Stong winds pound Japan

Severe weather in Japan grounded hundreds of flights Tuesday leaving thousands of people stranded.

Flight cancelled messages flashed on the monitors at Haneda International Airport as passengers scrambled to make alternative arrangements.

Other modes of transportation were also affected with service on some of Japan's bullet trains delayed or halted.

Weather officials say the northern Pacific coast may be hit by high waves, snow and avalanches.

Typhoon like storms of this magnitude are unseasonal for this time of year and are expected to continue for the next few days.

Julie Noce, Reuters