Sudden Deluge Floods Tokyo Streets; Rail and Air Traffic Halted
Japan Meteorological Agency reports 12 centimeters of rain in one hour as authorities warn of additional storms and power outages
Heavy rains flooded streets across Tokyo on Thursday, halting rail and air traffic in the capital and leaving thousands of households without power, officials said.
The Japan Meteorological Agency measured 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) of rain in one hour in parts of the city as intense thunderstorms moved through the region. Air traffic control and ground operations at Haneda Airport were suspended because of lightning, preventing aircraft from taking off, and railway operators halted services, including the bullet train and other lines serving the area.
Tokyo Electric Power Company reported that more than 7,000 homes in the metropolitan area lost electricity as downed lines and localized flooding affected distribution systems. Social media users posted images and video showing inundated thoroughfares and what some described as hail accompanying the storm.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and monitor weather updates as the meteorological agency forecast additional thunderstorms overnight. Transportation operators advised travelers to check the status of flights and train services before heading to stations or airports.
The disruptions came as commuters were already contending with dense city traffic and the potential for further service interruptions during the evening rush. Haneda is one of the world’s busiest airports for domestic travel, and suspensions of ground operations and takeoffs can produce cascading delays and cancellations.
Officials did not immediately report injuries tied to Thursday’s storm. Local governments and utility crews mobilized to assess damage, clear flooded roadways and restore power where possible. The meteorological agency cautioned that lightning, sudden heavy rainfall and localized flooding could continue in areas affected by the thunderstorm activity.
Residents were asked to follow advisories from municipal authorities and transportation providers and to avoid walking or driving through flooded streets. Emergency services and city officials said they would provide updates as crews evaluated infrastructure and worked to re-establish normal services.