12 Sep 2023 | 09:53 AM UTC
Japan: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Hokkaido Prefecture as of Sept. 12
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of northern Japan, as of Sept. 12. Rail service suspensions and minor damage reported.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Hokkaido Prefecture as of Sept. 12 and further adverse weather is expected across parts of northern Japan in the coming hours. Dozens of train services across Hokkaido have been suspended Sept. 12, including sections of the Chitose, Hakodate, Muroran, and Soya lines. JR Hokkaido are advising travelers to check the status of trains on their website due to possible service disruptions. Heavy rain has caused minor damage, including flooding to homes and roads, in parts of Otaru and Sapporo cities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of continued unstable weather conditions across northern and eastern Japan through at least late Sept. 12. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes are expected in affected regions over the coming hours, with Hokkaido Prefecture and Tohoku Region likely to be the worst-affected area. As of late Sept. 12, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido Prefecture and Tohoku Region:
Purple heavy rain/landslide warnings (the second highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of Miyagi Prefecture in Tohoku Region.
Red heavy rain/inundation and flood warnings: Parts of Iwate and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow heavy rain/inundation/landslide and flood warnings: Hiyama, Ishikari, Kamikawa, Mombetsu, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Sorachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across most of Hokkaido Prefecture and Tohoku Region.
Yellow dense fog warnings: Across much of Hokkaido Prefecture.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions develop over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also likely 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 likely in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue additional evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows will likely 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 will likely occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, 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.
