On November 17, the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed that it had sent test alerts for heavy rain and other weather events, which were erroneously displayed by three private weather companies' apps and websites. The alerts included warnings for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, high waves, and storm surges in Hyogo Prefecture. However, the information was mistakenly published without clarification that it was purely for testing purposes.

The situation arose when citizens in Hyogo noticed the alerts on their smartphones and began contacting the Meteorological Agency, questioning the validity of the alerts given that there was clear weather across the entire prefecture at the time. The Meteorological Agency noted that they had previously announced the test to the private weather firms over a month earlier, on October 6, indicating that the miscommunication stemmed from a lapse in ensuring the alerts were clearly linked to the test.

This incident highlights the critical importance of clarity in weather communication, especially during test scenarios. The Meteorological Agency's failure to prevent confusion over its testing procedures has raised concerns about public awareness and the potential for panic during actual weather emergencies. Consumers rely heavily on these apps for timely and accurate information, making it essential for both public and private sectors to collaborate closely to ensure proper dissemination of information, especially in crisis situations.