Typhoon Nakri storm zone nears Japan's Izu Islands

Strong Typhoon Nakri was approaching southern parts of Japan's Izu Islands on Monday morning, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the island chain that was recently hit by another storm.

As of Monday morning, the islands of Hachijojima and Aogashima were in the storm zone of Nakri.

Hachijojima had 37.5 millimeters of rain for one hour through 7 a.m. Maximum wind speeds reached 153 kilometers per hour at Hachijojima Airport shortly after 6 a.m.

The typhoon is expected to move eastward near the southern Izu Islands before noon while maintaining its strength.

Extremely strong winds at the speed of up to 126 kilometers per hour and peak gusts at the speed of 180 kilometers per hour are expected to hit the island chain. The winds could topple some utility poles and damage part of buildings, scattering pieces of rubble in a wide area.

Rain is expected to intensify and some places will likely be pounded by rainfall of 80 millimeters per hour. Up to 200 millimeters of rain is forecast for the Izu Islands over the 24-hour period through Tuesday morning.

The islands were recently hit by record heavy rainfall and violent winds from Typhoon Halong.

Weather officials are urging residents to remain vigilant for landslides, swollen and overflowing rivers, flooding in low-lying areas and high waves. People are advised to stay indoors, safely away from windows.

nhk