28 Jun 2023 | 08:35 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least June 29
Severe weather forecast across much of Japan through at least June 29. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Japan through at least June 29. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of very unstable weather conditions across western Japan through late June 28 and eastern Japan through noon June 29. Unstable weather is also forecast across northern Japan June 29. Thunderstorms may bring localized heavy downpours, strong wind gusts, lightning, and hail across the affected areas.
As of June 28, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across the country:
Purple heavy rain and landslide warnings (the second highest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of Toyama Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.
Red heavy rain and inundation warnings: Parts of Tochigi Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region and Toyama Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.
Red flood warnings: Parts of Toyama Prefecture in Hokuriku Region and Mie Prefecture in Tokai Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Chugoku, Hokuiku, Kinki, Shikoku, Tohoku, and Tokai regions and much of Kanto Koshin and Kyushu regions and Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow storm gale warnings: Parts of Shimane Prefecture in Chugoku Region, Osaka Prefecture in Kinki Region, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, and Yamaguchi prefectures in Northern Kyushu Region, and Yamagata Prefecture in Tohoku Region.
Yellow high wave warnings: Osaka Prefecture in Kinki Region.
Yellow dense fog warnings: Across much of Hokkaido prefecture and parts of Aomori and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku Region and Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
As of June 28, authorities have issued evacuation orders for a small number of households in parts of Aichi, Hyogo, Nagasaki, and Nara prefectures due to the threat of heavy rainfall and 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.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. 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 affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely 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.
