Typhoon 15 is approaching the Kanto region and is expected to bring heavy rain and violent winds during the Obon holiday period, according to weather reports published on August 11, 2026. The storm is taking an unusual path by approaching the Japanese archipelago from the eastern sea, bringing early impacts to the Pacific side of the Tohoku and Kanto regions just as many travelers head out for holiday visits and sightseeing.
Typhoon 15 Movement and Approach to the Pacific Coast
As of 3:00 a.m., Typhoon 15 was located east of Japan, moving northwest at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour, according to the available forecasts. The storm carries a central pressure of 985 hPa, with winds of 15 meters per second or greater extending up to 500 kilometers to its east and 390 kilometers to its west. The outer rainbands associated with the system have already begun affecting the Tohoku region. Forecasters indicate that the storm’s wind field will soon reach the Pacific coast of Tohoku and parts of Kanto, with the system most likely making its closest approach to or landing on the Kanto region during the evening of the holiday on August 11.
Expected Rainfall Totals and Urban Flood Risks
Rainfall totals from the storm are projected to exceed a typical month’s worth of rain in some areas, particularly along the Pacific coastline. Anticipated 24-hour rainfall totals leading up to the morning of August 12 reach 180 millimeters for the Pacific side of Tohoku, 150 millimeters for the Kanto-Koshin region, 100 millimeters for the Izu Islands, and 80 millimeters for Shizuoka Prefecture in the Tokai region. For the 24-hour period extending to the morning of August 13, totals are expected to reach 120 millimeters in Tohoku, 120 millimeters in Kanto-Koshin, and 150 millimeters in Shizuoka and Mie prefectures in the Tokai region. For comparison, normal August monthly precipitation averages 177.9 millimeters in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture, and 154.7 millimeters in central Tokyo. Officials advise strict vigilance against landslides in the Tohoku region, while the Kanto-Koshin region faces warnings for low-land flooding and rising or overflowing rivers on August 11. Urban areas must watch for street flooding on main roads and underpasses, which could disrupt transportation networks.
Did You Know? The storm is following an unusual trajectory by approaching the Japanese archipelago from the eastern sea rather than the typical southern path, placing its severe weather directly over the Kanto region during the peak of the Obon travel season.
Storm Warnings and Regional Peak Timing
Because the typhoon is approaching from the eastern sea, the range of its impact will stretch from Tohoku and eastern Japan down to western Japan. Even after the storm’s center moves away, the Tohoku region will remain vulnerable to heavy downpours of warning proportions through Wednesday, August 12, due to humid air circulating around the system. The weather is expected to reach its peak in the Kanto region late tonight, while Tokai, Kinki, and Shikoku or Chugoku regions will experience their weather peaks after midnight into Wednesday, August 12. Travelers are urged to monitor regular updates on typhoon developments and public transit operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Typhoon 15 expected to approach the Kanto region?
Typhoon 15 is expected to make its closest approach to or land on the Kanto region on the evening of Tuesday, August 11.
What are the expected rainfall amounts for affected regions?
Anticipated 24-hour rainfall totals through the morning of August 12 reach 180 millimeters in the Pacific side of Tohoku, 150 millimeters in the Kanto-Koshin region, 100 millimeters in the Izu Islands, and 80 millimeters in Shizuoka Prefecture. Additional rainfall is expected through the morning of August 13, including 150 millimeters in Shizuoka and Mie prefectures.
Which areas are facing the highest risk for severe weather impacts?
The Pacific side of Tohoku, the Kanto-Koshin region, the Izu Islands, and parts of the Tokai region face significant rainfall, wind, and potential transportation disruptions, with Tohoku under heavy alert for potential landslides and Kanto-Koshin facing risks of river flooding and low-land inundation.
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