Southwestern Japan Braces For Powerful Typhoon Haishen

A powerful typhoon is making its way toward southwestern Japan, forcing authorities to urge caution and prepare for powerful winds and heavy rainfall.

Japan's meteorological agency said Typhoon Haishen had sustained winds of up 112 miles an hour early on Saturday, The Associated Press reports.

The storm is predicted to hit Okinawa Sunday, before moving onto the central island of Kyushu. Japanese meteorologists predict the winds, heavy rains and high tide will begin lashing the islands ahead of Haishen's arrival.

The Japan Times reports Okinawa is expected to be hit by winds strong enough to topple homes. The AP reports that the storm is predicted to drop 4 to 8 inches of rain across southwestern Japan and is expected to make landfall with the equivalent conditions to a Category 3 or Category 4 hurricane.

Officials with Japan's Meteorological Agency warn that rivers and levees may overflow due to heavy rainfall.

Japanese broadcaster NHK reports that an emergency warning is expected for Sunday and that residents are being urged to remain alert and prepare to evacuate early in line with advisories and local government orders.