Over 400 flights cancelled as Typhoon Saudel approaches Okinawa

As Typhoon Saudel edges ever closer to Okinawa, Japanese authorities urges residents to be aware of strong gusts capable of blowing over houses.

More than 400 flights have been cancelled so far affecting some 60,000 travellers.

Japanese meteorolocial authorities say wind speeds in the centre of Saudel could reach as high as 144 kilometres per hour, adding that local structures are at risk of collapse.

Rainfall in the area is also expected to increase significantly, with Japan's southern Amami Islands likely to experience 250 millimetres of rainfall before Wednesday noon.

In Okinawa, rainfall is set to reach 150 millimetres with waves reaching 11-metres appearing offshore.

This as local meteorological authorities forecasted Saudel will continue on its path towards the northwest, initially maintaining its wind speed before decelerating.