A Typhoon-y Weekend Update

Severe tropical storm Champi is bringing strong winds to parts of Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan. Authorities are warning of high waves and storm surges. The large storm is estimated to be moving north-northeast over the waters around the Sakishima Islands at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour. Maximum sustained winds are blowing at 108 kilometers per hour, with peak gusts of 144 kilometers per hour. Rainfall could reach 120 millimeters in the 24 hours through noon on Sunday. People are urged to stay alert against high waves, landslides and flooding in low-lying areas. Flights have been canceled, mainly between islands in Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures. Utilities are also affected. Okinawa Electric Power Company says more than 11,000 homes in the prefecture were without electricity as of 6 p.m. It also says the water supply has been cut off on Haterumajima island due to extended power blackouts. The storm has already battered Taiwan. Officials say one person is dead and more than 600 injured. Schools in Taipei and other areas are temporarily closed. Episode notes: ‘Severe storm Champi threatens Okinawa’: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/news/20261024de64680/