Typhoon lashes south Japan, approaches Tokyo

An advertising billboard blown away by wind lies on a road in Naha as Typhoon Jelawat hit the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa on Saturday.

A powerful typhoon is heading to Tokyo after injuring dozens of people, causing blackouts and paralyzing traffic in southern Japan.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Jelawat is expected to hit the Tokyo region Sunday evening. It warns of torrential rain and sudden wind gusts, urging Tokyo residents to stay indoors.

At noon Sunday, the storm was packing winds of up to 144 kilometres (90 miles) per hour.

The typhoon left more than 50 people with minor injuries on the southern island of Okinawa on Saturday. Thousands of homes were without electricity.

Dozens of trains were suspended Sunday in coastal areas around Tokyo, and some 300 domestic flights were to be grounded throughout the day.

Up to half a meter (20 inches) of rain is expected in central Japan through Monday.