11 Jan 2022 | 10:54 AM UTC
Japan: Winter weather forecast over parts of southern Kyushu, Honshu, and Hokkaido through at least Jan. 14
Winter weather forecast over parts of southern Kyushu, Honshu, and Hokkaido, Japan, through Jan. 14. Transport disruptions possible.
Event
Winter weather, including heavy snow, strong winds, and large waves, is forecast across parts of southern Kyushu, Honshu, and Hokkaido through at least Jan. 14. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued purple (the highest level on a three-tier scale) storm surge warnings for Nemuro Region in Hokkaido Prefecture early Jan. 12. Orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) storm warnings are in place across Kagoshima Prefecture through Jan. 11 and eastern Iwate Prefecture through Jan. 12 while orange snowstorm, heavy snow, and high wave warnings are in effect across eastern and central Hokkaido, Ishikawa, western and northern Niigata, and eastern Toyama prefectures. Yellow advisories are also in place across much of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming days; officials may issue evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen.
Forecast models indicate blizzards and heavy snow in northern Japan and the Hokuriku region through Jan. 14, with heavy snow of 70 cm (27.5 inches) likely over the Tohoku region, 60 cm (24 inches) over the Hokkaido and Hokuriku regions, and 40 cm (16 inches) over the Kinki region through Jan. 12. 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) of snow is likely over the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, while 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) of snow is forecast over the Kinki and Hokkaido regions Jan. 13.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions over the coming days. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected area as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes.
Officials may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific Ocean if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages. Authorities will suspend train services between Omagari and Akita stations on the Akita Shinkansen from 11:30 Jan. 12. Train services have been suspended or delayed on the Chitose, Joban, Rikuusai, Rikuuto, and Yamagata lines and the Hakodate, Nemuro, Ou, Sekihoku, and Tohoku main lines due to the low-pressure system and strong winds.
Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. All Nippon Airways has warned that flights may be canceled, delayed, or diverted Jan. 11 at New Chitose Airport (CTS), Memanbetsu Airport (MMB), and Niigata Airport (KIJ) due to snow, at Fukushima Airport (FKS) due to low visibility, and at Tsushima Airport (TSJ) and Tottori Airport (TTJ) due to strong winds. Flights may also be affected Jan. 12 at Hachijojima Airport (HAC) due to strong winds and at New Chitose Airport (CTS), Wakkanai Airport (WKJ), Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport (MBE), Memanbetsu Airport (MMB), Kushiro Airport (KUH), Nakashibetsu Airport (SHB), Hakodate Airport (HKD), Aomori Airport (AOJ), Odate–Noshiro Airport (ONJ), Akita Airport (AXT), Shonai Airport (SYO), Niigata Airport (KIJ), Fukushima Airport (FKS), Noto Airport (NTQ), Toyama Airport (TOY), Komatsu Airport (KMQ) and Tottori Airport (TTJ) due to snow.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
