03 Sep 2021 | 03:21 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather ongoing in western regions as of Sept. 3
Severe weather affecting western Japan as of Sept. 3. Evacuations underway; disruptions likely.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rains bringing possible floods and landslides are forecast for northern Kyushu, far western Honshu, and northwestern Shikoku as of Sept. 3. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following warnings:
Purple (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) warnings for landslides due to heavy rain: Central Fukuoka, northern Nagasaki, and northwestern Saga prefectures
Red warnings for heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides: Eastern Ehime, the rest of Fukuoka, southern Hiroshima, the rest of Nagasaki, southern Okayama, the rest of Saga, and western Yamaguchi prefectures
Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslide advisories: The rest of the affected area
Adverse weather will likely continue in the coming days; authorities may expand evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen. Officials will likely provide updates on damage and casualties in the coming days.
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 remain 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. Forecast models indicate that the low-pressure system is moving east, bringing 24-hour rainfall totals of 15 cm (6 inches) to northern Kyushu through early Sept. 4. Tornadoes are possible over the affected area through Sept. 4.
Transport
As of early Sept. 3, multiple railways and train lines in affected areas are experiencing disruptions due to heavy rain and lightning. Kyushu is the most affected, with Chikuhi, Gantoku Gotoji, Harada, Kure, Mine, Onoda, San-In, Ube, Yamaguchi lines as well as Hokuriku, Kansai, and Sanyo main lines delayed or suspended. Matsuura and Nishikigawa railway lines are also experiencing delays 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.
