Typhoon Lan approaching

A very strong typhoon is quickly developing and moving north over the Pacific. Japanese weather officials warn that fierce winds, high waves, and landslides are expected in the Ogasawara Islands. Violent winds on Sunday could churn the waves higher.

Winds with maximum speeds of 90 to 104 kilometers per hour and a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 126 to 162 kilometers per hour are forecast there for Sunday. Dangerous levels of heavy rain may fall on the Izu Islands on Sunday, depending on the direction of the typhoon.

Weather officials are asking residents to pay particular attention to high waves. Once the typhoon leaves the Izu Islands, it is forecast to move northwest over the Pacific south of Japan's main island of Honshu. It could approach the area sometime from next Tuesday to Wednesday while maintaining its strength.