Japanese weather officials say Tropical Storm Meari formed south of the country's main island of Honshu early Friday morning.

Meteorological agency officials say the storm may approach eastern Japan on Saturday, bringing intense rain to areas along the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere.

The officials say Meari is moving north, packing winds of 64.8 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of 90 kilometers per hour. They say the storm will likely strengthen winds and whip up waves in eastern Japan on Friday afternoon.

They are calling on people across eastern Japan to exercise caution against mudslides and flooding in low-lying areas, as well as swollen rivers and high waves through Saturday.