Japan issues rare typhoon warning for Kagoshima Prefecture

Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The Japan Meteorological Agency Wednesday issued a rare emergency typhoon warning for Kagoshima Prefecture, with storm surge warnings for four municipalities.

" A special storm and wave warning has been issued for Kagoshima Prefecture," the JMA said in a statement. "A special storm surge warning may also be issued. In addition, record-breaking heavy rain is expected, and a special heavy rain warning may be issued for southern Kyushu."

Japanese authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 990,000 people in southern, western and central Japan Tuesday and Wednesday.

Heavy rain emergency warnings for Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures are also possible as Typhoon Shansan approaches Japan.

" The maximum alert is required because unprecedented levels of storms and record-breaking rainfall is expected," an agency official said at a news conference.

The JMA urged daytime evacuations before the rain and winds intensify.

The typhoon is located south of Yakushima Island headed north and is expected to make landfall Thursday, according to the JMA.

Toyota decided to suspend operations nationwide in Japan, some flights were canceled and JR West said the Sany Shinkansen bullet train between Hiroshima and Hakata will be suspended from 9 p.m. Thursday local time through Friday morning.

The JMA Kagoshima storm emergency warnings said strong winds and high waves from the typhoon could be capable of destroying homes as the storm slowly moves over the area, prolonging exposure to heavy rains.

The JMA also issued tornado warnings for the Osumi, Tanegashima and Yakushima regions.

"The weather conditions in the Osumi, Tanegashima and Yakushima regions are prone to tornadoes and other violent gusts of wind. Pay attention to the sky. If there are signs of approaching cumulonimbus clouds, such as lightning or sudden changes in wind, please take steps to ensure your safety, such as by moving inside a sturdy building. Please also be careful of lightning, hail and sudden heavy rain," the JMA said.