Overview

• Japan Meteorological Agency data confirmed a linear precipitation band formed over Kushiro and Tokachi before dawn on Sept. 21, marking the first such occurrence reported in Hokkaido since advisories began in 2021.
• Kushiro’s Onbetsu area saw roads and a school playground underwater, and residents moved to the Onbetsu administrative center after evacuation orders were issued.
• The Watenbetsu River in Shiranuka swelled from the intense rain, flooding nearby roads as photographers documented early-morning conditions.
• In Sapporo, heavy rain affected travel behavior as passengers queued before sunrise at JR Sapporo Station for buses to New Chitose Airport.
• Hourly rainfall records were set in Atsuma (88.5 mm) and Kushiro’s Onbetsu Futamata (75.5 mm), with one minor injury reported in Shinhidaka, power outages continuing in Erimo and Samani, and authorities maintaining alerts for additional hazards.