Typhoon No. 13 is expected to make its closest approach to the Okinawa main island on Friday afternoon [1].
The storm's intensity poses a significant threat to the region, with officials warning of potential house collapses, landslides caused by linear precipitation zones, and river flooding.
In Naha, the effects of the storm are already visible. Local reports indicate that wind and rain have intensified, with street trees swaying violently under the pressure of the storm [1]. The system is described as a large and very strong typhoon that developed from a tropical depression in the North Pacific [2].
Travel disruptions have been severe across the Japanese archipelago. Japan Airlines has canceled 147 flights [3], while All Nippon Airways has canceled 120 flights [3]. These cancellations will affect more than 41,000 passengers [3].
Weather forecasts indicate that the peak of the rain and wind will continue through Saturday [1]. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the storm moves toward the Japanese islands.
"Currently, both rain and wind have become quite strong. The wind is blowing with a loud sound. And we can see the street trees shaking," a local report from Naha said [1].
Forecasters said that the storm is scheduled to reach its closest point to the main island of Okinawa shortly after noon on Friday [2].
“The wind is blowing with a loud sound. And we can see the street trees shaking”
The scale of flight cancellations and the warning of linear precipitation zones suggest a high-impact weather event. The coordination between aviation hubs and emergency services will be critical as the storm's large size increases the duration of risk for flooding and infrastructure damage across the Okinawa region.
