Weather officials say Severe Tropical Storm Maria could make landfall in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan on Monday.
They warn that over the coming days, the storm could bring rainfall far exceeding the average precipitation for the month of August. As the risk of disaster could rapidly rise, people are advised to secure their safety before storm conditions intensify.
The Meteorological Agency says Maria is moving north over waters east of Japan. Rainclouds are developing over parts of Iwate Prefecture and other areas on Tohoku’s Pacific coast.
Maria is expected to gradually shift to a westerly course, and could bear down on the Tohoku region on Monday.
Rainfall is expected to continue through Tuesday in northern Japan. Heavy thunder showers are likely on Sunday, while Monday could bring torrential rainfall.
Tohoku’s Pacific side is likely to be lashed by record rainfall, far exceeding warning levels.
Rainfall could reach up to 300 millimeters in the 24 hours through Monday morning, 200 millimeters in the following 24 hours, and another 100 millimeters in the 24 hours through Wednesday morning.
Niigata and Hokkaido prefectures could also receive heavy rain from Monday through Tuesday.
Extremely strong winds are expected, mainly in northern Japan on Sunday. Violent gusts could lash some areas on Monday.
On Sunday, maximum sustained winds could reach 90 kilometers per hour in Tohoku, and 54 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido.
Gusts could peak at 126 kilometers per hour in Tohoku and 83 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido.
On Monday, maximum sustained winds could reach 108 kilometers per hour in Tohoku, and 65 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido. Peak gusts may reach 144 kilometers per hour in Tohoku, and 90 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido.
Waves will reach as high as 7 meters off the Tohoku coast through Monday. The sea off Hokkaido will also be rough.
Weather officials are warning of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swelling and overflowing of rivers, powerful wind gusts and high waves.
Rain and winds could suddenly intensify, mainly in Tohoku, which lies in the direct path of the storm.
People are advised to check their local hazard maps and evacuation sites, and pack up necessary items, while keeping abreast of the latest weather information.