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28 May 2024 | 12:51 AM UTC

Japan: Adverse weather forecast across most of the country through at least May 29

Severe weather forecast across most of Japan through May 29. Transport, business, and utility disruptions likely.

Warning

Severe weather is forecast across most of Japan through at least May 29. As of early May 28, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

  • Purple landslide warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Tanegashima region in Kagoshima Prefecture.

  • Red heavy rain, flood, and landslide warnings: Ehime, southern Hyogo, Kagoshima, southern Kumamoto, southern Kyoto, southern Miyazaki, northern Oita, southern Okayama, Osaka, and northern Wakayama prefectures.

  • Yellow warnings: Across most of 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.

Heavy rainfall is forecast in southern Kyushu, Amami, and Shikoku regions May 28, as well as in the Tokai region the afternoon of May 28, while very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are likely in the Nansei Islands and western Japan May 28 and in eastern Japan and the Tohoku region through May 29. Forecast models indicate rainfall of 35 cm (14 inches) across the Tokai region, 25 cm (10 inches) in the Kinki region, and 20 cm (8 inches) in the Kanto and Koshin regions through early May 29, with lesser amounts of rainfall through the rest of Japan.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for residents in Kozagawa Town in Wakayama Prefecture, as well as Tarumizu City and Mishima Village in Kagoshima Prefecture. Evacuation orders for the elderly and vulnerable are in place for Aira, Hioki, Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Kirishima, Minamisatsuma, Minamikyushu, Shibushi, and Soo cities, Satsuma and Spring towns, and Toshima Village.

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 likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will probably cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will likely temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather will also probably cause intermittent flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Authorities will likely suspend port operations or close beach fronts temporarily if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding will probably 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 are probable in low-lying areas.

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.