The storm zone of Typhoon Muifa has engulfed some islands in Okinawa Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says that as of 10 p.m. on Sunday, Muifa was situated over waters 100 kilometers south of Okinawa's Ishigaki Island and was slowly moving north.

Muifa now has winds of up to 162 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts of up to 216 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon's storm zone currently encompasses Ishigaki, Iriomote, and other islands of Okinawa's Yaeyama region. A gust of 120 kilometers per hour was observed on Hateruma Island at 9:04 p.m. on Sunday.

Winds are predicted to further intensify in the Yaeyama and nearby Miyakojima regions on Monday as Muifa will likely approach there on Monday and Tuesday while maintaining strength.

Waters around the regions are forecast to be very rough, with waves expected to reach 10 meters high.

High tides, which could prompt a warning, are also predicted in the Yaeyama region from Monday morning through shortly before noon. People in low-lying areas near the sea and rivers should take extra caution against inundation.

Rain is also strengthening in the Yaeyama and Miyakojima regions. Precipitation for the 24-hour period through 6:30 p.m. on Sunday climbed to 54.5 millimeters on Hateruma Island.

Rainfall for the 24-hour period through 6 p.m. on Monday could grow to 200 millimeters in the regions. A further 200 to 300 millimeters of rain is also forecast there for the following 24 hours.