Videos capture terrifying typhoon winds as they hit the coast of southern Japan

600,000 were asked to evacuate before the storm slammed the islands of Okinawa

Published July 8, 2014 3:20PM (EDT)

A typhoon as seen from space (Shutterstock)
A typhoon as seen from space (Shutterstock)

On Tuesday, the powerful typhoon Neoguri hit the islands of Okinawa. The southern Japanese islands were slammed with 120-mile-per-hour sustained winds (194 kilometers per hour), with gusts up to 148 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The typhoon also brought 46-foot waves and intensifying storm surges. Neoguri is one of the strongest typhoons to hit during the summer months, according to the Associated Press.

According to the Okinawa government, 10 people were injured -- one critically -- and a fisherman was reported missing.

U.S. military bases located in Okinawa canceled outdoor activity during the storm. And nearly 600,000 people were told to evacuate, the Associated Press reported; however, many chose to ride out the typhoon.

A Meteorological Agency official, Satoshi Ebihara, warned citizens to take caution during the storm. "Please refrain from nonessential activities and from approaching hazardous areas," Ebihara said, according to the AP. "Please show extreme caution."

The Associated Press explains that typhoons "track along Japan's coast, often veering onshore every summer." Due to this fact, the country is relatively prepared for these storms. However, the AP explains, the bulk of storm damage could come Thursday or Friday when typhoon Neoguri's torrential rains are expected to hit.

Neoguri translates to "raccoon dog" in Korean.

Watch videos of the powerful winds below:

h/t Associated Press


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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