Typhoons may bring record rain, wind: meteorologists

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Typhoons may bring record rain, wind: meteorologists

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Meteorologists warned typhoon was expected to come close to the main Okinawa island Sunday night.

26 August,2012 12:16 pm

One of the most powerful typhoons in many years was on course to hit Japans Okinawa on Sunday, with meteorologists warning it could bring record rain and wind to the southern region.Typhoon Bolaven, packing winds of up to 252 kilometres (157 miles) per hour, was east-southeast of Okinawas capital Naha, moving at a speed of 15 kilometres per hour, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.As the typhoon is moving slowly, turbulence in the sea is expected to continue for many hours, the agency said, warning of strong winds and high waves of up to 13 metres (43 feet) through Monday.The traffic system has been paralysed, with all flights to and from Naha airport and ships linking the main island with other places already cancelled, Kyodo News said.With almost all other means of transportation also at a standstill, some residents started evacuating to municipal offices and other public facilities, Kyodo said.The agency warned that the typhoon was expected to come close to the main Okinawa island Sunday night and pass through while maintaining its strength.As much as 500 millimetres (about 20 inches) of rain was expected over 24 hours to Monday noon in Okinawa, the agency said.