Weather forecast

April 6, 2013

Typhoon-like storm to hit Japan over weekend: agency

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20130406p2g00m0dm065000c.html

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A typhoon-like powerful storm is expected to strike a wide area of Japan over the weekend due to a fast-growing low-pressure system, the Japan Meteorological Agency said Saturday.

Very heavy rain will likely hit Pacific coastal areas of western and eastern Japan later Saturday, as well as of northern Japan on Sunday, with rainfall of 70 millimeters per hour anticipated in some parts, it said.

Gusts of up to 126 kilometers per hour could hit western, eastern and northern Japan by Sunday, while waves of 6 to 8 meters are expected in coastal waters, the agency added.

In light of the foul weather, West Japan Railway Co. said Saturday it is wholly or partially cancelling many train services connecting Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe with other regions from afternoon to night, in addition to reduced services within the big cities.

The Twilight Express connecting Osaka and Sapporo, Hokkaido, is also being canceled