04 Jul 2023 | 08:29 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse weather forecast to continue across Kyushu Region through at least July 6 /update 1
Severe weather forecast to continue across Kyushu Region, Japan, through July 6. Evacuations and weather-related disruptions ongoing.
Event
Adverser weather is forecast to continue across Kyushu Region through at least July 6. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been ongoing in the region since July 1, causing widespread disruptions. The weather front currently impacting the region is expected to diminish through July 4; however, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that another low pressure system and associated front is expected to move over the Yellow Sea late July 4 and will move northeast through the Sea of Japan July 5. This system will bring further unstable weather over Kyushu July 5 and additional heavy rainfall could trigger flooding and landslides in the region, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated by previous downpours. Rainfall totals of around 25 cm (10 inches) are possible in southern Kyushu and around 8 cm (3.1 inches) in northern Kyushu early July 4-early July 5. Rainfall totals of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) are likely in northern Kyushu and 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in southern Kyushu early July 5-early July 6.
As of July 4, the JMA has issued purple (the highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings for parts of Kagoshima Prefecture and yellow heavy rain, landslide, and thunderstorm warnings across much of Kyushu. Yellow gale, storm surge, and high wave warnings are also in place across parts of Kyushu. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.
Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Kyuhsu due to the severe weather that has impacted the region in recent days. Authorities issued evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of people in 14 municipalities across the region July 3 due to the risk of flooding and landslides. Officials have since lifted many of these orders; as of July 4, evacuation orders remain in place for around 45,000 people in Hioki City and more than 21,000 in Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture. A bridge over the national highway in Yamato, Kumamoto Prefecture, has collapsed. Flooding and landslides have damaged several other roads and buildings across the region. Reports also indicate power outages in parts of Kumamoto Prefecture.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue further mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming hours. 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 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.
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.
