Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across central parts of Honshu Island through at least Feb. 6

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of central Japan through at least Feb. 6. A low-pressure system moving eastward along the southern coast of Honshu Island is expected to bring heavy snowfall across the affected area. Snowfall accumulations of 8-40 cm (3-16 inches) are expected across the region through Feb. 6., with the heaviest snowfall likely in mountainous areas of northern Kanto Region. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across much of the country due to slippery roads, reduced visibility caused by blowing snow, and blocked routes due to snowfall accumulations. Airlines have canceled around 100 flights from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) Feb. 5 and rail and bus operators have suspended several routes across the affected areas Feb. 5-6; further disruptions to air and ground transport are likely across parts of the region in the coming days.

As of Feb. 5, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red heavy snow warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Parts of Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, Saitama, Tochigi, Tokyo, and Yamanashi prefectures.

• Yellow heavy snow warnings: Across much of the rest of the affected area.

• Yellow blizzard warnings: Parts of Chiba, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Ishikawa, Kanagawa, Miyagi, Saitama, Tokyo, and Toyama prefectures.

• Yellow stom/gale warnings: Parts of Chiba, Niigata, and Shizuoka prefectures.

• Yellow high wave warnings: Parts of Chiba, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Miyagi, Shizuoka, Tokyo, and Toyama prefectures.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Parts of Chiba, Saitama, Shizuoka, and Tokyo prefectures.

• Yellow dense fog warnings: Parts of Gunma and Tochigi prefectures.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Parts of Gifu, Gunma, Nagano, Tochigi, and Yamanashi prefectures.

• Yellow snow accretion warnings: Parts of Chiba, Fukushima, Gifu, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Nagano, Niigata, Saitama, Shizuoka, Tochigi, Tokyo, Toyama, and Yamanashi prefectures.

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.