Torrential rains intensified by a tropical storm are pounding Japan's Pacific coast. Authorities say disaster risks are rising. And they're urging residents to protect their lives.

At least two people are missing in the western prefecture of Wakayama. One was swept away on a flooded road. The other was caught in a swollen river. Rescuers will continue their search on Saturday morning.

Downpours hit the Tokyo metropolitan area on Friday afternoon, and caused a landslide in Kawasaki city, south of the capital.

The rains are affecting transportation. Central Japan Railway Company halted Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Nagoya on Friday. Officials allowed some passengers to stay in carriages overnight. Conditions were crowded at Tokyo station, and about 40 junior high school students on a trip fell ill.

Kansai International Airport in Osaka was also heaving. Officials halted train services, forcing many people to take buses and taxis.

Some decided to stay overnight in sleeping bags provided by staff.

One woman said, "I booked a hotel in central Osaka, but all transportation had stopped when I arrived."

On Friday, airline operators nationwide canceled about 270 flights.