Japan: Severe weather forecast to continue across parts of Kanto Koshin and Tohoku regions through at least Feb. 28 /update 1

Strong winds and rough seas are forecast to continue across parts of Kanto Koshin and Tohoku regions through at least Feb. 28. A low-pressure system is impacting areas along the Pacific coast and adjacent inland regions, with winds gusting up to 111 kph (69 mph) recorded in elevated parts of Tochigi Prefecture and up to 101 kph (63 mph) in parts of the Tokyo area Feb. 27. The system is forecast to gradually move away through Feb. 28; however, winds gusting up to 72 mph (47 mph) are expected in coastal areas of Kanto Koshin Region, 65 mph (40 mph) in coastal areas of Tohoku Region, 61 kph (38 mph) in inland areas of Kanto Koshin Region, and 54 kph (34 mph) in the Izu Islands through Feb. 28. These winds will generate waves of up to 8 meters (26 feet) along the Pacific coast. The strong winds could lead to downed power lines and consequent power outages, as well as damage from flying debris. Strong wind gusts could lead to rough sea conditions in coastal areas and difficult overland travel conditions.

Officials have reported at least 71 flights have been canceled at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) as of the afternoon of Feb. 27. The East Japan Railway Company has reported delays and cancelations on parts of the Akita Shinkansen, Joban, and Suigun lines in Tohoku Region and the Agatsuma, Hachiko, Keiyo, Musashino, Shonan-Shinjuku, Takasaki, Tokaido, and Utsunomiya lines in Kanto Koshin region due to strong winds and fallen trees Feb. 27. Further disruptions are likely to both air and ground transport through at least Feb. 28.

As of Feb. 27, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red high wave warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region and Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow heavy snow warnings: Parts of Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region.

• Yellow storm/gale warnings: Parts of Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region and Chiba, Gunman, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, Tokyo, and Yamanashi prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow high wave warnings: Parts of Chiba, Kanagawa, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow dry air warnings: Parts of Chiba Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region, and Gunma, Nagano, and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow snow accretion warnings: Parts of Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.

The severe weather will likely continue to cause ground transport disruptions in parts of the affected region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become hazardous. Gusty winds may topple high-profile vehicles in some affected areas. Hazardous weather conditions might also cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports over the coming hours and days. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Pacific coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic.