Stormy Weather Expected Across Japan
Japanese weather officials say stormy conditions are expected through Tuesday in most parts of the country. They advise caution for strong winds and heavy rain.
The Meteorological Agency says a low-pressure system and unstable atmospheric conditions are bringing strong winds and rain to many parts of western and eastern Japan.
The rain intensified in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Monday morning. The city of Owase had 106 millimeters of rainfall in the hour through 2:46 a.m. Total rainfall in the 24-hour period through Monday morning in Owase was 305.5 millimeters -- more than the monthly average for April.
Very strong winds are also expected, mainly along coastal areas in western Japan on Monday and eastern and northern Japan through Tuesday.
Maximum wind speeds through Tuesday may reach 90 kilometers per hour in the regions of Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and nearly 83 kilometers per hour in Tohoku and Hokuriku. Gusts of 108 to 126 kilometers per hour and waves of more than six meters are also likely.
Localized thundershowers, as well as torrential rainfall of more than 80 millimeters per hour, may hit western, eastern and northern Japan on Monday evening.
Up to 120 millimeters of rain is forecast in the 24 hours through Tuesday morning in Tohoku and Chugoku, and up to 100 millimeters in the Kanto-Koshin, Tokai and Kansai regions.
Weather officials are urging caution for strong winds, high waves, as well as landslides, flooding, and swollen rivers. They also warn of lightning strikes and gusty winds.
