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Typhoon Hagibis: Japan braced for biggest storm in decades Typhoon Hagibis: Biggest Japan storm in decades makes landfall
(about 2 hours later)
Japan is bracing itself for Typhoon Hagibis, the most powerful storm to hit the country in 60 years, to make landfall near Tokyo later on Saturday. Torrential rain and tornado-like winds are lashing large parts of Japan, as the country endures what could be its worst storm for 60 years.
The country is already feeling the effects, with some areas already flooded, tens of thousands of homes without power, and one person dead. The eye of Typhoon Hagibis made landfall shortly before 19:00 local time (10:00 GMT) in Izu Peninsula, southwest of Tokyo.
Winds of 180km/h (111mph) could cause further flooding and landslides, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned. More than seven million people have been urged to leave their homes amid severe flood and landslide warnings.
Some Rugby World Cup matches and Formula One races have been cancelled. Train services have been halted, and more than a thousand flights grounded.
Authorities have issued evacuation advisories in areas at particular risk, while supermarkets are running low as people stock up before the typhoon hits. One man was killed in Chiba, east of Tokyo, when high winds flipped his car.
Flights and trains have been shut down, while shops and factories have also been closed. Thousands of homes lost power in and around the capital, though some were swiftly reconnected.
Even while the storm was still out to sea, tornado-like winds battered Chiba, east of Tokyo, damaging homes and toppling a car, killing its occupant. Two Rugby World Cup games scheduled for Saturday have been cancelled and declared as draws - England-France and New Zealand-Italy. Formula 1 has also cancelled Saturday's Japanese Grand Prix.
Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned half a metre of rain could fall on the Tokyo area between midday on Saturday and Sunday.
What do we know about the typhoon?What do we know about the typhoon?
Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is forecast to hit the main Japanese island of Honshu.Hagibis, which means "speed" in the Philippine language Tagalog, is forecast to hit the main Japanese island of Honshu.
It could be the strongest storm the country has faced since Kanogawa Typhoon in 1958, which left more than 1,200 people dead or missing.It could be the strongest storm the country has faced since Kanogawa Typhoon in 1958, which left more than 1,200 people dead or missing.
"The typhoon could bring record-level rainfall and winds," an official at the meteorological agency said, citing the risk of floods and landslides. "Unprecedented heavy rain has been seen in cities, towns and villages for which the emergency warning was issued," JMA forecaster Yasushi Kajiwara told a press briefing.
"The possibility is extremely high that disasters such as landslides and floods have already occurred. It is important to take action that can help save your lives."
By Saturday afternoon local time, footage and pictures showed many rivers were close to breaching their banks.
What will be affected?What will be affected?
The typhoon has made headlines due to its disruption of the Rugby World Cup and Japanese Grand Prix.The typhoon has made headlines due to its disruption of the Rugby World Cup and Japanese Grand Prix.
Two World Cup games billed for Saturday have already been cancelled, and declared as draws, while Formula 1 has cancelled all activities at the Japanese Grand Prix on Saturday.
But the impact on the local population could be serious.But the impact on the local population could be serious.
People have been stocking up on provisions for the coming days on the advice of authorities, leaving supermarkets with empty shelves. Locals stocked up on provisions before the typhoon's arrival on the authorities' advice, leaving supermarkets with empty shelves.
Only last month Typhoon Faxai wreaked havoc on parts of the country, damaging 30,000 homes, most of which have not yet been repaired. Only last month Typhoon Faxai wreaked havoc on parts of Japan, damaging 30,000 homes, most of which have not yet been repaired.
Evacuation centres have been opened in some coastal areas. "I evacuated because my roof was ripped off by the other typhoon and rain came in. I'm so worried about my house," a 93-year-old man told Japan's national broadcaster NHK, from a shelter in Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture.
Transport systems have also been affected, with bullet trains and flights cancelled. Just over 50,000 people took the official advice to evacuate to shelters, according to AFP news agency.
'At nature's mercy'
Analysis by William Leonardo, BBC News
Japan is used to being at nature's mercy but this year is different.
Typhoon Hagibis - a massive storm expected to bring record rainfall - is forecast to make a direct hit on the greater Tokyo region, only weeks after another strong storm brought destruction to neighbouring Chiba prefecture.
This even larger typhoon has a huge swathe of Japan's main Honshu island in its sights. Nearly two million people have been urged to evacuate.
Many areas have already seen flooding as heavy rain falls. Tens of thousands of homes are without power. Flights and train services have been cancelled.
It comes as the world's eyes are fixed on Japan - the host of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Are you in Japan? How have you prepared for the typhoon? If it is safe for you to do so please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
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