2 days ago
Heavy rain expected again southwestern Japan
Heavy rain is expected in the southwestern Japanese region of Kyushu through Monday. Weather officials said landslides are possible.
Downpours hit Kagoshima Prefecture on Friday, triggering the maximum-level heavy rain emergency warning for Kirishima City. The Japan Meteorological Agency says the rain was caused by warm, moist air flowing into a rain front extending from a low-pressure system.
Minamata City in Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu recorded 54.5 millimeters in the one hour through 6 a.m. on Saturday.
Landslide alerts have also been in place in some parts of Akita and Aomori prefectures, northeastern Japan.
The agency says the front is expected to move northward gradually and likely to cause heavy rain in southern Kyushu through Sunday.
Expected rainfall for the 24-hour period through Sunday morning is up to 150 millimeters for northern Kyushu and Yamaguchi Prefecture, and 100 millimeters for southern Kyushu.
Agency officials are urging people to remain alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen or overflowing rivers. They are also warning of lightning, violent gusts and tornadoes.
