Japanese weather officials say a tropical storm is moving north over waters south of the Kyushu region and bringing intermittent heavy rain as it approaches southern Kyushu.
Tropical Storm Peipah is expected to travel along the Pacific coast in western and eastern Japan through Friday. Rainfall may accumulate mainly in areas along the Pacific, raising the risk of mudslides and flooding in low-lying areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tropical depression developed into a tropical storm at 3 a.m. on Thursday over waters east of Amami-Oshima Island in southwestern Japan.
As warm and moist air from the south is flowing in, atmospheric conditions have destabilized, mainly along the Pacific side of western Japan, bringing heavy rain especially to southern Kyushu.
During the hour ending at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture observed 32 millimeters of rain.
Moist air flowing along the edge of the high pressure system is causing rain clouds to develop in certain areas.
After approaching Kyushu, the tropical storm is expected to take an easterly course and travel eastward along the Pacific in western and eastern Japan.
Heavy rain is likely along the Pacific in both western and eastern Japan on Friday. Extreme downpours of more than 50 millimeters an hour may occur.
In 24 hours through Friday noon, up to 300 millimeters of rain is expected in Shikoku, up to 250 millimeters in Kinki and Tokai, up to 200 millimeters in northern Kyushu and up to 180 millimeters in southern Kyushu.
Kanto-Koshin could see up to 150 millimeters while 120 millimeters is expected in Chugoku, Hokuriku and Tohoku.
Heavy rain is forecast to continue through Saturday. In 24 hours through Saturday noon, 150 millimeters of rain is expected in Kanto-Koshin and 100 millimeters in Tokai.
Bands of heavy rain clouds may form over the prefectures of Miyazaki, Oita, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi, Aichi, Gifu, Mie and Shizuoka. The rain is likely to sharply raise the risk of disasters.
The agency is urging people to be on the alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers.
It is also urging caution against lightning and severe wind gusts, including tornadoes. People also need to exercise caution against violent winds and high waves.
Heavy rain is expected in wide areas, including places far away from the tropical storm. People are urged to monitor the latest weather information.
AloJapan.com