Japan's weather agency has urged people in Okinawa and the south of the country to prepare as Typhoon Champi, classed as a super typhoon, moves north-west from the Pacific, The Japan Times reports. The Japan Meteorological Agency expects the storm to reach Okinawa's Sakishima Islands between Friday and Saturday, with gusts of up to 216km/h, before heading towards Kyushu and western Japan from the weekend.
Champi is Japan's 30th named storm of the year, well above the usual average of about 25. Forecasters have warned of heavy rain, high waves and storm tides around Okinawa. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have cancelled some flights to and from southern Japan, and the Okinawa Industrial Festival, due to run from Friday to Sunday, has been called off.
Source: Japan Times
