11 Oct 2019 | 02:15 AM UTC
Japan: Typhoon Hagibis causes flights disruptions in Tokyo Oct. 11-13 /update 4
All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines cancel flights to and from Tokyo on October 12-13 as Typhoon Hagibis approaches; further transportation and business disruptions expected
Event
Flight disruptions have been announced at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT) on Friday, October 11, as Typhoon Hagibis continues to move towards Japan. All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have canceled most flights to and from Tokyo’s airports scheduled for Saturday, October 12, and some on Sunday, October 13, as a precaution. Other airlines may also delay or cancel service on Saturday and residual disruptions are expected over the coming days. Rail service disruptions are also anticipated around Tokyo. The East Japan Railway Company has warned it may suspend most or all service around Tokyo on Saturday. Bullet train service operated by the Central Japan Railway Company between Tokyo and Nagoya will be suspended starting on Saturday morning. The company also said that most operations between Nagoya and Shino-Osaka stations will also be canceled. Significant transportation disruptions are expected in Tokyo and the surrounding region through Sunday. Local media has also reported that telecommunication operators are also preparing for service disruptions.
As of 09:00 (local time) on Friday, Typhoon Hagibis is located at 27.5°N 138.1°E (map here) and is tracking north at 25 kph (16 mph), with maximum wind gusts of 250 kph (155 mph). The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has rated the typhoon as “very strong” intensity (the second highest level). Hagibis is forecast to make landfall in central Japan on Saturday before turning northeast.
Hagibis is expected to bring heavy rain, damaging winds, and dangerous sea conditions to the region. Associated flooding, mudslides, and business disruptions are anticipated in the region. Power outages are also likely.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.
Travelers flying via HND or NRT are advised to confirm flight reservations and to contact their airline for additional information.
