RT: Powerful typhoon Guchol to hit Japan

Published: 19 June, 2012, 09:57

A satellite view of Typhoon Guchol. Japan’s Pacific coast was bracing itself for a powerful typhoon Monday as it headed northeast along the Okinawa Islands, packing winds of up to 144 kilometres (90 miles) per hour, officials said (AFP Photo / NASA)

A tropical cyclone with winds of up to 193 kilometres per hour is approaching Japan from the western Pacific. It is expected to reach the southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday evening.

By the time it reaches Japanese coast the typhoon is expected to somewhat weaken, with wind speeds going down to roughly 105 kilometres per hour, reports the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

185 domestic flights have already been cancelled due to heavy rain.

People have been warned there are risks of mudslides and flash-flooding and advised not to leave their homes unless it is really necessary.

Guchol is moving fast and is expected to pass across the country in as little as 12 to 18 hours.

The Guchol typhoon has already caused heavy rain in the Philippines on Sunday, flooding streets and triggering small landslides in the country’s north. (AFP Photo / Ted Aljibe)

Manila, Philippines. (AFP Photo / Noel Celis)

Manila, Philippines. (AFP Photo / Ted Aljibe)

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