Japan's Typhoon No. 7 to Make Landfall Tomorrow... "A Month's Worth of Rain Expected" Concern

Typhoon No. 7 Lan Expected to Make Landfall in Tokai and Kinki Regions
JR Shinkansen and Flights Suspended...Concerns Over Travel Chaos During Obon Holiday Return

Japan has entered a state of emergency as Typhoon No. 7 'Ran' is expected to make landfall on the 15th. The forecast predicts that the typhoon will bring a month's worth of rain for August all at once, and the timing of the typhoon's landfall coincides with the holiday season, which is expected to further complicate the situation for returning holiday travelers.

According to NHK on the 14th, the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasted that Typhoon Ran will make landfall mainly in the Tokai and Kinki regions starting on the 15th, bringing heavy rainfall. It also reported that humid air is already flowing into the nearby areas before the typhoon's approach, raising the possibility that the total precipitation from this typhoon could exceed the average monthly rainfall for August.

Typhoon Lan No. 7 forecasted path by NHK. (Photo by NHK)

Currently, Typhoon Ran is moving northward toward Japan with a central pressure of 965 hPa (hectopascals), a maximum wind speed near the center of 40 m/s, and maximum instantaneous wind speeds of 55 m/s. As the typhoon approaches, Yamanashi Prefecture experienced a heavy downpour of 30 mm within one hour starting at 4 a.m. on the same day. The Japan Meteorological Agency expects 400 mm to 600 mm of rain in the Tokai region and 300 mm to 400 mm in the Kinki region on the 15th. Additionally, strong winds with maximum speeds of 40 m/s are expected in Tokai, raising concerns about further damage caused by strong winds and swells.

In response, many Shinkansen and flights have announced suspensions and cancellations. JR Tokai announced it will suspend operations between Nagoya Station and Shin-Osaka Station on the 15th. The number of trains operating between Tokyo Station and Nagoya Station will also be significantly reduced. JR branches in other regions such as Kyushu, Tohoku, and Hokuriku have warned that Shinkansen operations on some sections may be suspended depending on the typhoon's situation and urged travelers to check the latest information.

Domestic flight cancellations have also continued. All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced the complete cancellation of round-trip flights between Haneda and Hachijojima airports on the day. Peach Aviation announced the cancellation of 18 flights, including those heading to Nagoya Airport. Airlines expect the number of cancellations to increase further on the day the typhoon fully makes landfall.

Some highway sections will also be subject to traffic restrictions. East Nippon Expressway Company announced vehicle traffic bans on the 16th, and Central Nippon Expressway Company will enforce similar restrictions until the 17th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Moreover, with Japan entering the holiday season until the 16th, there are concerns that many returning holiday travelers will be stranded. NHK reported, "As more travelers advance their schedules due to the typhoon, traffic congestion is expected throughout the three-day holiday."

Many events during the holiday period have been canceled or postponed. In Tsuruga City, the fireworks display, held for the first time in five years since COVID-19, was canceled due to the approaching typhoon, and in Echizen City, the fireworks scheduled for the 15th were postponed to the 20th.

To make matters worse, this typhoon is also expected to move slowly, similar to the previous Typhoon No. 6 Khanun, which could prolong its impact. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged caution against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, river overflows, and high waves.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.