Sudden Storms Hit Tokyo and Other Parts of Japan
Sudden thunderstorms known as guerrilla rainstorms are affecting central Tokyo today. These storms develop quickly and can bring intense rainfall in a short time.
Rain clouds are rapidly developing over the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and the surrounding area. Weather officials are warning residents to be alert.
People are being asked to watch out for flooding in low-lying areas, since sudden heavy rain can quickly cause water to build up in places that sit lower than their surroundings.
Both western and eastern Japan are also being warned about sudden, unpredictable thunderstorms today. These storms can appear with little warning and change conditions rapidly.
Weather forecasters say that from around the 25th, northern Japan could face heavy rain. This raises concerns about possible flooding and disruption in that region as well.
The warnings come as part of Japan's seasonal pattern, when hot summer air often triggers strong, localized storms. Such storms can cause sudden downpours, strong winds and lightning, even in places that were sunny just before.
Residents across the affected areas are advised to check weather updates regularly, avoid unnecessary travel through low areas during heavy rain, and take official warnings seriously to stay safe.
Vocabulary10 words
- guerrilla rainstorm
- a sudden, strong storm that appears fast, without much warning
- Kanto region
- the area of Japan that includes Tokyo
- flooding
- when water covers land that is normally dry
- low-lying areas
- places that are at a lower height than the land around them
- thunderstorm
- a storm with heavy rain, lightning and loud thunder
- localized
- happening only in one small area, not everywhere
- downpour
- a very heavy, sudden fall of rain
- disruption
- a problem that stops things from working normally
- forecaster
- a person who predicts what the weather will be
- seasonal pattern
- a way that weather usually happens at a certain time of year
Quiz
Answer key
1. A sudden, fast storm with heavy rain 2. Because they can flood quickly in heavy rain 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Sudden thunderstorms known as _____ are affecting central Tokyo today.
Rain clouds are rapidly developing over the _____ region, which includes Tokyo.
People are being asked to watch out for _____ in low-lying areas.
Both _____ and eastern Japan are also being warned about sudden thunderstorms today.
Weather _____ say that from around the 25th, northern Japan could face heavy rain.
Such storms can cause sudden _____, strong winds and lightning.
Residents are advised to check weather updates regularly and avoid travel through _____ areas during heavy rain.