Tropical Storm Mawar intensifies rains for Japan, threatens floods and mudslides in some regions

By JOHNSON LAI and HIROYUKI KOMAE
Associated Press

NAHA, Japan (AP) — Heavy rains intensified by Tropical Storm Mawar are falling on Japan’s main archipelago and triggering floods and mudslides in western and central regions. Warnings were issued for places that might receive more than a foot of rain through Saturday morning. Residents in vulnerable areas were warned of possible 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. Some trains and ferries were suspended. Mawar remained well offshore in the Pacific Ocean with winds around 50 mph.