Tokyo hit by record-breaking short-duration rainfall, disrupting train service

Heavy rainfall battered Tokyo on Thursday afternoon, causing significant disruptions across the capital and surrounding regions. 

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Setagaya Ward experienced an extraordinary deluge, with approximately 100 millimeters of rain falling in just one hour, prompting the issuance of a rare warning for record-breaking short-term rainfall. 

This intense downpour overwhelmed parts of the city, leading to concerns about localized flooding.

The unstable weather extended beyond Tokyo, affecting western Japan and the Kanto-Koshin region, where torrential rains also struck. 

The heavy rainfall disrupted transportation, notably halting train services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Shinagawa and Shin-Yokohama stations for a period, stranding commuters and travelers. 

Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as the region braces for potential further impacts from the ongoing stormy weather.