Heavy winds and rain have wreaked havoc across Japan, killing three people and causing transport chaos. The unseasonal weather is due to a low-pressure system sweeping across the country.

The gusts in western Japan's Wakayama Prefecture were on par with a category one typhoon, possessing a sustained wind speed of over 118 kilometers per hour. The strong winds caused major damage with local media reporting 11 flipped trucks in Toyama Prefecture.

An 82-year-old man has been confirmed dead, after a metal shed collapsed on top of him. More than 160 people have been reported injured. The adverse weather has forced more than 600 flight cancellations and caused large parts of Japan’s train system to shut down. Many had hoped to get out of Tokyo, but were disappointed once they arrived to find that many planes were grounded.

Yuko Minami, a Tokyo resident, said, "It's strange to have a storm at this time of the year. I came here assuming it wouldn't be that serious, but the gust is very strong, and my flight was cancelled. I have no choice but to go back home and come back again tomorrow."

More than 10,000 households lost electricity. Many companies in Tokyo sent their employees home early.

The meteorological agency warned that the west Tokyo area could be hit by typhoon wind speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour. It also said the winds could cause strong waves in coastal areas and warned of possible landslides.

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