Heavy Rain Expected In Eastern, Northern Japan
Weather officials are warning of possible heavy rain through Sunday night across much of the region from eastern to northern Japan.
The Meteorological Agency says atmospheric conditions remain unstable due to a low-pressure system and warm, moist air flowing into a front stretching over coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean.
Rain clouds were developing in Hokkaido as of 10 a.m.
Torrential rain of 30 millimeters, or localized downpours of 50 millimeters per hour may hit the Tohoku region and Hokkaido. The rain may also be accompanied by thunder.
In the 24 hours through Monday morning, up to 120 millimeters of rain is likely in Hokkaido.
Up to 100 millimeters is expected in the Kanto-koshin region. Up to 80 millimeters is possible in the Tohoku region and Niigata Prefecture.
Weather officials are urging people in those regions to be on the alert for possible landslides, swollen rivers and flooding in low-lying areas. They are also asking people to take extra care in case of lightning, tornados, gusting winds and hailstorms.
The officials also say people in Miyagi Prefecture should stay in safe places, as the risk of a disaster remains high. The prefecture saw record rainfall through Saturday.