Bursts of intense rain have been pounding Japan's southwestern region of Kyushu. Bands of the type of clouds that cause such torrential rain may form over northern Kyushu and Yamaguchi Prefecture, sharply raising the risk of rain-related disasters.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says that warm and damp air has been flowing toward a seasonal rain front over the country, destabilizing atmospheric conditions over the western and eastern regions.

Rainfall in the town of Aya in Miyazaki Prefecture totaled 105 millimeters in a one-hour period through 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Bands of heavy rain clouds developed over the city of Goto in Nagasaki Prefecture on Sunday morning.

A mudslide alert is in effect for parts of Kagoshima Prefecture.

Downpours accompanied by lightning could sweep across northern Kyushu and Yamaguchi Prefecture through Monday noon.

Thunderstorms are also expected to pummel Ehime Prefecture through late Sunday. Rain triggered a mudslide in the city of Matsuyama in the prefecture on Friday, leaving three people dead.

Total precipitation in the 24 hours through Monday morning could reach 250 millimeters in northern Kyushu and 180 millimeters in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Meteorological agency officials are warning of mudslides, floods and swollen and overflowing rivers.

People are advised to stay updated on the latest weather information and evacuation bulletins from local governments. They should also stay away from mountain slopes and rivers.