Strongest typhoon in decades hits Japan

Weather & Radar reporter Jonathan Petramala is reporting live from the scene following landfall of Typhoon Shanshan in Japan.

Millions have been told to evacuate across Japan as one of the most powerful typhoons in decades strikes the country. It is also the strongest storm to hit this year.

Shanshan has already triggered several landslides, roof collapses and destruction to buildings, resulting in at least four casualties so far.

Over 200,000 homes are without power, with a renewed risk of landslides and severe flooding as the slow-moving storm continues to wreak havoc.

The typhoon made landfall at a strength equivalent to a major category 4 hurricane, near Satsumasendai in Kagoshima Prefecture around 8 am local time on Thursday 29th August. 

Shanshan has since been downgraded to a severe tropical storm since lashing south-west Japan with torrential rain and winds of over 110 mph.