Japanese weather officials are warning of more heavy downpours in the country's west. They are calling on people in some areas to ensure their safety by moving to safer places.

Officials say heavy rainfall is continuing in Yamaguchi, Fukuoka, Saga and Oita prefectures, as bands of active rain clouds form over the region.

Atmospheric conditions in western and eastern Japan will likely remain extremely unstable through Wednesday, due to a low-pressure system and rain front.

In the 24-hour period through Wednesday morning, up to 250 millimeters of rainfall are expected in northern and southern Kyushu; 200 millimeters in Shikoku and Kansai; 180 millimeters in Tokai; 150 millimeters in Kanto-Koshin; 120 millimeters in Yamaguchi Prefecture; and 100 millimeters in Chugoku and Hokuriku.

The Meteorological Agency is warning of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as lightning strikes and strong gusts.

People are advised to stay on the alert, even after the rain subsides. There have been cases in which landslides occurred, or rivers began to overflow their banks, a couple of hours after rains settled down.