Tropical Storm Meari is unleashing heavy rains on southwestern Japan as it heads north towards the capital Tokyo.
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The Japan Meteorological Agency warned Meari was on course to make landfall by noon on Saturday, bringing sudden heavy rains and blasting winds, possibly setting off mudslides and flooding.
Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, was told to brace for extremely heavy rainfall.
Meari, packing sustained winds of up to 72km/h, was moving over coastal waters and expected to continue northwards, making landfall before veering east and swinging over the Pacific Ocean by early Sunday.
The Tokyo area was likely to be hammered by fierce rainfall and winds later in the day.
Warnings on high waves in coastal areas were issued for Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture southwest of the capital, and other nearby areas.
The authorities warned against going near rivers or other open water, as levels may rise suddenly.
Japan is in the middle of its Bon summer holidays, with many people travelling to visit friends and relatives.
The Rock in Japan Festival 2022, which began a week ago in Chiba Prefecture east of Tokyo, has cancelled its Saturday program - the final day of the outdoor celebration - and promised ticket refunds.
All Nippon Airways has cancelled local flights in response to the storm, while bullet train services were delayed, and speed limits at tunnels in Shizuoka were temporarily lowered as a precaution.
Authorities warned more train lines may be affected and roads blocked.
Australian Associated Press