Heavy rains and severe flooding hit Japan on Tuesday, forcing authorities to raise the flood warning to the highest level in areas near the Shonai River.
The most critical situation has been reported in Aichi and Gifu prefectures, where intense rainfall has caused the water level of the river that runs through both areas to rise rapidly.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the city of Nagoya recorded 104.5 millimeters of rain in just one hour, as of 16:53 p.m. local time. The amount of rainfall is a historical record.
🚨🇯🇵 HOLY SH*T: Nagoya, Japan right now...
104.5 mm of rain was unleashed in ONE HOUR, the highest total since records began being kept in 1890.
Subways have been shut down, commuters have been stranded, and streets are absolutely flooded.
Nagoya authorities have issued the…
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 8, 2026
Due to the floods, metro services have been disrupted, while passengers have been stranded at several stations. Numerous roads have been covered in water, significantly hindering traffic.
The highest risk warning has been issued for 14 cities and towns in Aichi and Gifu.
"It is necessary to ensure your safety by moving to higher ground that is less prone to flooding," said Takuya Hosomi, chief meteorologist at the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Authorities have also warned residents in several areas of Nagoya, including Chikusa, Moriyama and Meito, to avoid underground spaces.
According to authorities, sewage systems may not be able to cope with the large volume of rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding of underpasses, shopping malls and underground parking lots.
Meanwhile, images posted on social media show vehicles driving through flooded streets, with water in some cases reaching the height of car doors.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have urged residents of affected areas to follow emergency instructions.
🚨🇯🇵 Meanwhile in Nagoya, Japan
The City of Nagoya (population 2.5 million) just experienced the largest amount of rainfall in its recorded history.
A level 5 warning is in place after 104mm of rain fell within an hour.
Below is the Shonai River which flows through the city... pic.twitter.com/sInwUKMblb
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) September 8, 2026
