12 Aug 2021 | 04:26 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather likely in Kyushu and western and central Honshu through at least Aug. 15
Severe weather forecast in parts of Kyushu and western and central Honshu, Japan, through at least Aug. 15.
Event
Further thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, strong winds, landslides, and possible flooding are forecast across western and central Honshu as well as Kyushu through at least Aug. 15. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued purple warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for landslides due to heavy rain in Fukuoka, western Kagoshima, Kumamoto, eastern Nagasaki, western Oita, and Saga prefectures. Red alerts for heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides are in place for southern Hiroshima, Ishikawa, the rest of Kagoshima, the rest of Kumamoto, southern Kyoto, southern Miyazaki, the rest of Nagasaki, northern Nara, the rest of Oita, Osaka, western Shimane, and western Yamaguchi prefectures. Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslide advisories are in effect for the rest of the affected area. The heaviest rain is likely in northern Kyushu where up to 30 cm (12 inches) of rainfall is possible, while up to 25 cm (10 inches) of rainfall is probable in southern Kyushu. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
As of Aug. 12, authorities have ordered evacuations for at least 116,929 people from Fukuoka, 26,744 elderly from Hiroshima, 194,352 people from Kagoshima, 534,983 people from Kumamoto, 665,371 people from Nagasaki, 42,519 people from Oita, and 116,826 people from Saga prefectures due to severe weather and the risk of landslides.
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
The Kyushu Shinkansen has suspended services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima Chuo stations. Multiple railways and train lines are experiencing disruptions, with trains suspended or delayed due to heavy rain. 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, East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan 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.
