25 Mar 2022 | 11:25 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse weather forecast nationwide through at least March 27
Severe weather forecast across Japan through at least March 27. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of Japan through at least March 27. A high-pressure system currently over the country will give way to two low-pressure systems March 26, bringing stormy conditions with strong winds and heavy rainfall. The heaviest rainfall is forecast in western regions, with over 5 cm (2 inches) of rainfall per hour and 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in 24 hours from early March 26-early March 27 possible over parts of Kyushu Island, the Amami Islands, Shikoku Island, and Yamaguchi Prefecture in southern Honshu Island. The heavy rainfall could lead to flooding in low-lying and riverine areas and trigger landslides. Strong winds with gusts of 90-126 kph (56-78 mph) are expected in coastal and mountainous regions of western Japan. Rough seas with high waves are likely in coastal areas, especially in the Sea of Japan along the west coast.
As of March 25, the Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following warnings:
Red (the second-highest level on a three-tier scale) storm/gale warnings: across Nagasaki Prefecture and Amakusa Ashikita in Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu Region.
Yellow storm/gale advisories: across much of Kyushu Region; Ehime, Kagawa, and Tokushima prefectures in Shikoku Region; southern Hiroshima, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi prefectures in Chugoku Region; Hyogo, northern Kyoto, and northern Wakayama prefectures in Kansai Region; Fukui, Kaga Ishikawa, and Toyama prefectures in Chubu Region; Hamadori Fukushima in Tohoku region; and Ishikari, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Soya subprefectures in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow thunderstorm advisories: across Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and Saga prefectures and parts of Okinawa prefecture in Kyushu Region.
Yellow high wave advisories: Ogasawara Islands in Kanto region; southern Hyogo Prefecture in Kansai Region; southern Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures in Chugoku Region; Ehime and Kagawa prefectures in Shikoku Region; across Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and Saga prefectures and most of Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Okinawa and Oita prefectures in Kyushu Region.
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over 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 heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
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 airports in areas heavily impacted by the adverse weather.
If strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts. 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.
