TOKYO - Typhoon No. 15 is expected to approach and likely make landfall somewhere in the Kanto region on August 11, bringing strong winds and heavy rain that could disrupt conventional rail services, expressways and flights while also affecting a wider area extending into Tohoku.
The center of the typhoon is forecast to reach an area east of Kanto around 3 p.m. on August 11. If it continues on its current projected track, the storm is considered likely to make landfall somewhere in Kanto before gradually moving west.
By around 3 p.m. on August 12, the system is expected to reach a forecast area farther west and weaken into a tropical depression.
The storm's effects are expected to extend well beyond its center. A high-pressure system south of Japan is creating a large pressure gradient with the typhoon, drawing strong, moisture-laden winds into eastern and northern Japan.
As a result, both rain and winds could strengthen in areas well north of the typhoon itself.
Rain is forecast to intensify in parts of both Kanto and Tohoku from around 6 a.m. on August 11. As the typhoon makes landfall and moves west through August 12, the area of heavy rainfall is expected to shift westward, bringing periods of strong rain to the Tokai and Koshin regions as well.
Strong winds are also forecast across a broad area from the morning of August 11. The area of stronger winds is expected to extend well north of the typhoon because of the influence of the surrounding pressure pattern.
Even after the storm makes landfall, strong winds could persist over areas farther from the center, with the effects potentially continuing into August 12.
Transport disruptions are possible, although the expected impact varies considerably by mode of transportation.
Shinkansen services are currently expected to see little or no significant impact from the storm.
Some conventional railway lines, however, could be affected. Routes including the Ito Line and Kashima Line are among those where disruptions are considered possible, and passengers are being advised to check the latest information directly with railway operators.
Expressways may also face restrictions if rainfall reaches regulatory thresholds.
Parts of Kanto could receive substantial rainfall from the night of August 11 through the morning of August 12, potentially triggering traffic restrictions. The Ken-O Expressway is among the routes considered most likely to be affected.
As the typhoon continues westward, the risk of road disruption is expected to shift from Kanto toward Tokai and then the Kinki region.
Air travel could face a greater impact, particularly at airports in eastern Kanto on August 11, where strong winds are expected.
Aircraft operations can be particularly sensitive to wind direction and strength, raising the possibility of delays or cancellations at airports in the area.
Travelers are being urged to check the latest railway, road and airline information along with updated weather forecasts as Typhoon No. 15 approaches.
Source: ウェザーニュース
