Typhoon Ampil Forces Mass Evacuations in Japan as Category 4 Storm Approaches

Residents in parts of Japan are ordered to evacuate as Typhoon Ampil, a Category 4 storm, nears Tokyo. The storm is bringing powerful winds and heavy rain, disrupting transportation and causing power outages.

Residents in parts of Japan have been ordered to evacuate as Typhoon Ampil, a Category 4 storm, approaches the coast near Tokyo, CNN reported. The storm, located 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka, Greater Tokyo, has intensified to bring winds up to 212 kilometers per hour as it moves north at 18 kilometers per hour.

Typhoon Ampil has rapidly gained strength in the past two days partly due to its movement over very warm water, which adds more moisture to fuel the typhoon, as per CNN. The storm is expected to continue intensifying in the next 12 hours, possibly peaking as it passes near Japan.

Authorities in the coastal city of Isumi have issued evacuation notices to nearly 17,000 households, particularly urging vulnerable residents such as the elderly and those with disabilities to seek safety. Similar notices have been issued in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, where authorities are warning all residents to be prepared for evacuation. By Friday morning, more than a thousand households lost power in coastal areas, according to electricity company TEPCO.

Railways and airlines are also cancelling services on Friday during the peak summer travel season. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have cancelled around 500 flights in total serving Haneda and Narita airports. The rail network is also facing disruptions, with six bullet train lines suspending services or warning of significant delays, including the Tokaido line, a major route between Tokyo and Osaka. Meteorology officials are warning of severe weather, including strong winds, rough seas, heavy rain, and potential flooding and landslides in northern and eastern Japan.

Authorities urge the public to take necessary precautions and stay prepared for the storm's impact. Japan's Meteorological Agency states the storm's center is expected to remain slightly offshore as it turns northeast away from Japan. If it stays offshore, the impact might be light, bringing rain and wind to some areas including Tokyo. However, a change in direction could bring stronger effects or even a potential landfall.

The storm is expected to weaken by Saturday morning and die down as it moves into cooler waters over the weekend.

(With inputs from agencies.)