Japan issues special typhoon warning for country's southwest

ANKARA

Japan's weather agency issued a rare special typhoon warning on Wednesday for the country's southwest, local media reported.

The storm is moving northward south of Yakushima Island and could make landfall on the southwestern main island of Kyushu on Thursday, Kyodo News reported, citing the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Special typhoon warnings are issued by the agency in cases of extraordinarily large storm systems.

Due to the heavy rain and strong winds expected, Toyota Motor Corp. announced the suspension of operations at its 14 plants across the country, while Kyushu Railway Co. said it will cancel all local and bullet train services from Thursday afternoon.

Local authorities have urged residents in Kagoshima Prefecture and other areas to prepare for strong winds and heavy storms.

The weather agency also forecasted heavy rain, with some areas potentially receiving up to 600 millimeters in 24 hours.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid