S/ Tachihara Shuichi, Japan Meteorological Agency / There is a risk of unprecedented violent winds and high waves. The situation calls for maximum caution.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned on October 8 that Typhoon Halong may bring about winds and waves of unprecedented scope to the Izu islands south of Tokyo.

Agency officials urged people to secure their safety early by evacuating to sturdy buildings before the storm intensifies.

The officials said that the typhoon could approach the Pacific islands late at night on October 8 and remain in the area through the following day.

At 4:50 p.m., the agency issued special warnings against violent winds and high waves around Hachijojima and Aogashima in the southern part of the island chain.

Agency officials also warned of heavy rain, landslides and strong winds that could cause houses to collapse.

The typhoon with strong intensity is moving northward toward Japan.

It is expected to shift eastward and come close to the southern Izu islands from the early hours to the morning of October 9.

Winds of up to about 70 meters per second are expected in the Izu island area around this time.

Wave heights are expected to reach 12 meters, with about 300 millimeters of rain predicted by midday on October 9.