Japan Typhoon Neoguri
Satellite view: Neoguri pictured over the Pacific Ocean as it approaches Japan Reuters

More than 500,000 people have been urged to take shelter as Typhoon Neoguri approaches the Japanese islands of Okinawa with winds of up to 250km/h (155mph).

As the typhoon slightly weakened on its way to the Japanese islands, the country's meteorological agency has reduced its status from super typhoon to typhoon but has warned citizens to remain prepared and alert as it still has the potential as wreak havoc on its way.

Neoguri, one of the largest typhoons to hit the Okinawa prefecture, is expected to bring high-velocity winds and torrential rain as it is approaches land.

Meanwhile, NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted some amazing pictures of the eye of Typhoon Neoguri.

Wiseman is currently on board the International Space Station and regularly shares incredible images of planet earth with his thousands of followers.

Earlier, he also tweeted pictures of Hurricane Arthur, which nearly ruined Fourth of July celebrations in the US.

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