Bands of heavy rain clouds could form in Okinawa from Sun. late night

Japanese weather officials say bands of heavy rain clouds could form in Okinawa’s Daitojima region late into the night, drastically raising the risk of disasters.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says atmospheric conditions have become very unstable from southern Kyushu to the Okinawa and Amami regions, due to a tropical depression and warm, humid air flowing along the edge of a high pressure system.

In the 24 hours until noon Monday, up to 180 millimeters of rain could fall in Okinawa, 150 millimeters in Amami and 100 millimeters in Kyushu.

People are urged to be on the alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, as well as the swelling and overflowing of rivers. Caution is also advised against lighting strikes and gusty winds like tornadoes.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Krosa is moving north at 20 kilometers per hour over waters near the Ogasawara Islands. The storm is expected to make its closest approach to the islands from Monday to Tuesday.

High winds and rough seas are forecast from Monday onward, with fierce winds and torrential rain accompanied by thunder expected on Tuesday.

Weather officials are urging people to be on the alert for high waves, strong winds, landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers. They are also calling for caution against lighting strikes and gusty winds like tornadoes.