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Japan is being braced for a powerful typhoon which is due to pass across the south of the country today.
Typhoon Neoguri was due to pass over the Okinawa island chain later on Tuesday bringing strong winds and torrential rain.
Flights have been cancelled and hundreds of thousands of people have been urged to seek shelter.
Forecasters said the storm could be one of the strongest to hit Japan, generating waves up to 46ft.
Local authorities urged some 480,000 residents across Okinawa to stay at home or move to community centres for shelter.
More than 50,000 households were reported to be without power, and one oil refinery has halted operations.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “Typhoon Neoguri is forecast to bring hazardous sea and weather conditions to southern parts of Japan from July 7.”
“There is a risk of unprecedentedly strong winds and torrential rains. Please refrain from non-essential outdoor activities,” Japan Meteorological Agency spokesman Satoshi Ebihara was reported by the BBC as saying.