15 Jul 2022 | 02:39 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather forecast over Kyushu through at least early July 17; evacuations ongoing
Severe weather forecast over Kyushu, Japan, through at least early July 17; evacuations ongoing.
Event
Thunderstorms and heavy rains bringing possible floods, landslides, lightning, and tornadoes are forecast over Kyushu through at least early July 17. As of early July 15, the Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following warnings:
Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale)warnings for heavy rain and landslides: Kagoshima, southern Kumamoto, and southwestern Miyazaki prefectures.
Yellow thunderstorm, heavy rain, and flood advisories: the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days.
Forecast models indicate 25 cm (10 inches) of rain across Kyushu through early July 16 and 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of rain across southern Kyushu from early July 16 through early July 17. Lightning and tornadoes are possible through July 16.
As of early July 15, authorities in Kagoshima Prefecture have issued evacuation orders for more than 12,000 people in Isa City and 8,740 elderly and disabled people in Yusui Town due to the risk of landslides. Officials have rescinded all evacuation orders in Kobayashi City and Takaharu Town in Miyazaki Prefecture. Authorities may issue additional evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen.
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.
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 regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific Ocean 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. Authorities have suspended or delayed multiple trains across the affected area.
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.
