Severe tropical storm Ampil is moving over the sea south of Japan and expected to come closest to Tokyo's remote island chain of Ogasawara on Wednesday. Weather officials say the storm will intensify its force and likely approach the eastern part of the country including the Greater Tokyo region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says Ampil has a central atmospheric pressure of 990 hectopascals. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 90 kilometers per hour near its center.

The Ogasawara Islands are likely to see heavy thunder showers through Thursday.

Maximum rainfall could reach 120 millimeters in the 24 hours through Wednesday evening and 120 millimeters during the following 24 hours.

Weather officials are warning of high waves and advising people to take full precautions against landslides.

Ampil is expected to continue moving north and approach the Izu Islands on Thursday. It is expected to gather strength and approach eastern Japan, including the greater metropolitan region between Friday and Saturday.

Central Japan Railway says it may suspend services of the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line from Friday through Saturday.

The operator is urging travelers to keep updated with the latest information and consider changing their plans.