Japan: Adverse weather forecast across Chugoku, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions through at least July 11

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern and western Japan through at least July 11. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a weather bulletin warning that weather fronts moving over the Sea of Japan will bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Chugoku, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions over the coming days. Strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Rainfall totals of around 8 cm (3.1 inches) in Hokuriku Region and 6 cm (2.4 inches) in Chugoku and Tohoku regions are expected late July 9-July 10 and totals of 12 cm (4.7 inches) in Tohoku Region and 10 cm (3.9 inches) in Hokuriku Region are expected late July 10-11. People in the affected areas are advised to be on alert for flooding and landslides.

As of July 9, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Purple heavy rain/landslide warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Parts of Shimane Prefecture.

• Red heavy rain/landslides warnings: Across Akita and parts of Iwate, Miyagi, Shimane, and Yamagata prefectures.

• Red heavy rain and flood warnings: Parts of Shimane and Tottori prefectures.

• Red flood warnings: Across Akita and parts of Iwate and Shimane prefectures.

• Yellow heavy rain, landslide, and flood warnings: Parts of Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, Niigata, Okayama, Tottori, Toyama, and Yamagata prefectures.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Chugoku and Hokuriku regions and Akita, Fukushima, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.

• Yellow storm/gale warnings: Parts of Akita and Yamagata prefectures.

• Yellow storm surge warnings: Across Fukui and Toyama and parts of Ishikawa prefectures.

• Yellow dense fog warnings: Across Aomori and parts of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures.

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

Weather-related disruptions and evacuations are ongoing in parts of the affected regions as of July 9. In Akita Prefecture, authorities have reported a small number of flooded homes and related damage in Misato Town and Yurihonjo City. Several underpasses have been made impassable, and other roads have been damaged in parts of Daisen City and Akita City. Some homes and roads have been flooded in Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture. Japan Railway East has suspended services on the Yamagata Shinkansen line between Yamagata and Shinjo July 9 due to the severe weather.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings affecting thousands of people across the affected regions July 9. Some evacuation orders have since been lifted, but as of the evening of July 9 purple evacuation orders (the second highest level on a five-tier scale for evacuation warnings) remain in place for parts of Daisen City and Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture and Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture. Red evacuation of vulnerable group warnings are in place for parts of Daisen City and Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture and Matsue City and Unnan City in Shimane Prefecture. Officials will likely update. expand, or rescind the status of evacuation orders as weather conditions change over the coming hours and 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.