25 Nov 2022 | 11:59 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least Nov. 27
Severe weather forecast across parts of northern Japan through at least Nov. 27. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions.
Event
A weather front is forecast to bring unstable weather conditions across parts of northern Japan and the Hokuriku Region through at least Nov. 27. The weather system will bring strong gusts of wind in from the Japan Sea from early Nov. 26. The strong winds may be accompanied by rough seas and possible lightning, tornadoes, hail, and sudden heavy downpours.
As of late Nov. 25, the Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions:
Red storm/gale warnings: Rumoi and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow storm/gale warnings: Across the rest of Hokkaido Prefecture; across Ishikawa Prefecture and Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region, and coastal areas of Akita, Fukushima, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow high wave warnings: Hidaka, Hiyama, Ishikari, Kushiro, Nemuro, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, Soya, and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture; northern parts of Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku Region, and coastal areas of Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Hiyama, Ishikari, Kimikawa, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, Sorachi, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow frost warnings: Across Fukushima Prefecture in Tohoku Region.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation, strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in the affected area. Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flash and areal flooding. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelter if tornado warnings are issued. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
