An exceptionally powerful cyclone has developed over the western Pacific. Typhoon Mekkhala even reached super typhoon strength at times east of the Philippines with wind gusts of up to nearly 155 miles per hour.

Over the coming days, Mekkhala will move northwards and remain over the open sea for the time being. The typhoon’s current track takes it east of Taiwan. People on Japan’s southernmost islands, the Ryukyu Islands, in particular, are now watching its further development with keen interest.

Its exact path is still uncertain. If Mekkhala moves closer, conditions there could become unpleasant, with gale-force winds and huge waves.