31 Jan 2023 | 09:44 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern regions through at least Feb. 2
Snowstorms, rough seas, and strong winds forecast across northern Japan through at least Feb. 2. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of northern Japan through at least Feb. 2. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a weather bulletin warning that a low-pressure system over northeastern China will rapidly develop as it passes over northern Japan Feb. 1-2, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and blowing snow to parts of Hokkaido and Tohoku regions. Winds gusting up to 162 (101 mph) are possible in Hokkaido and 126 kph (78 mph) in Tohoku Feb. 1-2, as well as waves of up to 6 meters (20 feet) off Hokkaido and 5 meters (16 feet) off Tohoku. The combination of strong winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions and will cause hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibility. Strong winds may also cause property damage and power outages.
As of late Jan. 31, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido and Tohoku regions:
Yellow snowstorm warnings: Ishikari, Rumoi, and Shiribeshi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku Region.
Yellow dry air warnings: Abashiri, Kitami, Kushiro, Mombetsu, Nemuro, and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture; and parts of Fukushima and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow avalanche warnings: Shiribeshi and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture; and parts of Aomori and across Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow ice warnings: Soya Region in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow low-temperature warnings: Kushiro and Nemuro regions in Hokkaido Prefecture; and across Fukushima and parts of Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
Transport
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the affected areas 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 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 regions
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.
