Nagoya has had little time to catch its breath.

Just over a week after torrential rain caused flooding, disrupted transport and briefly forced hundreds of Asian Games athletes and officials to leave their accommodation, the Japanese city is preparing for another weather challenge.

With the Asian Games 2026 officially opening on Saturday, organisers are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Dujuan, which was moving towards central Japan this week. Forecasts indicated that the system could approach the Aichi-Nagoya region around September 21, although its exact path remained uncertain.

The potential storm adds another logistical challenge for organisers after severe flooding hit Nagoya on September 8.

Nagoya Faced Record Rain Earlier This Month

The Japan Meteorological Agency recorded 219.5mm of rain in Nagoya on September 8, making it the city’s third-highest September daily rainfall on record.

The rain was particularly intense. Nagoya recorded 104.5mm in one hour, according to JMA data.

The downpour overwhelmed parts of the city’s drainage and transport networks.

A Level 5 special flood warning was issued for the Shonai River, while authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to safety.

Roads flooded, cars struggled through standing water and subway and bus services faced temporary suspensions. About 3,500 residents reportedly sought refuge at evacuation centres.

Asian Games Athletes Also Forced to Evacuate

The Asian Games were also caught in the downpour.

Around 400 athletes and staff staying in temporary accommodation near Nagoya Port were briefly evacuated to higher ground.

They were able to return after the evacuation order was lifted roughly two hours later.

The accommodation system itself has become an important part of the Games story.

Unlike many major multi-sport events, Aichi-Nagoya 2026 does not have a conventional Athletes’ Village.

Participants are instead spread across hotels, temporary accommodation and the Costa Serena cruise ship, which is being used to house thousands of Games participants.

Heavy Rain Disrupted Games Operations

The heavy rain also reached some competition venues and disrupted movement around the city.

Transport interruptions created further difficulties, while some competitions experienced delays or postponements because of the severe weather.

For athletes already dealing with accommodation and transport arrangements, another disruption could add further pressure.

Tropical Storm Dujuan Now Being Monitored

And now comes Dujuan.

As of Thursday, the storm was off Japan’s Pacific coast and moving towards central Japan. It had maximum sustained winds of around 90kph, with gusts reaching 126kph.

Forecasts remained uncertain, and organisers were monitoring the system closely as the opening ceremony approached.

The latest storm guidance also showed that Dujuan’s projected track could bring the system closer to Japan around September 20-21, although forecast tracks can change.

Nagoya Prepares for the Games

For the thousands of athletes, officials, journalists and volunteers arriving in Nagoya, the situation is not necessarily one of alarm.

The city is functioning, several sports have already begun, and conditions were much calmer on Thursday. However, after last week’s flooding, weather has become another variable in an already complex Games.

Organisers must now balance competition schedules, athlete movement, accommodation and transport while keeping an eye on the changing weather.

Nagoya is preparing to host Asia’s biggest sporting gathering.

For now, it is also keeping a close eye on the sky.