Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern regions through at least Dec. 19

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of northern Japan through at least Dec. 19. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a weather bulletin warning that a low-pressure system will bring strong winds, rough seas, and blowing snow to parts of Hokkaido Prefecture and Tohoku Region. Winds gusting up to 126 (78 mph) are possible in Hokkaido and 108 kph (67 mph) in Tohoku Dec. 18, as well as snowfall accumulations of up to 70 cm (28 inches) in Hokkaido and 50 cm (20 inches) in Tohoku. The combination of strong winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions and will cause hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibility. Disruptions to rail and bus services have been reported in parts of Hokkaido Prefecture as of Dec. 18. Strong winds may also cause property damage and power outages.

As of Dec. 18, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido and Tohoku:

• Red heavy snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Kamikawa and Rumoi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.

• Yellow heavy snow warnings: Sorachi Region in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Akita, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Hiyama, Ishikari, Nemuro, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Akita, Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Kamikawa, Ishikari, Mombetsu, Nemuro, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Sorachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Aomori, Fukushima, and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region.

• Yellow high wave warnings: Abashiri, Hidaka, Hiyama, Ishikari, Kushiro, Mombetsu, Nemuro, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Akita, Aomori, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region,

• Yellow low-temperature warnings: Kushiro and Nemuro regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.

• Yellow ice accretion warnings: Abashiri and Mombetsu regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.

• Yellow snow accretion warnings: Parts of Akita and Iwate 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.

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