Typhoon Chan-hom is forecast to strengthen while approaching northeastern Japan, threatening Tohoku and Kanto with heavy rain, strong coastal winds, high waves and possible travel disruption.
Typhoon Chan-hom, named as Typhoon No. 15 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, is moving across the Pacific east of Japan and could approach or make landfall in the Tohoku region on Tuesday, August 11.
Credit: WeathernewsJP
At 9:00 am on Sunday, the storm was centred near 32.4°N and 151.0°E, moving west at approximately 20 km/h (12 mph). Its central pressure was 994 hPa, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h (40 mph) and gusts reaching 90 km/h (56 mph).
Chan-hom did not have a defined storm-force wind zone at that time. However, its broader strong-wind area extended approximately 440 km (273 miles) north of the centre and 330 km (205 miles) to the south.
By Sunday afternoon, its central pressure had fallen to approximately 990 hPa, indicating some strengthening.
Chan-hom forecast to intensify near Sanriku
The typhoon was forecast to slow considerably east of Japan on Sunday evening before turning north-northwest on Monday.
By 9:00 am on August 10, Chan-hom is expected to be moving north-northwest at approximately 15 km/h (9 mph). The change in direction will bring the storm closer to the Pacific coast of northeastern Honshu.
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast places Chan-hom near the Sanriku coast by 9:00 am on Tuesday. At that stage, the storm could have a central pressure of 985 hPa, sustained winds of 83 km/h (52 mph) and maximum gusts of 126 km/h (78 mph).
Chan-hom may then move northwest at around 25 km/h (16 mph), potentially crossing the Tohoku region before emerging over the Sea of Japan.
By Wednesday morning, it is forecast to move west across the Sea of Japan at approximately 30 km/h (19 mph) and weaken into a tropical depression.
Current projections do not show Chan-hom developing a storm-force wind area. However, strong gusts, rough seas and intense rainfall could still create dangerous conditions.
Tropical Storm Chan-Hom has maximum sustained winds of 40mph with 50mph wind gusts and it is moving north at 1mph. It is still forecasted to peak as a 60mph Tropical Storm with wind gusts of 75mph before it makes landfall in Japan near Tokyo and produces moderate to heavy… pic.twitter.com/QKvYiwt0og
— severewxguy (@weathermandan10) August 9, 2026
A direct landfall on the Pacific side of Tohoku would be unusual. According to the Japan Weather Association, it would be only the fourth such landfall since reliable records began.
However, considerable uncertainty remains over the exact track. The forecast cone is still broad, meaning the timing, landfall location and areas experiencing the worst conditions may change.
Chan-hom’s route will depend partly on the position of a high-pressure system and a cold-core low over the region. A small shift south could increase the threat to Kanto, while a more northerly path could bring stronger impacts to northern Tohoku or Hokkaido.
Strong winds, high waves and heavy rain
Winds are expected to strengthen along the Pacific coast of Tohoku from Monday, particularly in exposed coastal areas. Waves will also become progressively higher as swells generated by the typhoon reach the coastline.
People planning to swim, surf, fish or use boats should check the latest wave forecasts, warnings and local restrictions. Any notices prohibiting swimming or closing beaches should be followed.
Residents are advised to secure or move indoors objects that could be blown away. Gutters and drainage channels should be cleared before rainfall intensifies, while bicycles, plant pots and outdoor furniture should be secured.
Heavy rain is possible across Tohoku as tropical moisture moves inland. The Pacific-facing slopes could receive the highest totals as moist air is forced over mountainous terrain.
Kanto may also experience locally intense rain and thunderstorms as humid air around Chan-hom interacts with colder air higher in the atmosphere. Flooding, swollen rivers and landslides could become concerns where repeated downpours occur.
Obon transport disruption possible
-Obon- A Traditional Japanese Culture https://t.co/PoB0hmqHIY
— TESLAテノール (@watawatadayone) August 8, 2026
The storm is approaching during the Obon holiday period, when millions of people travel for family visits and vacations.
Railways, airlines, ferries and expressways may experience delays, cancellations or temporary closures because of strong winds, high waves and heavy rain.
Travellers should check forecasts and transport schedules frequently. Forecast confidence should improve as Chan-hom approaches, but even a modest change in its path could shift the zone of greatest disruption.
Chan-hom is a name contributed by Laos and comes from the name of a tree. The latest official track and warning information is available from the Japan Meteorological Agency.
