Japan issued its highest emergency alert as Typhoon Shanshan heads toward the southern island of Kyushu. The powerful storm, currently classified as a Category 2 hurricane, is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds before making landfall.

With maximum sustained winds of 95 knots (176 kilometers per hour), Shanshan is likely to strengthen further as it nears Kyushu on Thursday. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the storm's intensity could increase to a Category 3 hurricane, indicating a major storm with winds reaching 100 knots.

Kagoshima prefecture in Kyushu has been issued the top-level emergency alert due to the storm's anticipated effects. Residents are warned of the potential for strong winds and high waves, with up to 600 millimeters (24 inches) of rain expected in the southern part of the island within 24 hours, until 12 p.m. local time on Thursday.

The storm has been moving slowly, causing prolonged periods of rain and wind in affected areas. In preparation, Kyushu Electric Power Co. plans to shut down two units at its Ohira pumped-storage power station on Thursday. Over 13,000 buildings in Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures have already experienced power outages, according to Kyushu Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Co.

The impact extends to the manufacturing sector as well. Toyota Motor Corp. will pause operations at all 14 of its plants from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning. The company will evaluate whether to resume operations after Thursday morning.

Transportation services are also being affected. Japan Airlines Co. has canceled 110 domestic flights on Wednesday and an additional 60 flights on Thursday. All Nippon Airways Co. will cancel over 200 flights from Wednesday to Friday.

Rail services are adjusting their schedules as well. Kyushu Railway Co. will modify some local services, while Central Japan Railway Co. warned that the Tokaido bullet train service, connecting Tokyo with western Japan, might be disrupted from Thursday through the weekend, depending on the storm's path.

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