TOKYO – Severe tropical storm Ampil is expected to intensify into a typhoon as it nears eastern Japan on Aug 16, forcing cancellations of public transit services during the country’s holiday travel rush.

       The seventh typhoon of the year, moving northwards, is expected to hit Japan’s Kanto region over the weekend, overlapping with the nation’s Bon holiday.

       The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has forecast up to 200mm of rainfall in the Kanto-Koshin region by Aug 17 morning. The Kanto area could experience wind gusts up to 60m per second on Aug 16.

       As the storm approaches Tokyo and its surrounding areas, all Tokaido Shinkansen services between Tokyo and Nagoya will be cancelled on Aug 16, announced Central Japan Railway Company, the operator of Japan’s Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train, on Aug 14.

       The company said it may also cancel services for the Sanyo Shinkansen line, which directly connects to the Tokaido line in Osaka.

       East Japan Railway Company also noted possible delays and cancellations of services for the Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Akita, and Yamagata Shinkansen lines from around noon to late evening on Aug 16.

       As at Aug 14 evening, several flights to and from Haneda and Narita airports on Aug 16 have been cancelled.

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       Airlines are preparing for more potential flight cancellations or delays, and highway restrictions, including road closures, may be implemented.

       The JMA has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves and heavy rain, urging the public to take precautions while travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest information as the typhoon approaches. XINHUA