Torrential rain pounds Ishikawa and other prefectures along Sea of Japan

Japanese weather officials said on Wednesday damp and warm air flowing toward a weather front has formed bands of heavy rain clouds in Ishikawa Prefecture. People there are being advised to stay alert for mudslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said 55 millimeters of rain fell in one hour in Kanazawa City until 9 a.m. The agency says atmospheric conditions have become very unstable due to warm, humid air flowing toward a front extending from a low pressure system.

The front is expected to gradually move south. Atmospheric conditions are expected to remain extremely unstable along the Sea of Japan coasts from northern to western Japan, and localized downpours may occur. The rain front is expected to remain near Kyushu. Its effects may continue beyond Friday.