Japan recently saw its strongest tornado on record: report
One person died and dozens more were injured as the tornado swept through communities in Shizuoka Prefecture
A tornado that swept through southern Japan on Friday, Sept. 5, was reportedly the country’s strongest twister ever observed.
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NHK World Japan reported on Sept. 11 that one person died and dozens more were injured as the tornado carved a path through communities in Shizuoka Prefecture. The worst damage occurred in Makinohara, a coastal town about 175 km southwest of Tokyo.
Officials with the Japan Meteorological Agency rated the tornado a JEF-3 with estimated winds of 270 km/h. NHK quoted local officials saying this is the strongest tornado ever observed in Japan.
Japan is no stranger to twisters. Officials have confirmed more than 1,600 tornadoes throughout the country since 1961, including 12 that received JEF-3 ratings.
The storm occurred as Tropical Storm Peipah hit the region. Tornadoes are a common hazard in landfalling tropical cyclones.
Header image created using graphics and imagery from NOAA and Canva. Contains files from NHK World Japan.