A powerful typhoon has pounded Japan and some of its eastern islands with gusts and downpours of rain, grounding some domestic flights and halting trains.
The Tokyo area was getting heavy rain and blowing wind on Friday, but no injuries have been reported.
Typhoon Mindulle was near one of the Izu Islands off Tokyo's southern coast, moving northeast at a speed of about 35km/h and packing winds of up to 160km/h, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Some local train services in Chiba and other prefectures east of Tokyo were temporarily suspended on Friday.
Several flights and ferries connecting Tokyo's Haneda airport and outer islands have been cancelled.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told reporters that no damage or injuries have been reported so far. He urged Izu islanders to stay indoors and avoid going near glass windows until the typhoon passes.
Rains of up to 200mm are predicted on the Izu Island and 150mm in the Tokyo region by Saturday morning.
The meteorological agency cautioned residents in the affected areas against possible flooding and mudslides.
Australian Associated Press
