Japan Braces for 'May Storm': Heavy Rain and Gale-Force Winds to Disrupt Golden Week
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and local weather observatories have issued warnings for "warning-level heavy rain" and strong winds across a broad area of the country from May 1 to May 2. This phenomenon, often referred to as a "May Storm" (Haru no Arashi), has raised serious concerns over transportation disruptions, road flooding, and wind-related accidents. Anxiety is mounting on social media as residents prepare for the volatile weather. According to weather forecasts, intense rain accompanied by thunder is expected particularly in the Tokai region, such as Shizuoka Prefecture, and the Kanto region from dawn through the morning of May 1. Forecasted 24-hour rainfall totals are expected to reach 100 mm in southern Kanto, 80 mm in northern Kanto, and 60 mm in the Izu Islands. In addition to the rain, winds are expected to intensify, with gusts potentially reaching typhoon-like levels. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution on bridges and in coastal are...