Powerful Typhoon Dujuan Nears Tokyo, Putting Greater Tokyo Area on High Alert

The Greater Tokyo Area, including Tokyo, is on high alert as powerful Typhoon Dujuan moves northward toward the region.

With linear precipitation bands (heavy rain zones) expected to form due to the typhoon, airlines and railway companies have taken preemptive response measures, including canceling flights and suspending operations.

The Japan Meteorological Agency stated that Typhoon Dujuan is expected to approach the Izu Islands and the Kanto region, including the capital area, from around noon to late tonight while maintaining its strong intensity.

Amid concerns over torrential downpours along the Pacific coast from the Tokai to Tohoku regions, a Level 4 "flood risk warning" was issued last night for the Zenpukuji River flowing through the Suginami Ward area in Tokyo.

The meteorological agency forecast a high probability of linear precipitation bands forming in Tokyo, Chiba Prefecture, and Shizuoka Prefecture from tomorrow daytime through tomorrow night.

The expected 24-hour precipitation amounts through this evening are up to 350 mm for the Izu Islands, 300 mm for Kanto and Tokai, and 200 mm for Tohoku.

As of 7:00 AM today, the typhoon is moving north-northeast at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour over the waters southwest of Hachijojima, an island located about 300 kilometers away from Tokyo.

Its central pressure is 965 hPa, with a maximum wind speed near the center of 35 meters per second and a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 50 meters per second.

Transportation disruptions and facility closures are continuing mainly across the Tokyo metropolitan area as the typhoon approaches.

JR East completely suspended operations on the Kururi Line in Chiba Prefecture today and put operations on hold for certain sections of the Togane, Joban, and Ome lines.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have also canceled flights, mainly focusing on arrivals and departures at Haneda Airport, and major expressways are expected to be restricted as well.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government temporarily closed facilities such as the Ueno Zoo and Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, and canceled an Asian Games-related event scheduled at the metropolitan government building.

The Rock in Japan Festival, Japan's largest outdoor music festival being held in Chiba City, has abruptly canceled its schedule for tomorrow, which was set to be the final day.

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.