Japanese weather officials are calling on people to be on the alert for a very strong typhoon and two tropical storms that may affect Japan.

The officials say Tropical Storm Damrey was moving north off the coast of the Tohoku region, northeastern Japan, on Monday morning. They forecast the storm will likely change course eastward away from the region in the afternoon.

People in coastal areas are advised to watch out for strong winds and high waves.

The officials also say very strong Typhoon Saola, located east of the Philippines, will gradually change course northward to bring rough seas to the islands in Okinawa Prefecture.

The typhoon is expected to develop further and approach the Sakishima Islands in Okinawa Prefecture around Wednesday. The officials warn of very high waves.

The officials say ships passing near the storm need to be careful, and they call on people to watch for storm-related information.

nhk