Japan: Adverse weather forecast across Kyushu and surrounding islands through at least June 21

Severe weather is forecast across Kyushu and surrounding islands through at least June 21. A band of heavy rain is expected to move over the region from late June 20 to early June 21. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, and possible tornadoes may break out amid the heavy showers. Rainfall totals of around 25 cm (10 inches) in southern Kyushu and 20 cm (8 inches) in northern Kyushu are forecast for late June 20-late June 21. Authorities have issued purple evacuation orders (the second highest level on a five-tier scale for evacuation warnings) for parts of Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Makurazaki, Minamikyuhsu, and Minamisatsuma cities in Kagoshima Prefecture due to the increased landslide threat, affecting tens of thousands of people. Red evacuation of vulnerable group warnings are in place for various other locations across Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki prefectures. Officials will likely update. expand, or rescind the status of evacuation orders as weather conditions change over the coming hours and days.

As of June 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Purple heavy rain/landslide warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Satsuma Region in Kagoshima Prefecture.

• Red heavy rain/landslides warnings: Osumi Region in Kagoshima Prefecture.

• Red heavy rain and flood warnings: Satsuma Region in Kagoshima Prefecture.

• Yellow heavy rain, landslide, and flood warnings: Parts of Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga prefectures.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across the affected area.

• Yellow strong wind and high wave warnings: Across much of Northern Kyushu and Kagoshima Prefecture and the Amami Islands in Southern Kyushu.

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

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

Severe weather will also likely trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports, though these are unlikely to be severe or prolonged. Authorities will probably suspend port operations or close beach fronts temporarily if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding will likely block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions will likely occur in low-lying areas.