Tropical Storm Mawar intensifies rains for Japan, threatens floods and mudslides in south and west

By JOHNSON LAI and HIROYUKI KOMAE
Associated Press

NAHA, Japan (AP) — Heavy rains intensified by Tropical Storm Mawar is falling on Japan’s main archipelago Friday and threatening floods and mudslides in south and western regions. Warnings were issued for places that might get a foot of rain through Saturday morning. Residents in vulnerable areas were warned of the potential for flooding and mudslides and advised to go to evacuation centers if possible. In Tokyo, the few pedestrians on the rainy streets clutched umbrellas as winds blew tree branches around. Some trains and ferries were suspended due to heavy rains and strong winds. Mawar remained well offshore in the Pacific Ocean with winds around 50 mph.