Japan: Adverse winter weather conditions forecast across most of the country through at least early Jan. 12 /update 1

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across most of Japan through at least early Jan. 12. As of early Jan. 10, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a weather bulletin warning that heavy snowfall will continue across Japan through early Jan. 12, especially in the Sea of Japan side from northern to western Japan. Strong winds and rough seas are also likely Jan, 10. Snowfall accumulations of 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) are forecast across parts of northern and central Japan Jan. 10 and lesser snowfall Jan. 10-early Jan. 12. Waves of up to 6 meters (20 feet) are likely along the Sea of Japan coast. Hazardous travel conditions are probable due to blizzards and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

As of early Jan. 10, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across the country:

• Red snowstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): western Akita, western Fukushima, southern Gifu, and western Yamagata prefectures.

• Red high wave warnings: Parts of western Akita, western Aomori, southwestern Hokkaido, Ishikawa, northern Niigata, and western Yamagata prefectures

• Yellow weather warnings for various phenomena: Across much of the rest of the country.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

The Yamagata Shinkansen is suspended on all sections through at least 11:00 Jan. 10, while the Tokaido Shinkansen is operating at reduced speed between Nagoya Station and Maibara Station due to the snow. Slight delays are ongoing on trains across Japan. Several roads across Japan are closed, including the Meishin Expressway on both sides between Ritto Konan Interchange in Shiga Prefecture and Komaki Interchange in Aichi Prefecture, Tomei Expressway on both sides between Komaki Interchange and Komaki Junction, Tokai Kanjo Expressway on the inner and outer loops between Ono Kobe Interchange and Yoro Interchange in Gifu Prefecture, Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway on both sides between Ichinomiya Junction and Ichinomiya Kisogawa Interchange, Nagoya Expressway Ichinomiya Line on the connecting road with the Meishin Expressway and the outbound lanes between Kiyosu Junction and Ichinomiya East Exit, Hokuriku Expressway on both sides between Tsuruga Interchange and Maibara Junction, Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway on both sides between Tsuruga Junction and Wakasa Mihama Interchange, and National Route 8 between Hikita Intersection in Tsuruga City and Tsuji Intersection in Ritto City in Shiga Prefecture. Authorities are urging people to check the latest weather and traffic information and to refrain from going outside during heavy snowfall.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in affected areas over the coming days. Further traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are likely to continue on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Authorities will probably close stretches of motorway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles and power lines throughout the affected area.