Japan records its 31st typhoon of the year, among highest totals since 1951

Japan's weather agency confirmed Typhoon In-fa formed near the Marshall Islands early Saturday, bringing the year's total to 31.

That total is tied for the ninth-highest since records began in 1951.

In-fa was moving slowly, and forecasts differ on whether it will turn east or head west toward the Mariana Islands.

Some forecasts suggest it could become very strong, but its path remains uncertain, and possible effects on Japan are not yet clear.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Champi is near southern Japan, where the agency has warned of strong winds and high waves in Okinawa.

Champi is forecast to move north across the East China Sea, turn east on Sunday and approach western Japan on Monday before weakening south of Shikoku.