Tokyo [Japan], August 16 (HBTV): Residents in parts of Japan are being ordered to evacuate with some homes losing power on Friday as Typhoon Ampil approaches the coast near Tokyo, CNN reported.

According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), the storm, located 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka, Greater Tokyo, has intensified to the equivalent strength of a Category 4 hurricane, bringing winds of up to 212 kilometers per hour (131 mph) as it moves north at 18 kph (11 mph)

Typhoon Ampil has rapidly gained strength over the past two days, partly because it moved over very warm water - meaning more moisture in the air to fuel the typhoon, as per CNN.

The storm is expected to continue intensifying in the next 12 hours, potentially reaching its peak as it passes near Japan.

In preparation for the typhoon's arrival, authorities in the coastal city of Isumi have issued evacuation notices to nearly 17,000 households, particularly urging vulnerable residents such as the elderly and those with disabilities to seek safety, CNN reported citing public broadcaster NHK.

The storm is forecasted to hit the area by late Friday, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

Further, a similar notice was issued in the city of Yokohama, south of Tokyo, with authorities warning that all residents should be prepared to evacuate.

By Friday morning, as rain and wind picked up in coastal areas, more than a thousand households lost power, according to electricity company TEPCO. 

(ANI)