Event
The Niigati Regional Meteorological Observatory issued a Level 4 Heavy Rain Warning and a Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warning for the city of Itoigawa at 00:26 on July 27, 2026. The agency stated that the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and river overflows has become extremely high, necessitating strict vigilance.
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The Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory has escalated its weather warnings for Itoigawa City, following a broader pattern of severe weather affecting the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions.
Background
The Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory issued a Level 4 Heavy Rain Warning and a Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warning for Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, at 00:26 on 27 July 2026. This decision followed radar analysis confirming approximately 100 millimetres of intense rain fell within a single hour leading up to midnight. The Japan Meteorological Agency classified the event as a "Recorded Short-Duration Heavy Rain," indicating that rainfall intensity has reached critical levels. Authorities have warned of an extremely high risk of flooding in low-lying areas and river overflows, urging strict vigilance. While previous Level 4 warnings were issued for other areas in Niigata Prefecture, including Nagaoka, Kashiwazaki, and Kariwa, Niigata City is not currently included in the warning scope. A Level 4 warning signifies a very high risk of landslides, requiring immediate safety actions, though it remains one level below the highest Level 5 (imminent life threat).
The Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory issued a Level 4 Heavy Rain Warning and a Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warning for Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, at 00:26 on 27 July 2026. This decision followed radar analysis confirming approximately 100 millimetres of intense
Fact cards
Key entities: Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory, Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, NHK.
27 July 2026 (leading up to midnight): Approximately 100 millimetres of intense rain fell within a single hour in Itoigawa. 27 July 2026 (00:26): The Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory issued Level 4 Heavy Rain and Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warnings for Itoigawa City. 2
Timeline
Approximately 100 millimetres of intense rain fell within a single hour in Itoigawa.
The Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory issued Level 4 Heavy Rain and Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warnings for Itoigawa City.
The Japan Meteorological Agency classified the event as a "Recorded Short-Duration Heavy Rain."
FAQ
It indicates a very high risk of disaster, requiring strict vigilance and immediate safety actions, but is one level below Level 5 (imminent life threat).
Nagaoka City, Kashiwazaki City, and Kariwa Village in Niigata Prefecture.
No, the warnings specifically target Itoigawa City and previously mentioned areas in Niigata Prefecture.
Extremely high risk of flooding in low-lying areas and river overflow.