First published 9/23/2026, 6:49:15 PM · Last updated 9/23/2026, 6:49:15 PM

JMA tornado advisory (with eyewitness reports) for Sōya region

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tornado advisory for the Sōya region (宗谷地方), warning that conditions are favorable for tornadoes and violent gusts. The advisory lists Sōya (including northern and southern parts), Rishiri/Rebun, Wakkanai City, Sarufutsu Village, Hamatonbetsu Town, and Nakatonbetsu Town. It advises watching the sky, moving to a sturdy building if signs of cumulonimbus (lightning or sudden wind changes) approach, and to be alert for lightning, hail, and sudden heavy rain.

Categories: severe-weather-and-natural-disasters

Generated scores

Scores are based on the cited reporting and use a 1–10 scale. Read the methodology.

Confidence: 8/10How certain the assessment is based on the clarity and evidence in the cited reporting.
Geographic reach: 3/10How widely the event reaches, from a local area (1) to worldwide impact (10).
Global importance: 2/10The event's broader significance, from limited importance (1) to major global importance (10).
Impact magnitude: 3/10The scale or severity of the real-world impact, from minor (1) to extreme (10).
Positivity: 2/10How harmful or beneficial the event is, from strongly harmful (1) to strongly positive (10).
Urgency: 8/10How time-sensitive the event is, from low urgency (1) to immediate attention needed (10).

Why it matters

The JMA alert indicates an immediate risk of tornadoes and related severe phenomena across multiple municipalities in the Sōya region and advises people to take protective action (move to sturdy buildings when storm signs appear).

Location

Sources

竜巻注意情報（目撃情報付き）

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