Tropical Storm “Maria” makes landfall in Japan bringing record-breaking rainfall

Tropical Storm “Maria” made landfall in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture at 08:30 local time (LT) on Monday, August 12, 2024, bringing record-breaking rainfall to the affected regions.

Tropical Storm “Maria” made landfall in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture at 23:30 UTC on August 11 (08:30 LT on August 12), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

The system is forecast to cross the Tohoku region, move into the Sea of Japan, and turn into a subtropical cyclone through August 13. Its influence is likely to continue through August 14.

Maria had a central pressure of 990 hPa and maximum 10-minute wind speeds of 90 km/h (55.9 mph) near the center as of 10:00 LT on Monday, according to JMA.

Maria brought record-breaking heavy rains in the affected regions. Kuji recorded 471.5 mm (18.57 inches) of rain in 48 hours as of 11:00 LT on Monday, which is the highest rainfall ever recorded in the city. Otsuchi Town saw 286.5 mm (11.28 inches) of rainfall during the same period, setting a new record for the town as well.

A top-level emergency alert was issued on Monday at 10:30 LT by the Kuji municipal government for 8 300 residents of the Osanaicho and Kokujicho districts to take measures against potential rain-related disasters. The alert was lifted at 15:00 LT on the same day.

The amount of rainfall over the affected regions in the past few days is almost double the normal amounts for August. 150 mm (5.91 inches) of rain is expected in the Sea of Japan, while 80 mm (3.15 inches) of rain is expected on the Pacific side in the 24 hours to noon on August 14.

No damage or injuries have been reported so far, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Authorities have cautioned about the risks of flooding and mudslides and advised 170 000 residents in Iwate and neighboring Aomori and Miyagi Prefectures to go to shelters.

Japan Airlines and Nippon Airways have canceled over 80 flights, mainly connecting Tohoku with Tokyo and Osaka due to the impact of the storm.

East Japan Railway Company reported potential delays on the Tohoku, Yamagata, and Akita Shinkansen lines and has suspended operations on some local lines. Road travel is also affected, with sections of the Tohoku and Joban Expressways likely to be closed due to the ongoing rains.

Maria is the 5^th named storm of the 2024 Pacific typhoon season.

References:

¹ Typhoon makes landfall in Iwate Prefecture, drops record rainfalls – The Asahi Shimbun – August 12, 2024

² Storm dumps intense rainfall on north Japan, sending some people to shelter – Business Standard – August 12, 2024

³ Typhoon Maria wreaks havoc in Japan; Record rainfall and major disruptions – Matrabhumi – August 12, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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