Typhoon Ampil Causes Disruptions in Tokyo Area

Typhoon Ampil Causes Disruptions in Tokyo Area

Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: Flights and trains across the Tokyo area were canceled on Friday as Typhoon Ampil neared Japan, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rains, and the threat of flooding and mudslides. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings as the typhoon swerved close to the country on its journey northward in the Pacific Ocean.

Typhoon Ampil is expected to approach the waters near Tokyo by Friday evening before continuing north, impacting the Kanto and Tohoku regions with stormy conditions early Saturday. Despite its proximity, Ampil is not anticipated to make landfall and is forecasted to weaken to a tropical storm by Sunday.

In response to the severe weather, Tokyo Disneyland announced an early closure at 3 p.m., a rare move for the popular theme park, which usually remains open until 9 p.m. Yamato Transport, responsible for deliveries from companies like Amazon, announced a suspension of services in Tokyo and surrounding areas on Friday and Saturday.

Central Japan Railway reported that Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya were halted for the entire day, following standard safety protocols for typhoons. Bullet trains serving northeastern Japan and some local Tokyo train services were also temporarily suspended or operated on slower schedules.

Air travel was heavily impacted, with dozens of flights canceled at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, as well as Kansai, Osaka, and Chubu airports. The cancellations have affected approximately 90,000 passengers, according to local media. Several highways were also partially closed to traffic as a precaution.

In anticipation of the typhoon, airports and train stations were crowded on Thursday as travelers sought to adjust their plans. By Friday, Tokyo experienced drizzly and windy conditions, though the intensity fluctuated. The usually bustling streets were relatively empty, a result not only of the weather but also the ongoing Bon summer holiday period. Despite the inclement weather, many stores remained open.

Authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers and coastal areas and to be cautious of strong winds capable of propelling debris. “We foresee extremely fierce winds and extremely fierce seas,” warned Shuichi Tachihara, JMA’s chief forecaster.

Japanese television broadcasts showed Hachijo Island residents boarding up their windows as Ampil passed the area by midday Friday, continuing its northward path. Supermarkets saw a rush on essentials, with shelves for bread and instant noodles quickly emptied by concerned shoppers.

The situation remains fluid, and residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed of further developments as Typhoon Ampil progresses.