Powerful Typhoon Khanun lashes southwest Japanese islands, grounding flights and closing businesses

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — A powerful typhoon is approaching Japan’s southwestern island of Okinawa, lashing the region with strong winds and high waves and forcing transportation to halt and stores to close. Slow-moving Typhoon Khanun is heading northwest with surface winds of up to 111 miles per hour. Hundreds of flights at Okinawa’s main airport, including more than a dozen international flights, were canceled. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the typhoon was at sea southeast of Okinawa’s main island. Up to 7.8 inches of rainfall were expected. Officials warned residents of violent winds, high waves and flooding, and urged them to stay indoors and away from windows.