Japanese Weather Officials Urge Caution Against Heavy Rain, Landslides
Atmospheric conditions have become unstable in many parts of eastern and western Japan, bringing localized downpours to southern Kyushu.
Weather officials are urging caution against landslides, floods in low-lying areas and swollen rivers. There is also a risk of lightning strikes and tornadoes.
The unstable conditions due to warm, damp air flowing in a low pressure system have caused localized rain clouds to develop from the Kinki to Kyushu regions.
A landslide alert has been issued for Yakushima Town, Kagoshima Prefecture. Data indicate that torrential rain of more than 120 millimeters fell around the southern part of the town in the hour until 11:10 a.m.
In the hour until 9:20 a.m., 49.5 millimeters of rainfall were recorded in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and 48.5 millimeters in Kagoshima City.
The unstable conditions are expected to continue throughout Sunday. Up to 50 millimeters of rain per hour are forecast in Kyushu, 40 millimeters in Hokuriku and 30 millimeters in Kinki.