An exceptionally powerful cyclone has formed over the western Pacific. Typhoon MEKKHALA even reached super typhoon strength at times east of the Philippines, with wind gusts approaching 155 miles per hour.

In the coming days, MEKKHALA will move northward and remain over the open ocean for the time being. The typhoon’s current path takes it east of Taiwan. People on Japan’s southernmost islands—the Ryukyu Islands—in particular are now watching its further development with great interest.

The exact path is still uncertain. If MEKKHALA moves closer, conditions there could become unpleasant, with hurricane-force winds and massive waves.