A fierce Typhoon has hit southwest Japan, bringing wild winds, waves, and rains that have killed at least one man, injured dozens of people, and forced the government to urge 500,000 residents to evacuate
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Instagram users shared videos of torrential rains, flooded streets, and roofs strewn with fallen trees and debris.
Each year about two to four typhoons hit Japan, though not commonly in July.
Amid the panic, some Okinawa residents have found creative ways to try and weather the storm.
Typhoon Neoguri hit Okinawa, Japan Tuesday, killing one person, and knocking out power for 50,000. More than 500,000 people were urged to evacuate and hundreds of flights were canceled in Japan, Reuters reports.
Neoguri was downgraded from a Super Typhoon with winds reaching over 155mph. Weather experts says it is still one of the strongest storms to hit Japan in decades.
Holy cow! Check out this jaw-dropping image of super typhoon #Neoguri from astronaut Alexander Gerst from ISS
Powerful winds from typhoon Neoguri flip car in Okinawa http://t.co/OedBRR5gxI
Neoguri is weakening as it tracks towards mainland Japan with heavy rain and damaging winds expected for Tokyo by Friday.
"Once in a decade" storm Neoguri, the first Super Typhoon of 2014, is expected to hit Okinawa, Japan on Tuesday with "unprecedentedly strong winds and torrential rains," according to Japanese Meteorological officials.
Neoguri was tracking towards Okinawa on Monday with up to 155mph winds. It is capable of generating 46 foot high waves and possible landslides. Officials urged residents to stay indoors.
Kadena Air Force Base, the largest USAF base in the Pacific, is located in Neoguri's current path. The USAF began evacuating some of its aircraft from the Okinawa base.
#Typhoon Neoguri is directly over @Wiseman4th in #Okinawa