Japan: Adverse weather forecast across Hokuriku and Tohoku regions through at least Sept. 21

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern and central Japan through at least Sept. 21. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a weather bulletin warning that a low pressure system with a front is tracking eastward across the Sea of ​​Japan and will bring heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Hokuriku and Tohoku regions through Sept. 21, with the Tohoku region the worst affected. Strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes may accompany storms. Rainfall totals of around 15 cm (6 inches) are forecast across the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions Sept. 20 and 12 cm (5 inches) Sept. 21. People in the affected areas are advised to be on alert for flooding, landslides, lightning, strong winds, hail, and tornadoes.

As of early Sept. 20, 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): Akita Prefecture.

• Red heavy rain and flood warnings: Across western Iwate, central Niigata, and northern Yamagata prefectures.

• Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorm, landslide, and flood 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 have issued purple evacuation orders (the second highest level on a five-tier scale for evacuation warnings) for parts of Yurihonjo City in Akita Prefecture. due to the risk of flooding and landslides 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.