07 Jul 2021 | 05:41 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather likely in central and western Honshu through at least July 8 /update 5
Severe weather forecast in parts of central and western Honshu, Japan through at least July 8.
Event
Further thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, strong winds, landslides, and possible flooding are forecast across central and western Honshu through at least July 8. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued purple warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for landslides in northern Okayama, eastern Shimane, southeastern Shizuoka, and Tottori prefectures. Red alerts for heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides are in place for Fukui, Fukushima, Hyogo, Miyagi, northern Okayama, eastern Shimane, and southeastern Shizuoka prefectures. Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslide advisories are in effect for the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Emergency crews continue to respond to a landslide in Izusan District of Atami, Shizuoka, as of July 7. The incident, which occurred the morning of July 3, killed at least seven people. The landslide has damaged at least 120 buildings and resulted in power outages in the area; around 27 people remain missing. As of the morning of July 7, authorities maintain evacuation orders for more than 687,000 residents across 36 cities and towns in Chiba, Kanagawa, Oita, Shizuoka, and Wakayama prefectures due to severe weather and the risk of landslides. Additional evacuation orders for 192,000 residents from Kanagawa, Niigata, Oita, Shimane, and Shizuoka prefectures have been issued.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
A portion of the Tomei Expressway between Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures is still closed to traffic. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Philippine Sea, Sea of Japan, and North Pacific Ocean if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
