13 Dec 2022 | 01:23 PM UTC
Japan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Dec. 15
Snowfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms are forecast across much of Japan through at least Dec. 15. Possible disruptions.
Event
Adverse weather conditions are expected across much of Japan through at least Dec. 15. A low-pressure system approaching from the Sea of Japan will move over eastern and northern Japan, bringing strong winds, snowfall, rough seas, and thunderstorms. Snowfall is most likely over parts of northern Japan along the Sea of Japan coast and storms could be accompanied by lightning and possible tornadoes in Hokuriku and Tohoku regions. Winds gusting up to 126 kph (78 mph) are possible across parts of northern and central Japan. The combination of strong winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions in some northern regions. Less severe weather is forecast over the rest of Japan; however, strong winds and rough seas are expected in many areas.
As of late Dec. 13, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued the following weather warnings across Japan:
Red snowstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Rumoi Region in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Red storm/gale warnings: Hidaka Region in Hokkaido Prefecture and eastern Toyama Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.
Red high wave warnings: Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.
Yellow snowstorm warnings: Hiyama, Kamikawa, Oshima, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku Region.
Yellow heavy snow warnings: Kamikawa and Rumoi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow storm/gale warnings: Across much of Hokkaido Prefecture; across Miyagi and parts of Akita, Fukushima, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region; across Chiba, Ibaraki, and Kanagawa prefectures and parts of Tochigi and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region; parts of Aichi, Mie, and Shizuoka prefectures in Tokai Region; all prefectures not under red warnings in Hokuriku Region; across Hyogo, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama prefectures and parts of Kyoto Prefecture in Kinki Region; across Shimane and Tottori prefectures and parts of Hiroshima and Okayama prefectures in Chugoku Region; across Shikoku Region; much of Northern Kyushu Region; across Kagoshima Prefecture and parts of Miyazaki Prefecture in Southern Kyushu Region; and in Miyakojima and Ishigakjima in Okinawa Prefecture.
Yellow high wave warnings: Across most coastal areas of Hokkaido Prefecture; parts of Akita, Aomori, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region; Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, and most of Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region; most of Shizuoka Prefecture in Tokai Region; most of Hokuriku Region; Hyogo, Osaka, and parts of Kyoto and Wakayama prefectures in Kinki Region; most of Chugoku Region; Ehime and Kagawa prefectures in Shikoku Region; most of Northern Kyushu Region; Kagoshima Prefecture in Southern Kyushu Region; and most of Okinawa Prefecture.
Yellow storm surge warnings: Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku Region and parts of Hyogo and Kyoto prefectures in Kinki Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Hokkaido Prefecture; Akita, Aomori, Yamagata, and parts of Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region; Gifu Prefecture in Tokai Region; across Hokuriku Region; Hyogo and parts of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures in Kinki Region; and Shimane and Tottori prefectures in Chugoku Region.
Yellow dense fog warnings: Akita and Fukushima prefectures in Tohoku Region and Chiba, Ibaraki, and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.
Yellow dry air warnings: Parts of Hiroshima Prefecture in Chugoku Region and Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga prefectures in Northern Kyushu Region.
Yellow avalanche warnings: Ishikari, Kamikawa, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Sorachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow frost warnings: Parts of Gifu Prefecture in Tokai Region.
Yellow snow accretion warnings: Ishikari, Shirbeshi, Sorachi, Soya, and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
The storms could produce rounds of heavy precipitation (including rain and snow), strong winds, and isolated thunderstorm activity in affected areas. Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in northern regions over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in affected areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. 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.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in parts of Japan. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations along the Sea of Japan coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions, impacting freight and passenger maritime traffic. Flooding or 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.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in affected areas. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
