FUKUSHIMA: The Yamagata Shinkansen will suspend services all day Monday between Fukushima and Shinjo stations due to forecasts of heavy rain, it was announced by East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), the train’s operator, on Sunday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had earlier on Sunday warned that linear precipitation bands, which could sharply increase the risk of a heavy rain disaster, could form over Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures from late Sunday night until noon on Monday.
In light of the heavy rain forecast, JR East warned that delays and service suspensions may occur from Sunday night through Monday, urging passengers to pay close attention to future weather and service updates.
The agency also urged residents in the affected areas to remain vigilant about heavy rain and check hazard maps, evacuation shelters and evacuation routes.
According to the agency, the 24-hour rainfall total from 6am on Sunday through Monday is forecast to reach 300 millimetres in the Tokai region; 250 millimetres in the southern Kanto region, which includes Tokyo; 200 millimetres in the Kinki region; and 150 millimetres in the northern Kanto region, the Koshin region, the Shikoku region and southern Kyushu. - Japan News/ANN
