Hundreds of flights and train services were cancelled on Thursday, Aug. 15, after a tropical storm hit the Shikoku region in western Japan.

Severe Tropical Storm Krosa, which is one notch below a typhoon, sparked evacuation warnings and travel cancellations during a peak holiday period.

Storm may impact travel between major cities

According to Japan Times, over 720 domestic flights to and from western Japan were cancelled, and a large number of train services were also disrupted, leaving travellers stranded.

Ferries connecting the southern Shikoku island and other parts of Japan were also cancelled due to the rising waves.

The travel disruptions will potentially affect millions of people visiting their hometowns for the Bon holiday, when Japanese people traditionally pay respect to their ancestors.

According to BBC, the train cancellations will not only affect connections on Shikoku itself, but also the Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima and Fukuoka.

580,000 advised to evacuate

Authorities have issued a voluntary evacuation advisory to around 580,000 people in the storm's path.

According to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency, four people had suffered minor injuries, while one person is more seriously hurt.

A group of 18 people were also stranded at the banks of a swelling river, and had to be evacuated to higher ground to be rescued.

The storm has weakened significantly from earlier in the week, as it stalled in the Pacific Ocean.

However, Krosa boasts an unusually large eye, meaning it is likely to dump rain over a wide area.

The storm is expected to move north, towards the Sea of Japan.

Top image from Japan Times