Kanagawa schools close as heavy rain risk rises

A linear rain band is expected to form in Kanagawa Prefecture from late night on the 6th through the morning of the 7th, sharply increasing the risk of heavy rain disasters. As a result, public elementary and junior high schools in 17 municipalities will be temporarily closed on the 7th. The Yokohama Local Meteorological Observatory reports that an autumn rain front is moving north, bringing very heavy rain. Forecasts predict up to 250 millimeters of rain in the west and 200 millimeters in the east over 24 hours. JR East has suspended Tokaido Line service between Odawara and Atami from the first train, with other lines also reducing service. Residents are urged to remain on strict alert for landslides and other sediment-related disasters. Evacuation shelters have been opened in Yokohama and Kawasaki, and power outages have been reported in neighboring Chiba Prefecture.