Typhoon No. 7, also known as Typhoon Ampil, is expected to approach and potentially make landfall in the Kanto region(Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba and Saitama Area) of Japan on August 16, 2024.
The typhoon is forecasted to bring severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, which will significantly impact various regions and transportation systems.
Latest Update for Transportation Impact
- [August 14, 18:30] Bullet Train – JR Central announced that due to the impact of Typhoon No. 7, the Tokaido Shinkansen will suspend operations between Tokyo and Nagoya in both directions for the entire day on the 16th, starting from the first train. For the latest update: https://traininfo.jr-central.co.jp/shinkansen/pc/en/index.html
- [August 15, 14:30] Local Train – On the 16th, train operations will be suspended throughout the day on both the inbound and outbound lines between Tateyama and Awa-Kamogawa on the Uchibo Line, as well as between Kisarazu and Kazusa-Kameyama on the Kururi Line. Additionally, starting around 8:00 AM, operations will be sequentially suspended on the following lines: between Chiba and Choshi on the Sobu Main Line, between Chiba and Narita Airport or Choshi and between Narita and Abiko on the Narita Line, between Chiba and Awa-Kamogawa on the Sotobo Line, between Chiba and Tateyama on the Uchibo Line, between Oami and Narutou on the Togane Line, and between Sawara and Kashima-Jingu on the Kashima Line. Furthermore, express trains on the Sobu Main Line, Sotobo Line, and Uchibo Line will be suspended throughout the day on the 16th, and the Narita Express will also be suspended, except for early morning operations.
- [August 15, 14:30] Airlines – Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have announced the cancellation of a total of 501 flights, mainly at Haneda and Narita airports, affecting approximately 99,500 passengers.
Transportation Impact
- Highways: There is a high likelihood of road closures and traffic restrictions on highways, especially in the Kanto and Tohoku regions, due to strong winds and heavy rain1.
- Railways: Several railway companies, including JR East and JR Central, have announced potential preventive suspensions of services. This includes the Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Akita, and Yamagata Shinkansen lines, which may halt operations from August 16 to 17.
- Air Travel: Flights to and from major airports such as Haneda, Narita, and Shizuoka are expected to be canceled or delayed.
After the Typhoon Passes
On August 17-18, after the Obon holiday ends, it is expected that people who returned to their hometowns will be traveling back to work by train or plane. Especially for those heading to Tokyo, be aware that it might be difficult to secure reservations on trains and flights.