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Storm Aims at Earthquake-ravaged Japan

Mar 13, 2011; 6:11 AM ET

Rain followed by snow may hamper rescue and cleanup efforts and impact hundreds that have been left homeless in earthquake-ravaged Japan.

Sendai, Japan lies 80 miles from the epicenter of the devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake. The city of one million people has not only endured the violent shaking and destruction from the earthquake, but also extensive damage from the tsunami the quake generated.

The tsunami surged as far inland as 6 miles. The walls of water roared onshore with such force at Sendai that they swept giant metal shipping containers a mile inland.

The magnitude 8.9 earthquake that struck near the east coast of Honshu, Japan on Friday was not only the strongest earthquake in Japan's history, but also ranks as the fifth largest recorded earthquake in Earth's history.

Scores of houses and other buildings in the path of the tsunami were demolished.

According to the Associated Press, the estimated death toll climbed past 10,000 on Sunday. The prime minister said this is the nation's worst crisis since World War II.

Hundreds more people have been left homeless due to the destruction of the earthquake and tsunami.

White smokes rises from burning houses in Yamadamachi in Iwate Prefecture northern Japan Saturday, March 12, 2011, one day after a strong earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami in the area. (AP Photo/Kenji Shimizu, The Yomiuri Shimbun)

Rescue and Cleanup Weather for Japan

Mostly dry weather and some sunshine aided rescue workers Sunday, while they searched through the rubble in Sendai for survivors.

Temperatures rebounded on Sunday ahead of a storm system which will impact portions of Japan Monday through midweek.

Rain and low clouds could hamper search and rescue efforts, which are generally being conducted using helicopters, by Tuesday.

Some rain could arrive in Sendai and around the power plants at risk for meltdown early on Tuesday.

The steadiest precipitation will spread over Sendai late Tuesday through early Wednesday morning.

Colder air will drive into northern and central Japan on gusty northwesterly winds behind the storm system, and may allow for rain to change to snow for a time by Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

The gusty breeze will make it feel colder than actual temperatures. The cold weather will endanger the lives of people left without shelter.

By Meghan Evans, Meteorologist

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

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