Severe Tropical Storm Maria is forecast to approach northern Japan, and may make landfall on Monday.
The Meteorological Agency is warning that record rainfall is expected around the Pacific side of the Tohoku region.
The agency says Maria is moving north over waters east of Japan. The storm is expected to intensify and shift westward, coming very close to Tohoku on Monday.
Intermittent downpours accompanied by thunder are forecast for northern Japan on Sunday and Monday.
Rainfall in the Tohoku region could reach up to 150 millimeters in the 24 hours through Sunday evening, and 300 millimeters in the following 24-hour period.
In the 24 hours through Tuesday evening, 150 millimeters of rain is expected. Total rainfall may exceed the average for all of August on the Pacific side of the region.
Winds are likely to strengthen on Sunday, especially in northern Japan. A maximum sustained wind speed of 90 kilometers per hour is forecast for the Tohoku region and 54 kilometers per hour for Hokkaido.
Gusts could peak at 126 kilometers per hour in Tohoku, and 83 kilometers per hour in Hokkaido.
Seas will be rough, with waves as high as 7 meters in Tohoku.
Weather officials are warning of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen and overflowing rivers, powerful wind gusts and high waves.
