TOKYO / MENA Newswire / — Severe Tropical Storm Jangmi brought heavy rain, flooding concerns and widespread travel disruption to the Tokyo region on Wednesday after crossing central Japan, forcing airlines to cancel hundreds of flights and affecting rail services across parts of the country. The system made landfall in Wakayama Prefecture at typhoon strength before weakening as it moved inland and tracked northeast toward the Kanto region, where authorities warned of swollen rivers, flooded roads and hazardous conditions in low-lying areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said Jangmi was east of Shima city around midmorning and moving northeast with maximum sustained winds of about 90 kph. The storm had earlier produced winds of about 126 kph at landfall before weakening below typhoon strength. Rainfall was heavy across central Japan, including about 50 centimeters in the Owase area over 24 hours, while further rain was expected in parts of eastern and central Japan, including Tokyo, through Thursday morning.
Flood warnings were issued in several central and eastern areas as river levels rose and rain continued across densely populated districts. In Tokyo, residents near the Zenpukuji River were advised to seek shelter as muddy water neared overflow levels. Evacuation advisories covered hundreds of thousands of residents across eight prefectures in southwestern, central and eastern Japan, while officials urged people in vulnerable locations to move early and avoid rivers, slopes and underpasses affected by heavy rain.
Airlines cancel hundreds of flights
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled nearly 900 domestic and international flights on Wednesday morning, affecting passengers at major airports including Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, Nagoya Chubu and Osaka Kansai. Haneda Airport said some flights to and from the airport had been canceled because of Typhoon Jangmi and advised travelers to confirm their flight status with airlines. The airport also said some shops could change operating hours because of the storm.
Rail operators also reported disruption as heavy rain and wind affected travel across several regions. Bullet train services in Kyushu and western Japan faced delays, while East Japan Railway said some Tokyo-area services were suspended. Road traffic in Tokyo was slowed by rain and localized flooding. Power outages were also reported, with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings saying thousands of homes in the capital region had lost electricity as the storm moved through eastern Japan.
Flood risks remain across region
Jangmi earlier passed through Okinawa, where local officials reported 15 minor injuries, before moving toward Japan’s main islands and bringing stronger rain to the Pacific side of the country. The storm’s main impact in Tokyo and surrounding areas centered on flooding risks, transport disruption and power outages. Weather officials maintained warnings for rivers, low-lying neighborhoods and areas prone to landslides as bands of rain continued to move across central and eastern Japan.
The storm also affected business operations, with Toyota Motor suspending work at 13 domestic plants on Wednesday morning and Suzuki Motor halting operations at five plants in Shizuoka Prefecture. Public agencies, transport operators and utilities continued monitoring conditions as Jangmi moved northeast away from parts of central Japan. Authorities kept safety advisories in place for affected communities, emphasizing flood precautions, transport updates and local evacuation guidance while rain continued across the Tokyo region.