Apr 15 (WestPacWx) - Typhoon Malakas is approaching Japan's Ogasawara Islands in the Pacific. Weather officials are calling for caution against violent winds and high waves.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says that as of Thursday afternoon, the typhoon was moving north-northeast over the seas south of Japan at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour.
Its central pressure was 950 hectopascals and had a maximum wind speed of about 160 kilometers per hour, with gusts of over 200 kilometers per hour.
The typhoon is expected to continue to move northward and come closest to the Ogasawara Islands on Friday morning and afternoon.
The islands are expected to see a maximum wind velocity of up to 126 kilometers, and gusts of up to 180 kilometers per hour. Seas will be rough, with waves as high as 12 meters.
Developing rainclouds accompanying the typhoon will likely bring heavy rain to the islands. Rainfall of up to 200 millimeters is expected in some areas during the 24-hour period through Friday evening.
The Izu Islands, south of Tokyo, and coastal parts of the Greater Tokyo area will also likely be hit by strong winds on Friday and Saturday.
Officials are calling on people to be alert for violent winds, high waves, landslides, flooding and lightning strikes.
Source: ANNnewsCH
