Japan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Oct. 29

Severe weather is forecast across much of Japan through at least Oct. 29. As of Oct. 27, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a severe weather bulletin warning of unstable weather conditions in western Japan through mid-Oct. 28 and eastern and northern Japan through Oct. 29. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in many areas and strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages. As of Oct. 27, authorities have issued a level 4 of 5 evacuation order for 15 districts in Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture due to the risk of landslides following heavy rainfall.

As of Oct. 27, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red heavy rain/inundation warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale): Parts of Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region.

• Red heavy rain/landslide warnings: Parts of Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow heavy rain/inundation warning: Across Toyama Prefecture in Hokuriku Region and parts of Kyoto, Osaka, and Shiga prefectures in Kinki Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: Parts of Aomori and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku Region, Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures in Hokuriku Region, and Shiga Prefecture in Kinki Region.

• Yellow storm/gale warnings: Across much of Kinki and Northern Kyushu regions and parts of Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region, Ehime Prefecture in Shikoku Region, and Kagoshima Prefecture in Southern Kyushu Region.

• Yellow high wave warnings: Across parts of Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Northern Kyushu regions.

• Yellow storm surge warnings: Parts of Mie and Shizuoka prefectures in Tokai Region, Hyogo and Wakayama prefectures in Kinki Region, Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku Region, and Nagasaki Prefecture in Northern Kyushu Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Tohoku, Tokai, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions, much of Hokkaido Prefecture and Kanto Koshin Region, and parts of Northern and Southern Kyushu regions.

• Yellow dense fog warnings: Much of Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Kanto Koshin region.

• Yellow dry air warnings: Parts of Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku Region.

Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions develop over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall will likely trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also probable 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.

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 with 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.