Typhoon Ma-on brings heavy rain to Kochi

A large and strong typhoon is sweeping over the ocean off Shikoku in western Japan, bringing record rainfall to Kochi Prefecture.

The Meteorological Agency says typhoon Ma-on was 60 kilometers south of Kochi Prefecture and moving north at 20 kilometers per hour as of 11 AM on Tuesday.

Ma-on has a central atmospheric pressure of 960 hectopascals. Winds of up to 144 kilometers per hour are blowing near its center.

Developing rain clouds are likely to bring heavy rain to wide areas in western and eastern Japan.

Heavy rainfall of 54.5 millimeters per hour was recorded in Kochi, and 48 millimeters per hour in Mie Prefecture by 11 AM.

The typhoon is expected to approach eastern Japan later in the day, affecting the region with strong winds and rain for a long time.

Thunderstorms and torrential rainfall of 50 to 70 millimeters per hour are expected in wide areas from Shikoku through Kanto-Koshinetsu region on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The agency warns that 80 millimeters per hour could be recorded in some parts of the Shikoku, Kinki and Tokai regions.