A strong storm is lashing southern Japan with torrential rain and strong winds, causing at least three deaths as it crawls up the length of the archipelago and raising concerns of flooding, landslides and extensive damage. Tropical storm Shanshan made landfall Thursday morning as a powerful typhoon and then gradually lost strength, though it was still forecast to bring strong winds, high waves and significant rainfall to most of the country, particularly on the southern island of Kyushu. The meteorological agency says about 2 feet of rain fell on parts of the island, swelling rivers and threatening floods. That 24-hour total was more than the average rainfall for all of August.
