Severe Winds Bring Disruption And Caution Across Miyagi And Fukushima

Severe weather swept across Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in Japan on March 26, 2025, as a low-pressure system brought extraordinarily strong westerly winds, disrupting transportation and threatening public safety. The gusts reached up to an astonishing 35 meters per second in certain areas, leading to widespread alerts.

In Shiroishi, located in Miyagi Prefecture, authorities reported a maximum instantaneous wind speed of 35 meters per second, marking the highest recorded since monitoring began. This phenomenal wind speed was registered at approximately 10 AM on March 26. Just ten minutes later, at around 10:10 AM, strong winds caused a 10-meter-tall tree to fall across National Route 113 in Fukuoka Kuramoto, halting traffic in both directions. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this particular incident, although the police quickly cordoned off the area as a precaution.

As the day progressed, the situation grew more precarious. By noon, several other towns in Fukushima witnessed similarly high gusts, including Shirakawa, where winds reached 32.6 meters per second, and Koriyama, at 32.1 meters per second. Local traffic was severely impacted as gale warnings were issued throughout Nakadori and Hamadori, regions particularly susceptible to such extreme weather conditions.

Transport services were also heavily disrupted. According to JR East Japan, operations along the Tohoku Main Line, specifically between Fukushima Station and Iwanuma Station, were suspended until 4 PM to ensure passenger safety as extreme conditions continued to pose risks. Likewise, local trains on the Joban Line halted services from 9 AM through the evening, and the Tohoku Shinkansen, after hitting safety threshold limits, temporarily suspended its service as well.

Moreover, with the escalating storm, yellow dust contributed to hazardous driving conditions, as visibility plummeted in several areas. The Meteorological Agency urged residents to remain vigilant against potential traffic disruptions and structural damage, with sustained winds projected well into the evening hours and gusts expected to rise further.

In Koriyama, reports came pouring in about injuries sustained by residents due to the ferocious winds. By 11:30 AM, local emergency services disclosed that a 5-year-old boy and an elderly woman were among those who were blown over and subsequently needed medical attention. Both victims were quickly hospitalized, as their injuries were attributed to the severe conditions.

The looming threat of the wind has been met with a proactive response by local authorities who continue to update public advisories. As late as the afternoon, an announcement from the Fukushima Local Meteorological Observatory indicated that maximum gust speeds could still reach as high as 35 meters per second throughout Nakadori and Hamadori. While residents were reminded of the unpredictable nature of the storm, experts emphasized the necessity of heeding public safety instructions.

As residents in both Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures continue to navigate this dangerous weather event, the Meteorological Agency remains committed to monitoring conditions closely. They have issued alerts, not just for wind but also for extensive dust storms affecting visibility, advising that in various areas, visibility could drop below 10 kilometers, and in some, even lower than 5 kilometers. As of 8 AM on March 26, visibility in Fukushima City was noted at 6 kilometers.

Even with the hope for a turnaround as the low-pressure system moves away, the indication is that the winds may intensify throughout the day, leading to an urgent call for caution concerning both the stability of structures and the safety of individuals going about their daily obligations. Local officials emphasize the paramount importance of adhering to updates as they unfold, and residents have been encouraged to stay indoors whenever possible.

This extraordinary meteorological event has become a defining moment for the residents of communities straddling these two prefectures. The unfolding narrative amidst the chaos serves as a testament to nature's potent influence—an enduring reminder of the need for preparedness in the face of unpredictable weather phenomena. As the evening approaches, the outcome of these turbulent winds remains a focal point of local concern, with ongoing assessments determining further responses as needed.