TOKYO, Japan – Tropical Storm Chan-hom moved westward across Japan on Wednesday after making landfall near the greater Tokyo region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and localized damage while leaving more than 3,000 homes without electricity. Five people suffered minor injuries.
Chan-hom made landfall in southern Ibaraki prefecture late Tuesday before weakening significantly. By early Wednesday, the storm was near Gifu in central Japan and moving toward Wakasa Bay on the country’s north-central coast, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The storm was carrying sustained winds of 64 kph (40 mph) as it moved west. The weather agency warned residents in northern and western Japan to remain alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Power Outages and Injuries Reported
Two men in Iwate prefecture and three women in Ibaraki suffered minor injuries, according to prefectural officials.
More than 3,000 homes in Ibaraki and neighboring Tochigi prefecture remained without electricity Wednesday morning, according to TEPCO Power Grid.
Strong winds also brought down trees at several locations in Tokyo, including one in the Omotesando shopping district. No injuries were reported from the fallen trees, according to NHK.
Despite the storm’s passage, commuter trains and flights in Tokyo were operating normally Wednesday, and daily activity in the capital was largely unaffected. Authorities continued warning residents about hazardous weather as Chan-hom moved across central Japan.
Storm Disrupts Holiday Travel
Chan-hom arrived during Japan’s annual Bon holiday period, when millions of people travel to honor ancestral spirits, increasing the potential effect of transportation disruptions.
About 60 flights arriving at or departing from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport were canceled Tuesday. Oarai beach in Ibaraki, a popular destination, was also closed because of the storm.
The storm followed Typhoon Dolphin, which had affected southern Japan days earlier before weakening. Dolphin later caused deaths and flooding in the Philippines and disrupted communities in China.
Ibaraki Records Rare Tropical Storm Landfall
Chan-hom’s landfall in Ibaraki was unusual. It marked the first recorded landfall there by a tropical storm or typhoon since Japan’s weather agency began keeping records in 1951.
Although Chan-hom weakened after reaching land, its westward movement left parts of northern and western Japan exposed to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Authorities continued monitoring conditions as the storm approached Wakasa Bay, with rainfall and further severe weather remaining the main concerns.
Based on information from the Japan Meteorological Agency, prefectural officials, TEPCO Power Grid and NHK.
