Severe Tropical Storm Maria is forecast to approach northern Japan, and may make landfall around Monday.
The Meteorological Agency says Maria is moving north over the waters east of Japan. The storm is expected to intensify and shift westward, and come very close to northern Japan around Monday.
Intermittent downpours accompanied by thunder are forecast for northern Japan on Sunday.
Rainfall in the Tohoku region could reach up to 120 millimeters in the 24 hours through Sunday noon, and 300 millimeters in the following 24-hour period.
In the 24 hours through Tuesday noon, 150 millimeters of rain is expected. The total rainfall may exceed the average for all of August on the Pacific side of the region.
Winds are likely to strengthen on Sunday, especially in northern Japan. A maximum sustained speed of 90 kilometers per hour is forecast for the Tohoku region and 54 kilometers per hour for Hokkaido.
Gusts could peak at 126 kilometers per hour in Tohoku, and 90 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido.
Seas are expected to be rough, with waves as high as 7 meters in Tohoku.
Weather officials are warning of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swelling and overflowing rivers, gusty winds and high waves.