast to endure intense winds capable of causing harm from airborne debris or even flipping moving trucks," the JMA cautioned on its website. Mobara City in Chiba Prefecture issued an evacuation order for approximately 18,500 residents, while numerous other cities established special evacuation centers and recommended voluntary evacuation. Over 2,000 households in the Kanto area experienced blackouts in the morning before power was restored in some regions, according to Tokyo Electric Power. ANA Holdings announced the cancellation of 281 domestic flights and 54 international flights scheduled for Friday, impacting nearly 70,000 passengers. Japan Airlines also plans to cancel 281 domestic and 38 international flights, affecting about 50,000 passengers. All high-speed "Shinkansen" bullet train services between Tokyo and Japan's industrial hub of Nagoya are likewise cancelled.
