The Japanese archipelago is in a state of extreme tension as the super strong typhoon 'Nanmadol' (No. 14) approaches.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a special warning for storms, waves and tsunamis in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, southwestern Japan, where Nanmadol is expected to land on the night of the 18th.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Nanmadol is moving in the north-northwest direction at a speed of 20 km/h in the sea 160 km south-southeast of Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture as of 6 am.
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At this time, the central pressure of Nan Madol is 920 hPa (hectopascals), and the maximum wind speed near the center of the typhoon reaches 50 m/s and the maximum instantaneous wind speed is 70 m/s.
A typhoon special warning is issued in advance when a typhoon with a central pressure of 930 hPa or less and a maximum wind speed of 50 m/s or more approaches.
Since Japan started operating the typhoon special warning system in 2013, it has been issued to Okinawa Prefecture once in 2014 and 2016, respectively.
As Typhoon Nanmadol approached, the wind grew stronger around Kyushu, and the maximum instantaneous wind speed recorded 30.4 m/s this morning in Kagoshima City.
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Heavy rain of 44 mm per hour was observed in Yakushima-cho, Kagoshima prefecture, until 4 a.m. under the influence of rain clouds developed as a typhoon.
The Japan Meteorological Agency called it "a dangerous typhoon that has not been experienced in the past," and urged prompt safety and maximum vigilance to save lives.
The typhoon, accompanied by strong winds, high waves, and torrential rain, was predicted to change course in the northeast direction after landing in Kyushu and penetrate the Japanese archipelago.
According to Kyodo News, the Japanese government is scheduled to hold a related ministerial meeting presided over by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo this afternoon to prepare for the damage caused by the typhoon.