Japan issues critical weather alerts as Typhoon 6 intensifies across Shikoku
Emergency safety orders issued for dozens of households as power outages affect 17,000 residences across the region.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has escalated its weather warnings for southern Japan, issuing a 'linear rainband imminent prediction' at 01:13 on 3 June 2026. The alert indicates a high probability of a linear rainband forming within three hours across southern Wakayama, southern Mie, and southern Tokushima prefectures. This meteorological phenomenon, characterised by heavy rain concentrated in a narrow band, significantly increases the risk of flooding and landslides.
Concurrent with the weather warning, authorities have implemented strict safety measures in the most affected areas. An 'emergency safety assurance' order was issued for 31 households, comprising 63 people, in the Chosei district of Anan, Tokushima. This directive comes as disaster risk levels rise sharply due to the intensifying rainfall associated with Typhoon No. 6.
Tokushima Prefecture is currently facing the highest level of alert in the region. At 00:57 on 3 June 2026, the Japan Meteorological Agency released Level 4 warnings, the highest severity rating, for the prefecture. These include a Level 4 Flood Warning for the Katsuragawa River within the Katsuragawa River system and a Level 4 Landslide Disaster Warning for southern Tokushima.
The storm’s impact has already caused significant infrastructure disruption. As of 01:00 on 3 June 2026, approximately 17,000 households across four Shikoku prefectures experienced power outages. The widespread loss of electricity underscores the severity of the typhoon’s passage through the region and complicates emergency response efforts.
Previous alerts had been issued for other parts of the region, including central and western Kōchi and northern Tokushima, on 2 June 2026. The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to monitor the situation as Typhoon No. 6 moves through the Shikoku and Tokai regions, with transport disruptions, including flight cancellations and potential Shinkansen suspensions, anticipated in the coming days.
