Japan: Adverse weather forecast across northern and eastern regions through at least March 29

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern and eastern Japan through at least March 29. As of early March 29, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned of strong winds and high waves across northern and eastern Japan March 29. The JMA has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Purple landslide warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): southeastern Shizuoka Prefecture.

• Red heavy rain, landslide, and strong wind warnings: eastern Fukushima, western Hokkaido, eastern Iwate, eastern Miyagi, and the rest of Shizuoka prefectures.

• Red high wave warnings: southern and eastern Chiba, eastern Fukushima, southern and eastern Hokkaido, Ibaraki, eastern Iwate, Kanagawa, and eastern Miyagi prefectures.

• Yellow warnings: across the rest of the affected area.

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

Authorities in Shizuoka Prefecture have issued evacuation orders for 1,900 people in the Tsushima District of Ito City and 7,472 people in Minamiizu Town due to the risk of landslides. Evacuation orders for the elderly and people with physical disabilities are in place for 5,779 people in Matsuzaki Town and 11,250 people in Higashiizu Town. Officials have also suspended several local trains services, including parts of the Gotemba, Minobu, and Tokaido lines. The Tokyo Bay Ferry and parts of the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line are closed due to strong winds.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger 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 rain has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel 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 intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas.