Japan is bracing for what could be the most powerful typhoon to strike its main islands in over six decades. Typhoon Shanshan, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, is forecasted to make landfall next Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h). Some models suggest it may intensify further to Category 5 strength upon landfall.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued warnings as the storm approaches, predicting its path toward the western and eastern regions of the country between Tuesday and Wednesday. As a precaution, shinkansen bullet train operators are already considering suspending services in many areas.
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Currently situated near the Ogasawara Islands, south of Tokyo, Shanshan is advancing northward at a speed of 25 km/h. High sea temperatures are expected to bolster the storm’s intensity as it nears the Japanese Pacific coast, although the exact trajectory remains uncertain.
The JMA has also warned of potential lightning, gusts, hail, and torrential rain over the weekend, as warm air from the edge of a high-pressure system creates unstable weather conditions. Recent heavy rains have already caused flooding and disrupted train services in Tokyo and its surrounding areas.
In anticipation of Shanshan’s arrival, operators have indicated that services on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines may be suspended or canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday. This follows similar disruptions last week when Typhoon Ampil passed close to eastern Japan, leading to widespread suspensions of bullet train services, including a full-day halt on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line between Tokyo and Nagoya on August 16, which significantly impacted summer holiday travel.
Additionally, around 650 flights at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports were canceled during Typhoon Ampil’s passage, a scenario that could potentially be repeated with Shanshan. The JMA and local authorities are urging residents and travelers to stay alert and prepare for severe weather conditions.
Key Points
Typhoon Shanshan: A powerful typhoon, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, is forecasted to hit Japan next Tuesday, potentially becoming the strongest in 64 years.
Wind Speeds: The storm may reach maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (225 km/h) and could intensify to Category 5 strength at landfall.
Impact Area: The typhoon is expected to approach western and eastern Japan between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Train Services: Shinkansen bullet train services may be suspended or canceled in many areas as a precaution.
Current Location: As of Saturday morning, the typhoon was near the Ogasawara Islands, south of Tokyo, moving northward.
Weather Warnings: The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for lightning, gusts, hail, and torrential rain over the weekend ahead of the typhoon’s arrival.
Recent Disruptions: Similar disruptions occurred last week due to Typhoon Ampil, including widespread suspensions of bullet train services and the cancellation of 650 flights at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports.
