Persistent Snowfall Affects Japan
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Synopsis
Severe snow conditions have continued across Japan, driven by a powerful cold air mass. Areas along the Sea of Japan are seeing significant snow accumulation, leading to disruptions of daily life. Warnings for avalanches and road hazards are in effect as additional snowfall is expected.
Key Takeaways
- Severe snow accumulation impacts daily life.
- Warnings issued for avalanches and road hazards.
- Significant snowfall recorded in various prefectures.
- Continued snowfall expected in northern and eastern Japan.
- Strong winds and high waves predicted nationwide.
Tokyo, Feb 9 (NationPress) A strong cold air mass combined with winter pressure patterns has led to unrelenting snowfall across coastal and mountainous regions bordering the Sea of Japan, significantly escalating snow accumulation and causing widespread disruptions to daily life.
Although the peak of intense snowfall has subsided in western Japan and the Kanto-Koshin area, sporadic snow is anticipated to persist in northern and eastern Japan, especially along the Sea of Japan, according to a report from Xinhua news agency on Sunday.
As of midday, the six-hour snowfall measured 16 cm in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, and 15 cm in Hinoemata Village, Fukushima Prefecture, as per national broadcaster NHK.
Forecasts suggest further snowfall by Monday morning, accompanied by strong winds and elevated waves, particularly in northern and eastern Japan.
Weather authorities are issuing warnings regarding the risks of avalanches, traffic disruptions, power outages, fallen trees, and other snow-related incidents.
The Japan Meteorological Agency continues to alert residents about road hazards, blizzards, avalanches, and power outages attributable to snow buildup, along with coastal dangers from high waves.
As of midday Sunday, the snow depth had reached 314 cm in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, and 310 cm in Nishikawa Town, Yamagata Prefecture.
Some regions have received three to four times their typical annual snowfall. Toyama City recorded 64 cm, Niigata City saw 26 cm, and Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture reported 25 cm.
Snow has also accumulated on the plains of the Kinki and Tokai regions, which typically experience minimal snowfall. As of 5 a.m., snow depth reached 25 cm in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, and 19 cm in Sekigahara Town, Gifu Prefecture.
Total snowfall expected over the 24-hour period leading up to Monday morning could reach 50 cm in the Tohoku region; 40 cm in northern Kanto, and the prefectures of Niigata and Gifu; 30 cm in Nagano Prefecture, as well as the Hokuriku and Kinki regions; and 20 cm in the Chugoku region.
Additionally, strong winds are set to increase across northern and eastern Japan, with high waves anticipated nationwide. Snow levels have surpassed average amounts in numerous areas.
