Japan Braces for Impact as Typhoon Ampil Approaches: Shinkansen Services and Flights to be Disrupted

As Japan gears up for the Bon holiday, a period marked by significant travel and family reunions, the country faces an impending challenge in the form of Typhoon Ampil. This tropical cyclone, which has been steadily gaining strength, is projected to hit eastern Japan on Friday. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the Bon holiday sees a massive influx of travelers moving across the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, and heavy rain, urging the public to take necessary precautions. As of Wednesday afternoon, Ampil was moving northeast at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour, positioned about 150 km west-southwest of Chichijima island in the Ogasawara islands. With a central pressure of 975 hectopascals and maximum sustained winds of 108 kph, the storm is expected to intensify further, bringing sustained winds of 144 kph and gusts of up to 216 kph by Friday.

The impact of Typhoon Ampil is anticipated to be widespread, affecting various modes of transportation. The Central Japan Railway Co. has announced the suspension of all Tokaido Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Nagoya on Friday. This decision, although necessary for passenger safety, is expected to cause significant inconvenience for travelers during the busy holiday season. Operations between Nagoya and Shin-Osaka stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen line will also be reduced later this week. East Japan Railway Co. has warned of possible cancellations on several shinkansen lines, including Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata, and Akita. Local train services are also likely to be affected, with potential delays and suspensions on major routes, including the JR Yamanote loop line in Tokyo.

Air travel is not spared either, as flights at Haneda and Narita airports may face cancellations. The slow-moving nature of Typhoon Ampil, being the seventh typhoon of the season, adds to the uncertainty and potential for prolonged disruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency has advised people to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Highways in the affected regions may also face closures, further complicating travel plans for many. The public is urged to stay informed about updates on the storm, as the situation is still evolving and the effects of the storm will likely be felt for several days.

In addition to transportation disruptions, the storm poses significant risks to public safety and infrastructure. The Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, and heavy rain. Wave heights could reach up to 11 meters in some regions, and rainfall forecasts predict up to 200 millimeters in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions. The exact path of the storm remains uncertain, but it could make landfall in Chiba prefecture or pass by the region over the ocean, still bringing heavy rain and strong winds. The public is advised to take precautions, such as securing outdoor objects, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying indoors during the peak of the storm.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised fast government support for those affected by the storm. The fire and disaster management agency has asked 170,000 residents across three prefectures to evacuate. About 2,000 people have already taken shelter in Iwate by Monday. An emergency level 5 warning, the highest on the scale, was issued for parts of Kuji, affecting thousands of households and people. The release of water from a dam in Iwate has increased the risk of flooding in towns like Osanai and Kuji. Footage from NHK public television shows flooded rivers in towns like Iwaizumi, which was also hit by a deadly typhoon in 2016. A woman who lost her house in the 2016 typhoon said she came to a shelter early this time as a precaution.

The impact on transportation systems is particularly significant during the Obon holiday, when many people travel to pay respects to their ancestors. The approaching typhoon has led the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue warnings for eastern and northeastern Japan. Typhoon Ampil’s impact is expected to disrupt travel plans for many during the Bon summer holidays. It is the first time since 2018 that bullet train services have been stopped due to a typhoon. The halt in Shinkansen services is a precautionary measure in the interest of passenger safety. The suspension of Shinkansen services could cause inconvenience for those traveling between Tokyo and Nagoya, and may also be disrupted on other lines in eastern and northeastern Japan.

Train operators are preparing for potential landslides, overflowing rivers, flooding, strong winds, and high waves caused by the typhoon. The approaching typhoon may also cause delays or cancellations for major train routes in Tokyo, including the busy JR Yamanote loop line. This is not the first time that typhoons have caused disruptions to train services in Japan. Train operators have been taking precautions and closely monitoring the typhoon’s movements. The typhoon is expected to affect the region throughout Friday and into Saturday. The public is advised to stay informed about updates on the storm and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

In addition to the immediate impact on transportation and safety, the storm is likely to have longer-term effects on businesses and tourism in the affected areas. The suspension of Shinkansen services and potential highway closures will disrupt the flow of goods and services, causing delays in delivery and impacting local economies. Tourists who rely on the Tokaido Shinkansen for travel between Tokyo and Osaka will need to make alternate arrangements, potentially leading to cancellations and reduced tourism revenue. Businesses in the affected regions will need to prepare for potential disruptions and ensure the safety of their employees and customers.

The public is urged to stay safe and plan accordingly for any potential delays or cancellations due to the approaching typhoon. Travelers are advised to check for updates and make alternate arrangements for travel during this time. This is a rare occurrence in the history of Tokaido Shinkansen, as it has only been suspended a few times in the past. JR Tokai is taking necessary precautions to minimize disruption and inconvenience for travelers. The suspension may also impact freight transportation, causing delays in delivery. JR Tokai will closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to resume services as soon as possible.

Overall, Typhoon Ampil is a strong typhoon that can cause significant damage and should be monitored closely in affected regions. The tracking map and data from the National Hurricane Center show probabilities of at least 5 percent, with the forecast covering up to five days before the storm reaches its latest location. Wind speed probability data is not available north of 60.25 degrees north latitude. The precipitation map data is from the National Weather Service, with multi-day forecasts or observed rainfall totals available. The 1-day forecast is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Flash flooding can occur well inland and away from the storm’s center, and even weaker storms can bring excessive rainfall and floods.

In conclusion, Japan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Ampil, with significant disruptions expected across various modes of transportation. The public is urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The situation is still evolving, and the effects of the storm will likely be felt for several days. Travelers are advised to check for updates and make alternate arrangements for travel during this time. The government and relevant authorities are taking necessary measures to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of the public. As the storm approaches, it is crucial for everyone to stay vigilant and prepared for any eventualities.