Hundreds evacuated, airport closed, Japan braces for typhoon: 'Stay home'

Typhoon Dolphin hit Japan's southern islands, closing the main airport in Okinawa and canceling all flights to and from the island. About 240 people were evacuated to shelters, and three men in their 70s were slightly injured. The storm is expected to weaken over the weekend and reach China's coast on Monday.

Typhoon Dolphin arrived today (Friday) at Japan's southern islands, leading to the closure of the main airport in Okinawa and the cancellation of all domestic and international flights to and from the island. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, in the afternoon hours the storm was located north of Okinawa's main island, accompanied by winds of up to 89 miles per hour. Three men in their 70s were slightly injured due to the weather. Two of them were swept by the wind, and another person fell from a stool, apparently after the wind blew him while he was preparing for the storm. Okinawa prefectural authorities said that as of noon, about 240 people had been evacuated to shelters across the prefecture. The meteorological agency warned of strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves in the Okinawa area and called on residents to stay home. According to the forecast, the storm is expected to weaken over the weekend, continue toward the eastern coast of China, and reach the shores of the Asian country during the coming week. The typhoon is also expected to affect parts of Kyushu island in southern Japan.