Typhoon Pabuk, which hit the Kii Peninsula in western Japan shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, claimed at least two lives as it became the first typhoon in two years to hit the mainland, the Meteorological Agency said.

It was expected to reach the Tokyo area this morning.

In addition to the two deaths, at least 22 people were injured as the storm plowed through the Tokai region, rescue officials and police said.