Tokyo Olympics: Games chiefs make contingency plans as tropical storm approaches

Tokyo 2020 organisers have put standby plans in place for the final weekend of the Olympic Games in case the approaching tropical storm forces a change to the schedule.

Strong winds and heavy rain are expected to either hit Japan’s east coast directly or skirt close to making landfall.

It was already known that the final round of women’s golf could be shifted from Saturday to Sunday, if conditions are unsuitable for play.

Now it has been confirmed that other alterations to the programme may be in the offing, with Games chiefs bracing themselves for all eventualities.

Masa Takaya, spokesperson for the organising committee, said: “At this point in time we just watch the situation closely.”

Addressing media in a news conference, he said: “Of course the organising committee is making preparations for the unexpected, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to tell you all the state of preparation for unexpected situations that the organising comiitee is making, because it will only create speculation among yourselves.

“We are giving you possibly the warnings about the situation.”

Takaya added: “According to the current strength of the storm, it is categorised as a tropical storm, not a typhoon.

“We just have to share the information, not overstating the strength of the typhoon too much.”

Outdoor events over the closing weekend include the baseball and men’s football gold medal games in nearby Yokohama, Saturday’s final day of athletics in the Olympic Stadium, and the marathon events in Sapporo.