23 Dec 2022 | 03:51 AM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across the country through at least Dec. 26
Heavy snowfall forecast across Japan through at least Dec. 26. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Heavy snowfall is forecast across Japan through at least Dec. 26. Several low-pressure systems are forecast to bring heavy rain and heavy snow across northern, eastern, and the Sea of Japan side of western Japan through at least Dec. 26. The heavy snow will likely lead to hazardous travel conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
As of Dec. 23, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued the following weather warnings:
Red heavy snow and snowstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): along the Sea of Japan and East China Sea coasts, central and northeastern Hokkaido Prefecture, and most of Shikoku.
Yellow advisories: the rest of the affected area.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the systems transit the region over the coming days. Forecast models indicate heavy snowfall of 100 cm (40 inches) in the Hokuriku region, 70 cm (28 inches) in the Tohoku, Tokai, and Chugoku regions, and lesser snowfall amounts across the rest of Japan through early Dec. 24. After which, snowfall of 50-70 cm (20-28 inches) is likely across the Hokuriku and Chugoku regions, 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) over the Tohoku and Kanto Koshin regions, and 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) over the Hokkaido, Tokai, and Kinki regions through early Dec. 25. 30-50 cm (12-20 inches) of snow is forecast over the Hokuriku region and 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) in the Tokai region through early Dec. 26.
Authorities stated that heavy snowfall since Dec. 17 caused at least eight fatalities in Akita, Hokkaido, Ishikawa, Niigata, and Yamagata prefectures. At least 45 have been injured.
As of early Dec. 23, Japan Airlines (JL) has canceled 59 flights at Niigata Airport (KIJ) and Izumo Enmusubi Airport (IZO), while All Nippon Airways (NH) has canceled dozens of flights at Komatsu (KMQ), Wakkanai (WKJ), Kushiro (KUH), Toyama (TOY), Noto (NTQ), Tsushima (TSJ), Goto Fukue (FUJ), and Niigata (KIJ) airports.
Trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen are operating at reduced speeds between Mihara and Hakata stations due to heavy snow, resulting in minor delays between Shin-Osaka and Hakata stations. Due to the delays on the Sanyo Shinkansen, trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen bound for Tokyo are also delayed. Several other local rail lines are also suspended.
Due to heavy snowfall, authorities have closed the Chugoku Expressway between Niimi Interchange in Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture and the Yamaguchi Interchange in Yamaguchi City, the Hamada Expressway between Chiyoda Junction in Hiroshima Prefecture and the Asahi Interchange in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, and the Onomichi and Matsue expressways between the Onomichi-Kita Interchange in Shimane Prefecture and Mitoya-Kitsugi Interchange in Unnan City, Shimane Prefecture.
The Tohoku Electric Power Network has reported that around 2,700 houses in Niigata Prefecture are without power due to fallen trees, including 2,100 houses in Sado City.
In addition to heavy snowfall, 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
The winter weather will likely cause additional ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area over the coming days. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region. 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.
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.
