19 Dec 2022 | 04:59 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions through at least Dec. 20
Heavy snowfall forecast across the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, Japan, through at least Dec. 20. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Heavy snowfall is forecast across the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions through at least Dec. 20. The heavy snow will likely lead to hazardous travel conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
As of Dec. 19, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido:
Red heavy snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): northern Ishikawa, most of Niigata, and southern Yamagata prefectures.
Yellow advisories: the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm transits the region over the coming hours. Forecast models indicate heavy snowfall of 80 cm (31 inches) over Hokuriku region and 70 cm (28 inches) over Tohoku region through early Dec. 20.
JR East has suspended trains on the Yamagata Shinkansen between Yamagata and Shinjo stations due to heavy snow; operations are estimated to resume around 17:00 Dec. 19. Several other local rail lines are also suspended. Authorities have closed the Kanetsu Expressway between Koide Interchange and Nagaoka Junction, the Banetsu Expressway between Niigata Chuo and Aizuwakamatsu interchanges, the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway between Niigata Chuo Junction and Arakawa Tainai Interchange, and the Hokuriku Expressway between Niigata Chuo Junction and Joetsu Interchange, Kanazawa Morimoto and Oyabe interchanges on the down line as well as Niigata Chuo Junction and Kakizaki Interchange on the up line.
The Tohoku Electric Power Network has reported that around 9,700 houses in Niigata Prefecture are without power due to fallen trees, including 5,000 houses in Sado City. Reports indicate that mobile communications in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture, are disrupted due to heavy snow. Sado City has opened evacuation centers at six facilities in the city, including the Ryotsu Branch and the Akadomari Administrative Service Center.
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. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region. 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.
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.
