Large and very strong typhoon approaches Japan

A large and very strong typhoon is moving toward the southern islands of Japan. The typhoon is one of the most powerful in more than 60 years to approach Okinawa. The Meteorological Agency said Sunday that as of 1 PM on Sunday, Japan Time, Typhoon Bolaven was about 150 kilometers east-southeast of Naha in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. The typhoon is heading northwest at 15 kilometers per hour. The agency warns that severe wind, torrential rain, storm surges, and rough seas are expected for Okinawa and Amami islands. The typhoon has an atmospheric pressure of 910 hectopascals and winds of up to 180 kilometers per hour near the center. The agency warns that maximum gusts of 252 kilometers an hour, a record level, will come closer to the main island of Okinawa Prefecture on Sunday evening. Record rain of about 500 millimeters is expected in Okinawa by Tuesday. Storm surges are likely to cause flooding, according to (NHK World) website. NHK learned that, as of noon, more than 350 people in 28 cities and towns in Okinawa had taken refuge at shelters. Older people and families with children began to come to a community center in Naha on Saturday evening. Okinawa Electric Power Company says that as of 11 AM, about 600 households in three villages in the prefecture are without power. A young man said he decided to leave his home because he had heard that this is the most powerful typhoon ever. Transportation has been disrupted. All flights at Naha airport are cancelled on Sunday.