07 Jan 2022 | 05:12 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across eastern and northern regions through Jan. 9
Heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast across northern and eastern Japan through at least Jan. 9. Transport disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across portions of eastern and northern Japan through at least Jan. 9. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued red (middle level on a three-tier scale) snowstorm warnings for western Akita Prefecture through Jan. 7. Yellow gale, snow, low temperature, and dry air advisories are in effect for the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the winter storm transits the region over the coming days. In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Blizzard conditions are possible. Sporadic power outages are possible throughout the affected area.
Transport
All Nippon Airways has canceled nine flights between Haneda International Airport (HND) and Osaka and Fukuoka; additional delays or disruptions are possible at Niigata Airport (KIJ) due to strong winds and at Wakkanai Airport (WKJ), Aomori Airport (AOJ), Odate–Noshiro Airport (ONJ), Akita Airport (AXT), and Shonai Airport (SYO) due to heavy snow. Officials also closed the runway at Ibaraki Airport (IBR) and canceled at least five flights. On the Shuto Expressway, portions of the Ueno, Meguro, Mukaishima, Misato, Harumi, Daiba, and Central Circular routes in Tokyo are closed due to heavy snow, while the No. 5 Ikebukuro Route is closed due to a vehicular accident. The Bayshore, Yokohane, Kariba, Kawasaki, and Yokohama routes in Kanagawa Prefecture are also closed. Authorities had temporarily suspended the JR Tsurumi Line and the JR Nambu Line between Hamakawasaki and Shitte stations; services have since resumed Jan. 7. The Rikuuto, Gono, and Ou lines, the Uetsu and Hakodate main lines, and the Sanriku Railway Rias Line are delayed or suspended due to the strong winds and heavy snow.
The winter weather will likely cause additional ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area 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 a 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 regional airports.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
