TOKYO, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Bavi, a very large and violent typhoon, is expected to make its closest approach to Okinawa Prefecture's Sakishima Islands in southwestern Japan around Saturday, potentially unleashing violent winds and torrential rain along with thunderstorms, the country's weather agency said Friday.
Residents have been urged to take extra caution against powerful winds, high waves, storm surges and landslides.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), as of 6 a.m. local time Friday, the season's ninth typhoon was located over waters south of Okinawa and moving north-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour (kph).
Winds have already intensified across the prefecture, with a maximum instantaneous speed of 21.4 meters per second recorded in Naha City in the three hours through 6 a.m.
Bavi is forecast to approach the Sakishima Islands through Saturday while retaining very strong intensity. Winds powerful enough to potentially topple houses are expected to batter the islands, with gusts forecast to reach 180 kph on Friday and 216 kph on Saturday.
Seas around Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture are expected to turn very rough, with coastal areas at risk of inundation from storm surges and high waves.
Residents have been advised to take shelter in sturdy buildings or other safe places before rain and winds intensify. ■