21 Feb 2022 | 04:28 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu through Feb. 22
Heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast across parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan through Feb. 22. Transport disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu through at least Feb. 22. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued red (second level on a three-tier scale) heavy snow, snowstorm, and large wave warnings for western Akita, Aomori, much of Hokkaido, northern Ishikawa, eastern Iwate, northern and western Niigata, and western Yamagata prefectures. Yellow advisories are in effect for the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming hours.
Authorities have warned that very strong winds and snow are likely over northern Japan as well as the Hokuriku region Feb. 21. Heavy snowfall of 70 cm (28 inches) is forecast over the Hokuriku region, while 50 cm (20 inches) of snow is likely over the Kanto and Koshin regions. In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.
Transport
All Nippon Airways has canceled all flights at Wakkanai (WKJ), Okhotsk Monbetsu (MBE), Memanbetsu (MMB), Nemuro Nakashibetsu (SHB), Aomori (AOJ), Akita (AXT), Odate-Noshiro (ONJ), and Shonai (SYO) airports as well as some flights at New Chitose (CTS), Kushiro (KUH), and Hakodate (HKD) airports. Japan Airlines has canceled all flights at Rishiri (RIS), Memanbetsu (MMB), Sapporo Okadama (OKD), Okushiri (OIR), Misawa (MSJ), Akita (AXT), and Iwate Hanamaki (HNA) airports and some flights at Kushiro (KUH), New Chitose Airport (CTS), Hakodate (HKD), Aomori (AOJ), Niigata (KIJ), and Tajima (TJH) airports. At least 22 flights from Peach Aviation, five flights from Skymark, two flights from Air Do, and two flights from Spring Japan have been canceled across Hokkaido. Additional flight delays or cancellations are likely across Hokkaido and northern Honshu.
JR Hokkaido has suspended at least 971 trains Feb. 21, including all limited express trains and all rapid trains connecting Sapporo and New Chitose Airport (CTS). JR East has suspended services on portions of the Uetsu Main, Inaho, Ou, Gono, and Tadami lines.
The Tohoku Expressway is closed between the Yamato and Tsukikan interchanges, between the Fukushima-Ozasao and Fukushima-Ozasao interchanges, and at the Yonezawa Kita interchange while the Akita Expressway is closed between the Kitakami-nishi and the Yuda interchanges.
The winter weather will likely cause additional ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities could close stretches of a highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region.
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.
