Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across much of the country through at least March 4

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across much of Japan through at least March 4. Heavy snowfall is expected in northern regions and along the western coast of Honhsu Island over the coming days. Strong winds are expected in many areas and may cause blizzard conditions in areas where snowfall is forecast. A drop in temperatures is also expected across much of the country. Hazardous travel conditions are likely across parts of the country due to slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Snow accumulations, de-icing operations, and reduced visibility may also lead to disruptions at airports in the worst affected areas; authorities have reported at least 43 flights were canceled at New Chitose Aiport (CTS) in Hokkaido Prefecture March 1.

As of March 1, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red snowstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Hiyama, Ishikari, Oshima, and Rumoi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.

• Red high wave warnings: Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow storm/gale warnings: Toakchi Region in Hokkaido Prefecture, much of Okinawa Prefecture, much of Tokai, Shikoku, and Northern Kyushu regions, and parts of Fukushima Prefecture in Tohoku Region, Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, and Tokyo prefectures in Kanto Koshin Region, Hyogo, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama prefectures in Kinki Region, and Kagoshima Prefecture in Southern Kyushu Region.

• Yellow snowstorm warnings: Across Hokuriku Region, much of the rest of Hokkaido Prefecture not under red warning, much of Tohoku Region, and parts of Tochigi Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region, Hyogo, Kyoto, and Shiga prefectures in Kinki Region, and Shimane and Tottori prefectures in Chugoku Region.

• Yellow heavy snow warnings: Much of Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku Region, Nagano Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region, and Niigata and Toyama prefectures in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow high wave warnings: Across most coastal areas across Japan.

• Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Across Hokuriku Region, Hiyama, Ishikari, Kamikawa, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, Sorachi, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture, Akita, Aomori, and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region, Tottori Prefecture in Chugoku Region, and parts of Hyogo, Kyoto, and Shiga prefectures in Kinki Region.

• Yellow dry air warnings: Parts of Hiroshima Prefecture in Chugoku Region.

• Yellow frost warnings: Across Shikoku Region, much of southern Kyushu Region, Wakayama Prefecture in Kinki Region, and Oita and Yamaguchi prefectures in Northern Kyushu Region.

• Yellow avalanche warnings: Much of Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Nagano Prefecture in Kanto Koshin Region and Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region.

• Yellow snow accretion warnings: Abashiri, Hidaka, Hiyama, Iburi, Kitami, Kushiro, Mombetsu, Nemuro, Oshima, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture and parts of Aomori Prefecture in Tohoku Region and Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures 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 affected areas.

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.