Travel

Tropical Storm Maria turns to tropical depression, but heavy rain continues

Aug 13 (NHK) - The Japan Meteorological Agency says Tropical Storm Maria has turned to a tropical depression, but more heavy rain is expected in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido. Maria made landfall in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate and moved across the Tohoku region on Monday, dumping record heavy rain on Iwate Prefecture.

On Monday, some coastal areas of Iwate received the most rain ever recorded there. A part of the city of Kuji had more than 480 millimeters during a 48-hour period through 4:50 p.m. It was more than 2.6 times the average amount of rain that the area receives in the entire month of August. Flooding and landslides have been reported in the prefecture.

Maria turned to a tropical depression at 3 a.m. on Tuesday. But as it is moving slowly, downpours are expected to continue in northern Japan through Wednesday. The Japan Sea side of the Tohoku region and Hokkaido will have heavy rain, including areas that just received record rain in July.

Rainfall in the 24 hours through Tuesday evening could reach 150 millimeters in Hokkaido, 120 millimeters on the Japan Sea side of Tohoku and 100 millimeters on the Pacific side of Tohoku.

Strong winds and high waves are expected in northern Japan on Tuesday.

Weather officials are warning of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen and overflowing rivers and strong winds. There are also risks of lightning strikes and violent gusts, including tornadoes.

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