Heavy rain hit Tokyo on Thursday, throwing the city into chaos. Streets flooded, power lines went down, and both air and rail services were disrupted. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said 12 centimeters of rain fell in just one hour, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering widespread damage.
Video: Tokyo's Togoshi Ginza shopping street flooded today after the city's Shinagawa ward was hit by record level rainfall.pic.twitter.com/JJDfFfXI9U
— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) September 11, 2025
Fatal Accident at Tokyo Port
Tragically, the extreme weather claimed a life when stacked containers collapsed at a port in Tokyo’s Ota Ward. One person died in the incident, while another suffered injuries. Emergency teams rushed to the site to provide aid and clear debris.
Air and Rail Services Halted
Meanwhile, lightning strikes forced Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to suspend air traffic control and ground services. As a result, no flights could take off, leaving passengers stranded.
At the same time, railway services, including the bullet train, came to a temporary stop. Thousands of commuters faced delays as authorities worked to restore operations.
11.09.2025#Japan
— Climate Review (@ClimateRe50366) September 11, 2025
A downpour has flooded some streets and stopped rail and air traffic in #Tokyo. There are casualties. In Tokyo's Setagaya district, 92.0 mm of rain fell in one hour, while in the Ota district, 88.5 mm fell. This is a record amount of rainfall in these areas. pic.twitter.com/DR8OQ4mnPR
Rivers Overflow and Evacuations Issued
Furthermore, continuous rainfall caused several rivers to overflow. The Yazawa River spilled over in Setagaya Ward, while the Tachiai River burst its banks in Shinagawa Ward.
As a precaution, officials in Setagaya issued evacuation advice to over 1,200 households, urging residents to move to higher ground for safety.
Streets Flooded and Power Outages Reported
In addition, Tokyo residents reported severe street flooding, which caused massive traffic jams across the city. Some residents also said they witnessed hailstones during the storm.
According to Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, more than 7,000 homes lost electricity at the height of the storm. By Thursday evening, most homes had their power restored.
Authorities Warn of More Storms
Looking ahead, officials warned that more thunderstorms could hit overnight. They advised residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep track of weather updates to remain safe.