Heavy Rain Expected In Western And Eastern Japan
Weather officials are forecasting localized torrential rainfall in western and eastern Japan through early Friday, and are warning of mudslides and flooding.
The Meteorological Agency says a front stretching along the Honshu region and warm humid air are making atmospheric conditions unstable over a wide area of western and eastern Japan.
Some areas in the Kyushu region are experiencing downpours as rain clouds develop. Nagasaki City got 31 millimeters of rain in one hour early Thursday morning.
More than 50 millimeters of rain per hour may fall in some areas in western and eastern Japan as the unstable atmospheric conditions are expected to continue through early Friday.
During the 24-hour period through Friday morning, up to 300 millimeters of rain is expected in the Kansai region, 250 millimeters in northern Kyushu and Shikoku, and 200 millimeters in southern Kyushu and Tokai.
Up to 150 millimeters of rain is also expected in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region, and 120 millimeters in Chugoku and Hokuriku.
The agency is warning of mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as lightning strikes and gusty winds.
Residents are urged to check hazard maps and prepare to evacuate.
