08 Aug 2022 | 02:56 PM UTC
Japan: Disruptions due to adverse weather ongoing across northern regions as of late Aug. 8 /update 4
Evacuations due to adverse weather ongoing in parts of northern Japan as of late Aug. 8. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Severe weather is causing disruptions across parts of northern Japan as of late Aug. 8. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for thousands of households in parts of Morimachi, Shiriuchi Town, Hokuto City, and Kikonai Town in Hokkaido Prefecture due to the threat of flooding and landslides. The Ryukei River that runs through Hokuto City has exceeded the flood danger water level due to heavy rainfall. Evacuation orders have also been issued for parts of Sotogahama Town in Amori Prefecture and Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture. Officials may issue additional evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen.
Authorities have reported one fatality after a vehicle overturned on a collapsed road in Minami Echizen Town in Fukui Prefecture early Aug. 8. Authorities have also reported seven injured people in Ishikawa prefecture, two in Niigata Prefecture, and one missing person in Yamagata Prefecture amid heavy rains across much of the country since Aug. 3. Around 3,000 homes have been damaged across 12 prefectures of central and northern Japan. Multiple roads have been closed in affected areas due to flooding and landslides, including the Hokuriku Expressway in Fukui Prefecture. Water supply has been disrupted to thousands of homes in Niigata Prefecture.
Further heavy rainfall and associated flooding and landslides are forecast across parts of northern Japan over the coming days. The current active weather front over Hokkaido is forecast to stall over Tohuku for around a week, bringing extremely heavy downpours to the region. Rainfall totals of around 20 cm (8 inches) are expected over Tohuku Aug. 9 and 15 cm (6 inches) over Hokkaido. The heaviest rainfall over subsequent days is forecast over the Sea of Japan side of Tohuku.
As of late Aug. 8, the Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following warnings:
Purple heavy rain and landslides warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Hiyama, Oshima, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Red heavy rain and landslides warnings: Kmaikawa and Rumoi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Red heavy rain and flood warnings: Across much of western Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Gifu Prefecture in Chubu region.
Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, gale, and landslide advisories: Across much of the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories 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.
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.
