Typhoon Hagibis hits Japan on Saturday turning skies a stormy 'purple'

Japan's skies have turned purple on Saturday as the island nation braces fro Typhoon Hagibis, according to international reports. Japan's Meteorological Agency has reportedly conformed that Typhoon Hagibis has made landfall near Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, south-west of Tokyo, just before 7:00 pm local time. This typhoon has been dubbed as the strongest typhoon since 1958. While the highest alert level has been sounded by the weather agency, many took to Twitter to share the beautiful purple sky before the typhoon made landfall.

Here are visuals of the Japan sky:

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Japan braces for Typhoon Hagibis

According to reports, most flights and subway services have been cancelled as the country braces for impact. Organisers of Japan’s F1 Grand Prix have also reportedly cancelled all practice and qualifying sessions scheduled for Oct. 12. According to AFP, torrential rain and winds have already lashed the country causing floods and mudslides. Millions of people across Japan have been advised to evacuate their homes due to fears of flooding, as the super typhoon approaches, as per reports.

Read: Super Typhoon On Track To Drench Japan’s Main Island

Mystery behind 'Pink sky' in Japan

Meanwhile, the vivid pink-purple sky has intrigued many online. Many have commented that the 'beautiful' sight hid a 'big catastrophe'. According to experts, the vivid purple tint is the result of a weather phenomenon called "scattering". Scattering happens when the molecules and small particles in the atmosphere influence the direction of the light, causing the light to scatter. Recent reports state that a number of municipal governments issued evacuation advisories to areas particularly at risk, including some in the most populous greater Tokyo region. Typhoon Hagibis is reportedly travelling at a record speed of 160 kilometres per hour at its centre with maximum winds at 216 kilometres per hour. 

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Flight and train cancellations

As per the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau, flights departing and arriving from both Tokyo airports, Haneda and Narita have been cancelled on October 12, affecting a total of at least 1187 flights and nearly 190,000 passengers. The Airlines will not charge any handling fees for the changes or refunds resulting from the anticipated effects on operations caused by bad weather (typhoon, etc) or natural disasters, it clarified. The Central Japan Railway Company has cancelled nearly all bullet trains departing Tokyo and Osaka on October 12, which number approximately 400 departures. Even roadways have been closed to prevent travellers from exposing themselves to the typhoon, said the authorities. Alerts have also been issued by Japenese Government for the fishermen to stay off the sea and to those who live by the coast.

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