Japan braces for powerful typhoon

People with umbrellas walk on a street in Tokyo on Monday, June 18, 2012. Japan’s Pacific coast was bracing for a powerful typhoon, which was expected to reach the main southern island of Kyushu on Tuesday, June 19, 2012. The typhoon caused heavy rains in the northern Philippines. AP PHOTO/KOJI SASAHARA

TOKYO—Japan’s Pacific coast was bracing itself for a powerful typhoon Monday as it headed northeast along the Okinawa Islands, packing winds of up to 144 kilometers (90 miles) per hour, officials said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the typhoon, named Guchol, could cause thunderstorms, strong winds and high waves as it was expected to push a seasonal rain front north toward the Japanese main islands.

Guchol (named Butchoy by the Philippine weather agency) triggered heavy rains and minor landslides in the northern Philippines.

The storm system was located about 170 kilometers (106 miles) southeast of Okinawa’s main city of Naha at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT) and was forecast to reach the main southern island of Kyushu midmorning on Tuesday, the agency said.

Rainfall of up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in 24 hours was expected along the Pacific coast, the agency said.—With AP report