Typhoon lashes southern Japan, approaches Tokyo

photo A roadside tree fallen by strong winds lies in Urasoe city as Typhoon Jelawat hit the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Kyodo News)

TOKYO - A powerful typhoon is heading to Tokyo after injuring dozens of people, causing blackouts and paralyzing traffic in southern Japan.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Jelawat is expected to hit the Tokyo region Sunday evening. It warns of torrential rain and sudden wind gusts, urging Tokyo residents to stay indoors.

At noon Sunday, the storm was packing winds of up to 144 kilometers (90 miles) per hour.

The typhoon left more than 50 people with minor injuries on the southern island of Okinawa on Saturday. Thousands of homes were without electricity.

Dozens of trains were suspended Sunday in coastal areas around Tokyo, and some 300 domestic flights were to be grounded throughout the day.

Up to half a 20 inches of rain is expected in central Japan through Monday.

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