Tropical Storm Namtheun slams Japan with heavy rain, strong winds

By Kristina Pydynowski, Senior Meteorologist

September 4,2016; 4:05PM,EDT

Although Namtheun continues to weaken, it is still a dangerous tropical storm as it moves past southern Japan with strong winds and heavy rain.
A track past western Kyushu is expected through Monday while Namtheun gradually weakens.

Wind gusts of 80-95 km/h (50-60 mph) can be expected near the west coast of Kyushu through Sunday night and early on Monday. Residents should prepare for isolated tree damage and power outages.
"Namtheun is a small and compact storm, so its winds do not extend far beyond its center," AccuWeather Meteorologist Adam Douty said.
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Early on Sunday night, a band of gusty thunderstorms brought wind gusts near 95 km/h (60 mph) to areas around Nagasaki. These gusty storms will move into Saga later Sunday night into early on Monday.
Wind gusts of 65-80 km/h (40-50 mph) will shift to westernmost Honshu on Monday as Namtheun heads into the Sea of Japan.
In addition to strong winds, Namtheun will unleash locally heavy rain with a risk of flooding and mudslides. Rain totals could exceed 100 mm (4 inches) across Kyushu and Shikoku. On Monday, the heaviest rain will fall along the southern coast of Shikoku. Kochi is one city as risk for heavy rainfall and flash flooding in low-lying areas.
This is a closeup live loop of Namtheun. (NOAA/Satellite)
Such a turn will spare South Korea from a direct hit from Namtheun. Heavy rain indirectly linked to Namtheun's moisture poured down Friday night when nearly 200 mm (8 inches) of rain fell.
Namtheun is expected to bypass the areas hit hardest by Lionrock in northern Honshu Island early next week, though moisture from the system will bring some rain to the region.
Instead, downpours should unfold across Hokkaido and Russia's Maritime territory as Namtheun merges with a non-tropical system over the Sea of Japan. Flash flooding may result, especially where Lionrock recently saturated the ground.
Content contributed by Meteorologist Adam Douty