04 Mar 2022 | 01:48 PM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Hokkaido Prefecture through at least March 6
Heavy snowfall, strong winds forecast across parts of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan through at least March 6. Transport disruptions possible.
Event
A storm system is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, and dense fog forecast across parts of Hokkaido Prefecture through at least March 6.
As of March 4, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido:
Red storm/gale warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Okushirito District in Hiyama Subprefecture.
Yellow storm/gale warnings: Ishikari, Oshima, Shiribeshi, Sorachi, and the rest of Hiyama subprefectures.
Yellow heavy snow warnings: Hiyama and Oshima subprefectures.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Hiyama and Oshima subprefectures.
Yellow high wave warnings: Hiyama, northern Ishikari, western Oshima, and northern and western Shiribeshi subprefectures.
Yellow dense fog warnings: Kushiro, Nemuro, and Tokachi subprefectures.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm transits the region over the coming hours.
In addition to heavy snowfall, 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
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. Dozens of flights were canceled from New Chitose Airport (CTS) and a lesser amount from Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD) March 3 due to heavy snowfall and the forecast adverse weather will likely lead to further cancelations at these and other airports across the affected area.
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.
