Powerful typhoon pounds southern Japan; thousands evacuated

A powerful typhoon approaching southern Japan pounded the region with strong winds and heavy rain, causing blackouts, paralyzing ground and air transportation and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said Typhoon Nanmadol was near the southern island of Yakushima, packing maximum winds of 162 kilometers per hour.
It slowly headed north to the country’s main southern island of Kyushu where it could make landfall later Sunday. Nanmadol is forecast to turn east and reach Tokyo on Tuesday.
The agency predicted as much as 50 centimeters (20 inches) of rainfall by midday Monday, warning of flooding and landslides.
It also warned residents in the affected area of “unprecedented” levels of powerful winds and waves, urging them to evacuate early.
Local authorities so far reported no major damage or injuries.