The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level, Level 5 Emergency Warning for heavy rain in parts of Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures on August 27.

Around 100 millimeters of rain fell in the hour leading up to 5:20AM near Hakui City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Roughly another 100 millimeters fell in the hour leading up to 5:30AM near Shika Town.

The JMA issued its highest-level heavy rain warning for Hakui City, Shika Town, Hodatsushimizu Town, and Nakanoto Town in Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as Himi City in Toyama Prefecture.

Hosomi Takuya, Japan Meteorological Agency / It is extremely likely that some form of disaster has already occurred. The situation is equivalent to a Level 5 Emergency Warning. There is an imminent danger to life. You must take immediate action to ensure your safety.

The agency has also issued a series of Record-Breaking Short-Term Heavy Rain Alerts, warning that the region is experiencing rainfall seen only once every several years and that it could cause disasters.

Weather officials are urging people to remain on high alert for landslides, river flooding, and flooding in low-lying areas.

Officials also warned that flooding could spread further and urged residents not to attempt to travel by car or other means, but to take immediate action to protect their lives.

In Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, torrential rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue, with up to 200 millimeters of rain forecast through the afternoon of August 28.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says it may issue the highest-level, Level 5 Emergency Warning for heavy rain for other municipalities as well.

Residents are being urged to evacuate while it is still light outside.

Meanwhile, heavy rain is also expected in the Kanto region later on August 27.

Rain is expected mainly through the evening, with some areas likely to see very heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms.

Residents there are also urged to remain on alert for flooding in low-lying areas.