Torrential rain forecast for much of Japan

Heavy rain is forecast to fall in wide areas from northern to western Japan on Tuesday.

Japanese weather officials are warning of mudslides, floods in low-lying areas and swollen rivers.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says moist air has been flowing toward a seasonal rain front that is moving south.

Extremely heavy rain pounded northern Japan's Akita Prefecture on Monday.

Radar analysis shows about 110 millimeters of torrential rain likely pounded areas around Tatsuno City, Hyogo Prefecture, during the one-hour period through 7:50 p.m. on Monday.

The agency issued information about a record-breaking deluge that occurred within a short period of time.

As of 5 a.m. on Tuesday, developing rain clouds stretching over the Chugoku and Tokai regions had brought rainfall of 35 millimeters per hour to Fuchu City in Hiroshima Prefecture and 30 millimeters to Izu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

The front moving south is expected to cause very unstable atmospheric conditions in wide areas from northern to western Japan, and bring torrential rain to some areas.

In particular, extremely heavy rain is expected in parts of central Japan's Tokai region.

The agency is urging people to stay on alert for mudslides, floods in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, lightning strikes, wind gusts and hail.