Typhoon Etau barrelled toward the Japanese mainland Tuesday, packing strong winds and heavy rains as authorities advised more than 120,000 people to evacuate due to possible flooding.

The storm, with wind speeds of up to 126 kilometres (78 miles) per hour, was around several hundred kilometres south of Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon. It was expected to land on Japan's main Honshu island on Wednesday.

Japan's weather agency issued heavy rain and strong wind warnings, with Japan Airlines saying some southwestern regional airports could see delays or cancellations.

Rival All Nippon Airways said its morning flights to and from the central city of Nagoya might be cancelled.

Last month, powerful typhoon Goni hit the southernmost main island of Kyushu, leaving at least one person missing who was later found dead, more than 70 others injured and disrupting rail and flight services.

More than 600,000 people were advised to evacuate ahead of the storm.

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Japan Airlines

All Nippon Airways