More Torrential Rain Expected To Hit Northern Tohoku
Weather officials in Japan are warning of possible mudslides and other disasters triggered by torrential rain in northern parts of the Tohoku region.
The Meteorological Agency says downpours are expected to continue through Thursday due to persistent rain clouds over Aomori and Akita prefectures.
In the 24 hours until 1 a.m. on Wednesday, rainfall reached 312.5 millimeters in Fukaura Town and 201 millimeters in Ajigasawa Town in Aomori. Happo Town in Akita had 176.5 millimeters of rain. All are record highs.
In some areas, rainfall is more than 1.5 times the average for the entire month of August.
In the 24 hours through late Wednesday afternoon, up to 200 millimeters of rain is forecast in northern Tohoku, and 100 millimeters in southern Tohoku and Niigata Prefecture.
Rainfall in the 24-hour period through late Thursday afternoon could reach 100 to 150 millimeters in northern Tohoku, and 50 to 100 millimeters in southern Tohoku and Niigata.
A rain front is forecast to stay over northern Japan until Tuesday next week. Downpours could trigger disasters along the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku.
The agency is urging caution against mudslides, floods in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers as well as lightning, tornadoes and hailstones.