Torrential rains expected to strike eastern, central Japan

TOKYO -- Torrential rains with thunderstorms are expected mainly in eastern Japan on the afternoon of Aug. 13, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned.

The agency predicts rainfall of up to 100 millimeters over the 24-hour period through 6 a.m. on Aug. 14 in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures as well as in the central Japan region of Tokai including Nagoya.

The JMA has urged residents in areas where the rough weather is expected to be on their guard against flooding, landslides, lightning strikes, tornadoes and hailstorms. This includes the Kanto-Koshin region including Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, Saitama, Kanagawa, Tochigi, Gunma, Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures. The Tokai region including Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu and Mie prefectures is also likely to be lashed by heavy rain.

The expected downpours and thunderstorms are due to unstable atmospheric conditions created by a warm, dump air mass covering eastern Japan and surrounding areas, and rising temperatures during the day.

(Mainichi)