Typhoon Shanshan Approaches Japan, Bringing Torrential Rain and Strong Winds

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued an emergency warning for the southwestern part of Japan as Typhoon Shanshan approaches the region. The typhoon is expected to make landfall on Thursday, bringing torrential rain and strong winds.

As of Tuesday morning, Typhoon Shanshan was located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of Okinawa, Japan. The typhoon is moving north-northeast at a speed of 20 kilometers (12 miles) per hour.

Heavy rain has already begun to fall in the southwestern part of Japan. The JMA has warned of the possibility of flooding, landslides, and high waves. The agency has also urged residents in the affected areas to evacuate to higher ground.

More than 1 million people in southern Japan have been urged to evacuate as Typhoon Shanshan approaches. The typhoon is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the region.

Carmaker Toyota has shuttered factories in the affected areas and airlines have canceled flights. The JMA has warned of the possibility of flooding, landslides, and high waves.

Typhoons are common in the western North Pacific during the summer months. The JMA typically issues between 25 and 30 typhoon warnings each year.

The JMA provides information on tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific and the South Pacific. The center is responsible for issuing typhoon warnings and advisories for the region.