A satellite image of Tropical Storm Talas taken Friday morning, Eastern Time. This image is courtesy of the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center.

Outer rain bands have already begun to move over southern and western Japan ahead of Tropical Storm Talas, and conditions are only going to get worst.

Locally heavy rain has been falling over Shikoku and Honshu since Thursday afternoon, Eastern Time. Many areas have already received 1-2 inches of rainfall, with more expected through the weekend.

Things will only get worst before they improve for Shikoku and western Honshu as Talas is expected to make landfall Friday afternoon, Eastern Time.

Talas is expected to make landfall over eastern Shikoku Friday afternoon, Eastern Time, as a strong tropical storm. Winds will be sustained near 65-70 mph, with wind gusts as high as 80 mph at the time of landfall.

These strong winds will likely result in widespread damage across the region, with numerous downed trees and power lines, as well as producing some damage to structures.

However, the flooding rains will have a larger impact on the region. The rugged hills of southwestern Japan near the path of the storm’s center will be at the greatest risk of flooding rain and mudslides. The highest rainfall is likely to be between 15 and 20 inches in this area. In the low-lying areas, 5-10 inches of rainfall will be common through the weekend.

The rugged hills will help weaken Talas Friday and Friday night before Talas emerges over the Sea of Japan. Increased wind shear over the system this weekend will prevent Tals from restrengthening despite being over the Sea of Japan.

Some heavy rain and gusty winds will reach northern Honshu and Hokkaido by Saturday as a much weaker Talas moves through the Sea of Japan toward northern Japan. Rainfall totals of 3-5 inches will be possible later this weekend across northern Honshu and Hokkaido, which will lead to some flooding problems.