The storm is expected to reach the Japanese mainland at the weekend (12-13 October) bringing high winds and heavy rain.

Hagibis will sweep in from the south making landfall in the Tokyo region, according to the Met Office, before heading north along Japan’s eastern coast.

Wind speed estimates range from 120mph to 170mph, while there is a risk of flash flooding in the Tokyo area.

The typhoon will strike amid the ongoing Rugby World Cup in Japan. England’s match versus France on Saturday, which had been due to be held in Yokohama around 15 miles south of Tokyo, has already been pre-emptively cancelled.

There are also doubts about whether Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka will go ahead.
Hagibis also comes in the wake of the Abta Travel Convention, held over Monday-Wednesday this week (7-9 October), with many delegates expected to remain in the country over the coming days.

Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) has warned flights from Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports on Saturday could be cancelled as a result of Hagibis. Many delegates are due to fly with ANA.

The FCO’s latest travel advice reads: “Typhoon Hagibis is expected to hit mainland Japan on Saturday 12 October and Sunday 13 October 2019.

“Wide areas across eastern, western and northern Japan are likely to be affected over the weekend with strong winds and heavy rain.

“You should check Japan Meteorological Agency’s website, NHK news and Japan National Tourism Organisation regularly for updates and follow instructions from local authorities.

“Transport services may be delayed or cancelled, check with your transport operator before travel.”