22 Feb 2022 | 04:05 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu through Feb. 23 /update 1
Heavy snowfall and strong winds forecast across parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu, Japan through Feb. 23. Transport disruptions ongoing.
Event
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast across parts of Hokkaido and northern Honshu through at least Feb. 23. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued red (second level on a three-tier scale) heavy snow warnings for southern Ishikawa, much of Niigata, and Toyama prefectures as well as Ishikari and Iburi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture. Yellow 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 hours. In addition, 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
New Chitose Airport (CTS) has been closed since early Feb. 22 due to snow covering both runways. All Nippon Airways has canceled all flights at Wakkanai (WKJ), Nemuro Nakashibetsu (SHB), and New Chitose (CTS) airports and multiple flights at Aomori (AOJ) and Komatsu (KMQ) airports. Japan Airlines has canceled all flights at Sapporo Okadama Airport (OKD) while flights at Memanbetsu (MMB), New Chitose (CTS), Aomori (AOJ), Hakodate (HKD), Misawa (MSJ), Tajima (TJH), Komatsu (KMQ), Niigata (KIJ), Iwate Hanamaki (HNA), Yamagata (GAJ), and Oki (OKI) airports are experiencing irregular operations. Additional flight delays or cancellations are likely across Hokkaido and northern Honshu.
JR Hokkaido has canceled all limited express trains at Sapporo and train services on portions of the Chitose, Hakodate, and Gakuen-Toshi lines. JR East has suspended some train services on portions of Shin'etsu and Tohuku regions due to 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 airports in the region.
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.
