TOKYO, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Torrential rain is expected to hit the Japanese northern prefecture of Hokkaido from late Tuesday through Wednesday, the country's weather agency said on Tuesday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that the total rainfall could surpass the average amount of precipitation seen during the entire month of August.
Heavy rain falling at a rate of 50 mm per hour, accompanied by thunder, will likely hit northern parts of Hokkaido along the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk late on Tuesday night, the JMA added.
Over the 24 hours through Wednesday morning, up to 180 mm of rain is forecast in Hokkaido and 100 mm in the Tohoku region.
Weather officials urged people to stay alert for possible mudslides, floods in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, lightning strikes, gusts and hail. ■
