Torrential rain forecast across eastern, western Japan

Extremely heavy rain is forecast across wide areas of eastern and western Japan through Monday. Authorities are urging people to stay alert for landslides and flooding.

The Meteorological Agency said atmospheric conditions are extremely unstable due to warm and moist air flowing into a seasonal rain front and low-pressure system, raising the risk of downpours and thunder.

Authorities are calling on people to watch out for lightning strikes and strong gusts of wind, and to secure their safety by taking shelter in sturdy buildings if there are signs of developed cumulonimbus clouds approaching. Rain is expected to intensify through Sunday night in the Hokuriku region.