20 Oct 2021 | 03:29 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather forecast in northwestern regions through Oct. 21
Severe weather affecting northwestern Japan through Oct. 21. Evacuations underway; disruptions likely.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rains bringing possible floods and landslides are forecast for northwestern Japan through at least Oct. 21. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following warnings:
Purple (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) warnings for landslides due to heavy rain: Oshima Region in far southwestern Hokkaido Prefecture.
Red warnings for heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides: western Akita, Ishikawa, most of Niigata, and Yamagata prefectures as well as Hiyama Region in far southwestern Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslide advisories: The rest of the affected area.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders across southern Hokkaido Prefecture, affecting at least 474 people from Mori Town and 1,571 people from Yakumo Town.
Adverse weather will likely continue in the coming days; authorities may expand evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen. Officials will likely provide further updates on damage and casualties in the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
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 located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks. Forecast models indicate that the low-pressure system off the coast of Akita Prefecture is moving east-northeast and is forecast to track across the Tohoku Region and southern Hokkaido through late Oct. 20. Tornadoes are also possible over the affected area.
Transport
As of Oct. 20, authorities have suspended some trains on the Hokuto and Inaho train services and between Mori and Oshamambe stations on the Hakodate Main Line in Hokkaido Prefecture due to heavy rain and strong winds; service suspensions are also in effect between Koriyama and Fukushima stations on the Tohoku Line and on the Yonesaka Line.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and 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 flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Sea of Japan if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
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.
