Japan: Heavy rain and possible floods in center, south July 4-6 /update 1

Event

Three people were injured by hazardous weather brought by Tropical Cyclone Nanmadol on Tuesday, July 4. Nanmadol made landfall on Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu, early Tuesday morning. 

The storm is forecast to bring torrential rain and strong winds to central and southern Japan through Thursday, July 6. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued heavy rain, flooding, and mudslide warnings for the prefectures of Niigata, Fukushima, Gunma, Nagano, Toyama, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Gifu, Ishikawa, Fukui, Kyoto, Mie, Wakayama, Hyogo, Tokushima, Tottori, Kochi, and Ehime. Wind gusts may reach up to 130 hm/h (80 mph).

The system is forecast to track northeastwards and exit into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, July 6.

Nearly 50 flights were canceled nationwide on July 4, stranding 3000 passengers, and all transportation services were suspended on Kyushu Island. Power outages are possible.

Context

The Japanese archipelago is strongly affected by the annual Pacific Typhoon season, which runs from May to October, with a peak of storms in August and September.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts and to adhere to any advice issued by the regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.