Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern and central regions through at least Feb. 27

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of northern and central Japan through at least Feb. 27. Heavy snowfall, strong winds, and rough seas are expected across parts of Hokkaido Prefecture and Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Kanto Koshin regions. Hazardous travel conditions are likely in affected areas due to slippery roads, reduced visibility caused by blowing snow, and blocked routes due to snowfall accumulations. At least 35 flights have been canceled at New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido Prefecture Feb. 26 due to heavy snowfall and further flight disruptions are expected through at least early Feb. 27.

As of late Feb. 26, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area:

• Red snowstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Hidaka Region in Hokkaido Prefecture and Iwate Prefecture in Tohoku Region.

• Red storm/gale warnings: Parts of Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region.

• Red high wave warnings: Parts of Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region.

• Yellow heavy snow warnings: Hidaka, Iburi, Kushiro, Oshima, and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region, Gunma, Nagano, and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region, and Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Kushiro, Nemuro, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, parts of Akita, Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi prefectures in Tohoku Region, and Tochigi Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow storm/gale warnings: Hiyama and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, parts of Fukushima and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region, Gunma, Nagano, and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region, and Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow high wave warnings: Hidaka, Hiyama, Iburi, Kushiro, Nemuro, Oshima, and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, parts of Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region, and Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Hidaka, Iburi, Kushiro, Oshima, and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, parts of Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku Region, and Gunma, Nagano, and Tochigi prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region.

• Yellow snow accretion warnings: Hidaka, Hiyama, Iburi, Oshima, and Shirbeshi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, parts of Aomori and Iwate prefectures in Tohoku Region, and Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku 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.