Oct 02 (NHK) - Typhoon Mindulle is bringing violent winds and heavy rain to Tokyo's Izu Islands, as well as to the Kanto region as it passes nearby.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says that, as of 6 p.m. on Friday, the large typhoon was located over waters 260 kilometers east-southeast of Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture. It was moving northeast at 35 kilometers per hour.
Mindulle had a central atmospheric pressure of 950 hectopascals and was packing winds of up to 144 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts reaching up to 216 kilometers per hour.
The wind speed was 90 kilometers per hour or more in areas within 330 kilometers north of the center and in areas within 280 kilometers south of the center.
The typhoon is expected to maintain its strength while moving northeast.
The agency says the typhoon will continue to affect the Izu Islands and the sea off the Kanto region, including the capital Tokyo, even as it moves away. Winds of up to 108 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 162 kilometers per hour, are expected for the rest of Friday.
The sea is expected to be very rough. Waves could reach 9 meters high around the Izu Islands and off the Kanto region.
Weather officials are also warning of torrential rain, flooding and landslides.
