A stationary autumn rain front has made atmospheric conditions extremely unstable from northern to western Japan, bringing localized downpours to some areas. Weather officials are warning of mudslides and flooding in low-lying areas and violent winds in southwestern Japan from an approaching typhoon.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says warm, damp air is flowing into a low-pressure system moving over the Sea of Japan and the autumn rain front near the southern coast of the main island of Honshu, making atmospheric conditions very unstable over wide areas on Monday.
Rain clouds have developed in parts of the Shikoku and Tokai regions, as well as the Izu Islands. In the hour through 11 a.m., 36 millimeters of rain fell in Makinohara City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and 33.5 millimeters in Kihoku Town, Ehime Prefecture.
Atmospheric conditions are expected to remain extremely unstable through Monday night and could bring localized heavy rain with thunder over wide areas from northern to western Japan.
Downpours in the northern Kyushu region on Sunday have made the ground saturated. As of 11:30 a.m. on Monday, a Level 4 Urgent Warning for landslides had been issued for parts of Kumamoto Prefecture. People in other areas are also advised to be on the alert for mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas and overflowing rivers. Caution is advised against lightning strikes and strong gusts, including tornadoes.
Agency officials say Typhoon Surigae was believed to be moving east-northeast over waters 120 kilometers north of Minami-Daitojima Island in Okinawa Prefecture at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour at 12 p.m. on Monday.
The typhoon has an atmospheric pressure of 945 hectopascals at its center, a maximum wind speed of 180 kilometers per hour near the center and a maximum gust speed of 252 kilometers per hour.
Very strong winds are blowing in the Daito Islands. In the three hours through 11 a.m., a peak gust speed of about 114 kilometers per hour was recorded at Kitadaito Airport.
A maximum wind speed of 90 kilometers is forecast for the Daito Islands on Monday with gusts peaking at 126 kilometers. Agency officials are urging people to be on the alert for violent winds and high waves.
Surigae’s course is still uncertain, but it may approach the Izu Islands. The rain front could become more active as moist air flows in from the typhoon.
AloJapan.com