15 Aug 2022 | 08:36 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse weather forecast to persist across much of Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions through at least Aug. 17 /update 6
Severe weather forecast across northern Japan and Hokuiku Region through at least Aug. 17. Disruptions ongoing in Tohoku Region.
Event
A low-pressure system with an active weather front is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across parts of northern Japan, and Hokuriku Region through at least Aug. 17. The Japan Meteorological Administration (JMA) has warned that the adverse weather could bring a threat of landslides, rising river levels, and flooding across the affected area. Storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible tornadoes. Rainfall totals of around 15 cm (6 inches) in the Tohoku Region and 10 cm (4 inches) in Hokkaido and Hokuriku regions are expected early Aug. 15-early Aug. 16. Totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) over Hokuriku and Tohoku regions and 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) of Hokkaido Region are expected early Aug. 16-early Aug. 17. Parts of northern Japan have experienced heavy rainfall in recent days and the saturated soil in these areas increases the risk of further flooding and landslides.
As of Aug. 15, the JMA has issued the following warnings across the affected area:
Purple heavy rain and landslides warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Akita coast in Tohoku Region.
Red heavy rain, landslides, and flood warnings: Kitami Region in Hokkaido Prefecture; parts of Iwate Prefecture in Hokiriku Region; and inland Akita Prefecture in Tohoku Region.
Yellow heavy rain, flood, landslide, gale, high wave, storm surge, thunderstorm, and dense fog advisories: across much of the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days.
Disruptions are ongoing in parts of the northern Tohoku Region as of Aug. 15, following recent heavy rainfall across the area. In Aomori Prefecture, evacuation orders have been issued to 47 households in Nakadomari due to the threat of landslides and evacuation orders for the elderly have been issued for 30 households in Sotogahama Town due to heavy rainfall. Authorities have reported that 126 landslides have occurred in northern Tohoku in recent days, and seven railway routes in the region have been suspended due to collapsed bridges and damage to embankments.
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.
Transport
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 airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts 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.
