Typhoon Hagibis set to batter Japan with 150mph winds and torrential rain
8 October 2019, 9:31 | Updated: 1 September 2020, 11:47
A devastating typhoon is set to hit Japan later this week, bringing 150mph winds and torrential rain.
Typhoon Hagibis could batter the country’s coast by the weekend, raising questions over whether the Rugby World Cup and Formula One could be affected.
The storm is currently a Category 5 Super Typhoon, with Japan’s Meteorological Agency predicting it will reach the highest level, “violent.”
They said the storm could be the “strongest to hit Japan this year.”
Latest JMA forecast for #typhoon #Hagibis - still expected to make a high impact landfall SW of Tokyo Saturday night. ECMWF landfall pressure around 942hPa!! We need this make a harder right turn and pass south of Honshu to escape the worst effects #Japan pic.twitter.com/ugW7uujQoa
— James Reynolds (@EarthUncutTV) October 8, 2019
Winds are expected to weaken as the typhoon hits land, but could still reach speeds of 100mph.
It is predicted to hit the southern island of Kyushu on Saturday, where Ireland are scheduled to play Samoa.
Wales will face Uruguay on the island on Sunday.
World Rugby says it has a "robust contingency plan in place" for the weather, but cancelled games result in pointless draws for teams.
They added: “The typhoon is tracking in a north-westerly direction and could bring high winds and heavy rain to southern Japan on 12 and 13 October.
Typhoon #Hagibis formed in the northwest Pacific over the weekend and is already classed as a violent Typhoon. It is forecast to move towards #Japan during this week... pic.twitter.com/cKv2lLqucJ
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 7, 2019
"While it is too early to determine the exact trajectory and impact, if any, of the typhoon at this early stage, as per previous typhoon warnings, we have a robust contingency programme in place in the event adverse weather looks likely to impact fixtures.
"We will continue to closely monitor this developing situation in partnership with our weather information experts, local authorities, transport providers and the teams, and will provide a further update tomorrow.
“Fans are advised to monitor official Rugby World Cup channels for any updates."
The Japanese Grand Prix is set to take place in Suzuka this weekend, which could be one of the worst affected areas.
Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, says they are monitoring conditions ahead of Sunday’s race.