News Typhoon No. 7 approaching Japan, Shinkansen disruptions expected

The typhoon is expected to affect the Ogasawara islands and eastern and northern Japan, with warnings for heavy rain, landslides, and high waves. Shinkansen services on the Tokaido, Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, and Akita lines may face closures or suspensions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a severe warning for eastern Japan, cautioning residents about landslides, heavy rain, and high waves. As of 9 a.m. on August 14, the typhoon was located west-southwest of Chichijima Island and moving northeast. With a central pressure of 975 hectopascals and maximum winds of 108 kilometers per hour, it is packing a powerful punch. Winds exceeding 90 kilometers per hour are occurring within a 95-kilometer radius of the typhoon's center. In preparation for the typhoon, Central Japan Railway Company (JR Tokai) announced the suspension of Tokaido Shinkansen services between Nagoya and Tokyo on August 16. Other sections of the line may also be closed or suspended on August 16 and 17. To accommodate travelers, JR Tokai will operate an additional bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo on August 15. All seats on this train are reserved and will be available for purchase on August 14.

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Friday will be an indoor day.

On Friday, the current forecast shows the storm strengthening, with expected sustained winds of 144 kph and gusts of up to 216 kph in the Izu Islands and Kanto, and gusts of 126 kph in the Tokai and Tohoku regions. Wave heights could reach 11 meters in Kanto, 10 meters in the Izu Islands, 7 meters in Tohoku and 6 meters in Tokai. Rainfall forecasts predict up to 200 millimetres in the Kanto-Koshin region and 150 mm in the Tokai region in the 24 hours up to 6 a.m. on Friday, with similar amounts expected in the 24 hours up to 6 a.m. Saturday. The storm's exact path remains unclear, with landfall in Chiba Prefecture as one possibility. The storm could also pass by the region over the ocean, but it would still bring the threat of torrential rain and violent winds.

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Typhoon No. 7, also known as Ampil, is expected to bring torrential rain and high winds to eastern and northeastern Japan, particularly the Kanto region, on 16 and 17 August. The JMA has warned residents in the Kanto region, including Tokyo, to be on high alert for flying debris, landslides, flooding, and overflowing rivers.

Rainfall totals are predicted to reach a staggering 300 millimetres in the Kanto region, 200 millimetres in the Koshin region and Izu Islands, and 120 millimetres in the Tohoku and Tokai regions within 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. on 17 August. In anticipation of the typhoon's impact, the Japan Coast Guard has advised large vessels to vacate Tokyo Bay and refrain from entering until the storm passes. JR Tokai announced the complete suspension of Tokyo-Nagoya Shinkansen services on 16 August, with all services between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka also cancelled. Alternatively, the company will operate limited Kodama bullet train services, with unreserved seats except for a few first-class cars. Residents in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the latest weather updates.

It's not been that bad so far in my part of Tokyo - just a bit blustery.

It was a summer breeze. I'm more concerned about tomorrow's heat.

That's OK Japan Times had an article about skipping aircon. No AC this summer? No problem (for me).