Some wild weather on the cards for Niigata today

If you're in Niigata today, be sure to keep an eye on the weather. Things are shaping up to get pretty wild thanks to a developing low pressure system and an active front moving across the Sea of Japan.

According to the Niigata Regional Meteorological Observatory, strong winds are expected across the prefecture, with especially rough conditions over the sea. Sado Island is the main area of concern, where wind speeds could reach around 18 meters per second on land and even higher offshore, with sudden gusts hitting up to 30 meters per second in some areas.

Elsewhere, places like Joetsu, Nagaoka, and Uonuma (around my neck of the woods!) may also see strong gusts. There's also a risk of lightning, hail, and sudden violent winds, including tornado-like conditions, from midday into the night.

It's a good day to secure anything loose, and stay off the coast if you can. Stay safe out there!