A powerful and large typhoon is moving northward and will likely reach Okinawa Prefecture around Wednesday, prompting the weather agency to warn of strong winds and storm tides in southwestern Japan.
Typhoon Khanun has already led to the cancellation of flights departing from and arriving in Okinawa. All flights connecting the prefectural capital of Naha are likely to be canceled Tuesday, affecting over 30,000 passengers, according to the country's two major airline companies.
The typhoon could also approach Amami-Oshima Island in southwestern Kagoshima Prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Monday.
As of 9 p.m., the typhoon was moving in a north-northwesterly direction in an area south of the Japanese archipelago at a speed of around 15 kilometers per hour with an atmospheric pressure of 945 hectopascals at its center, packing winds of up to 216 kph.
Carrying with it heavy rain, the agency has asked people in Okinawa to remain vigilant against mudslides and flooding. It has also called on them to stay inside except in emergencies.
