Japan: Adverse weather conditions forecast across parts of Kanto-Koshin and Tohoku regions through at least March 13

Severe weather is forecast across much of Kanto-Koshin Region and areas of Tohoku Region along the Pacific coast through at least March 13. A low-pressure system and accompanying front moving east-northeastward off the Pacific coast will bring strong winds, rough seas, heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms across much of the affected area over the coming days. Winds gusting up to 144 kph (89 mph) are expected across parts of the affected area through March 13, as well as waves of up to 6 meters (20 feet) along the Pacific coast of Kanto-Koshin Region. Rainfall totals of around 7 cm (2.8 inches) are possible in parts of Kanto-Koshin Region and heavy downpours could generate flooding in low-lying areas. Strong winds may lead to downed power lines and consequent power outages, as well as damage from flying debris. Strong wind gusts could also lead to rough sea conditions in coastal areas and difficult overland travel conditions.

Officials have reported at least 49 flights have been canceled to and from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) as of the afternoon of March 12 due to strong winds. The East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has reported services have been suspended on the Kururi Line between Kururi and Kazusa-Kameyama stations due to heavy rain, as well as delays on the Tokkaido Line due to obstacles on the tracks and on the Uchibo Line due to strong winds. JR East has also warned of possible delays on several lines in Tohoku Region due to strong winds March 13. Further disruptions are likely to both air and ground transport over the coming hours and days.

As of March 12, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

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

• Red heavy snow warnings: Parts of Nagano Prefecture in Kanto-Koshin Region.

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

• Yellow heavy rain/inundation warnings: Parts of Chiba, Ibaraki, and Kanagawa prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow heavy rain/landslide warnings: Parts of Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow flood warnings: Parts of Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow storm/gale warnings: Parts of Aomori and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku Region and Chiba, Gunma, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, Tokyo, and Yamanashi prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Parts of Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region and Tochigi Prefecture in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow heavy snow warnings: Parts of Nagano and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

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

• Yellow storm surge warnings: Parts of Fukushima Prefecture in Tohoku Region and Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, Saitama, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow dense fog warnings: Parts of Aomori and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku Region and Gunma and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Parts of Aomori and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku Region and Gunma, Tochigi, and Yamanashi prefectures in Kanto-Koshin Region.

• Yellow snow accretion warnings: Parts of Gunma, Nagano, and Tochigi prefectures in Kant-Koshin 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.