12 Jul 2021 | 03:46 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather likely in western and northern Honshu and southwestern Kyushu through at least July 13
Severe weather forecast in parts of western and northern Honshu and southwestern Kyushu, Japan through at least July 13.
Event
Further thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, strong winds, landslides, and possible flooding are forecast across western and northern Honshu and southwestern Kyushu, Japan through at least July 13. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued purple warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for landslides in western Akita, Hiroshima, Shimane, and western Tottori prefectures. Red alerts for heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides are in place for eastern Akita, Fukushima, Ishikawa, Kagoshima, Miyagi, Niigata, Toyama, and Yamagata prefectures. Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslide advisories are in effect for the rest of the affected area. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
As of July 12, authorities have ordered evacuations of at least 1,006 people from Akita, Hyogo, Niigata, and Yamagata prefectures due to severe weather and the risk of landslides.
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 are 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 Philippine Sea, North Pacific Ocean, East China Sea, and 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.
