Tokyo braces for Typhoon Vongfong after huge storm hits southern Japan

Hundreds of flights have been grounded in Japan as Typhoon Vongfong barrelled into the main islands and headed towards Tokyo.

The season's 19th typhoon, which had already struck Japan's southwestern island chain of Okinawa over the weekend, made landfall at Makurazaki on Kyushu yesterday with winds of up to 180kph, injuring at least 68 people. At least one Chinese person was missing after he was swamped by strong waves.

It was forecast to churn northeast through the Japanese archipelago at a speed of 30 kph, Japan's meteorological agency said, adding that it may reach the Kanto region - which includes Tokyo - early today.

As night fell yesterday the rain grew heavier in Tokyo with the weather agency issuing heavy rain and flood warnings for the capital.

"It is necessary to be on strict alert against gusts and high waves as winds can blow powerfully even in areas far from the centre of the typhoon," Hiroshi Sasaki, the weather agency's chief meteorologist, said.

"Please do not approach dangerous areas such as swollen rivers or seashore," Sasaki said. "Please secure your safety before winds and rain strengthen."