Typhoon 15 brought intense rain and strong winds to Japan from the night of Aug. 11 through the morning of Aug. 12 [1].
The storm disrupted regional travel and public safety during the Obon holiday period, forcing the cancellation of major events and triggering critical emergency alerts in the capital.
In Tokyo, the Zenpukuji River reached a level-4 flood-risk warning [2]. This level of alert indicates a high danger of flooding, requiring immediate evacuation measures in affected areas. Heavy rain was particularly intense in the Suginami ward around one a.m. on Aug. 12 [2].
Other areas of Tokyo, including Hachioji Station and the vicinity of Haneda Airport, also experienced significant weather disruptions [2]. The storm's unusual path meant that heavy rain and wind persisted even after the center of the typhoon had passed through the region [2].
The weather impact extended to coastal areas and the Tohoku region, where beaches and shoreline infrastructure suffered damage [1]. The storm also forced the cancellation of a scheduled fireworks display that would have featured approximately 1,500 shells [1].
Residents expressed concern over the duration of the storm and the safety of their commutes. "I am worried about how long this rain will last and how much it will be raining when I head home," a man said [2].
“The Zenpukuji River reached a level-4 flood-risk warning.”
The occurrence of a level-4 flood warning in a densely populated area like Tokyo highlights the ongoing vulnerability of urban drainage systems to extreme weather. Because the typhoon followed an irregular path, the prolonged exposure to wind and rain increased the risk of river overflow and coastal erosion, demonstrating that the danger persists even after the storm's eye has moved inland.
