Flights and trains around Tokyo, Japan were canceled on Friday as Typhoon Ampil approached the region, bringing with it strong winds, heavy rains, and the potential for flooding and mudslides. The typhoon was projected to reach the waters near Tokyo in the evening before moving further north into the Pacific Ocean. With sustained winds of 162 kph (101 mph) and gusts reaching higher speeds, the storm was moving at a pace of 20 kph (12 mph), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. It was anticipated to weaken to a tropical storm by Sunday without making landfall.

In response to the approaching storm, the Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Nagoya were suspended for the whole day, a common precaution during typhoons in the area. Trains in northeastern Japan and some local Tokyo lines were also temporarily halted or adjusted to slower schedules. Likewise, dozens of flights to and from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, as well as other airports like Kansai, Osaka, and Chubu, were canceled, affecting approximately 90,000 passengers as reported by Japanese media. Certain highways were expected to experience partial closures.

In anticipation of the typhoon, many people in Tokyo had adjusted their plans, leading to crowded airports and train stations on Thursday. Despite the drizzly and windy weather on Friday morning, the streets were relatively empty due to the Bon summer holiday period, rather than solely due to the impending storm. Officials urged caution, advising people to avoid rivers and beaches and to be mindful of the strong winds.

Shuichi Tachihara, the chief forecaster at the JMA, warned of potentially severe winds and rough seas. TV broadcasts in Japan showed residents in Hachijo boarding up windows, while shelves in stores were emptied of bread and instant noodles. Residents were advised to stay updated on the evolving situation and take necessary precautions as the typhoon continued its path northward into the Pacific Ocean.