Title: Typhoon Lan Approaching Japan, Disrupting Travel Plans and Prompting Safety Warnings
Typhoon Lan, a powerful storm, is rapidly approaching the Kii Peninsula in western Japan and is expected to hit the region on Tuesday. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued alerts for heavy rain and warns of potential cancellations of trains and flights during the Bon summer holidays.
As a precautionary measure, Central Japan Railway Co. has announced a complete suspension of its Tokaido Shinkansen services between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations on Tuesday. However, there will be reduced services available between Tokyo and Nagoya stations. West Japan Railway Co. is also considering canceling its Sanyo Shinkansen services connecting Shin-Osaka and Okayama stations on the same day.
Japan Airlines Co. has taken necessary measures by canceling 240 flights, primarily those operating to and from Itami airport, thus affecting around 24,800 passengers. Additionally, 19 flights scheduled for Monday have also been canceled.
According to the latest meteorological updates, Typhoon Lan is currently located south-southwest of Hachijo Island, packing an atmospheric pressure of 965 hectopascals and wind speeds of up to 198 km per hour.
Residents are being urged to remain cautious as the weather agency anticipates heavy downpours across western to eastern Japan, posing threats of mudslides and rivers overflowing their banks. The Kinki region, including Osaka, and the Tokai region surrounding Nagoya could experience rainfall exceeding the usual monthly total for August.
After crossing the Japanese mainland, the typhoon is projected to head northward through the Sea of Japan, potentially impacting Hokkaido in northern Japan by Thursday.
Widespread rain, ranging from 400-600 millimeters in the Tokai region to 300-400 mm in the Kinki region, is expected within a 24-hour period starting Monday evening.
Amidst the approaching typhoon, holidaymakers have begun rushing back home, with some opting to cut short their Bon holidays. This year’s summer break has marked the return of travel since COVID-19 was downgraded to the same category as seasonal flu.
Authorities and local communities are heightening preparedness measures, including evacuations and reinforcing infrastructure, to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate the potential damage caused by Typhoon Lan.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”