In southern Japan, thousands are urged to leave before the storm

Before moving on to eastern China later in the week, the typhoon’s center was predicted to pass close to Okinawa late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday.

More than 760,000 people were told to leave their homes by cities throughout Okinawa as the weather service said the group of islands might be battered by waves as high as 12 meters (39 feet).

Strong winds and lots of rain were predicted to accompany the typhoon.

On condition of anonymity, a disaster management official with the Okinawa regional administration told AFP that “many people stay at home because their houses are concrete.”

But before the typhoon worsens, we advise those who live alone or in wooden buildings in low-lying locations to consider finding refuge.

In advance of the storm, more than 500 flights were canceled on Tuesday, and regional ferry and bus services were suspended, according to national broadcaster NHK.

More than 74,000 passengers would be impacted by flight cancellations on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.