19 Jan 2023 | 02:19 PM UTC
Japan: Adverse winter weather forecast across northern and western regions through at least Jan. 21
Snowfall and strong winds forecast across northern and western Japan through at least Jan. 21. Hazardous travel conditions likely.
Event
Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across parts of northern and western Japan through at least Jan. 21. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a weather bulletin warning that a low-pressure system in the Sea of Japan will bring strong winds, snowfall, and rough seas across Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions, Jan. 20-21. Winds gusting up to 144 (89 mph) are possible in Hokkaido, 126 kph (78 mph) in Tohoku, and 108 kph (67 mph) in Hokuriku. Waves of up to 6 meters (20 feet) are possible in coastal areas of the affected regions. The combination of strong winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions and will cause hazardous travel conditions due to reduced visibility.
As of late Jan. 19, the JMA has issued the following weather warnings across Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions:
Yellow snowstorm warnings: Kushiro, Hiyama, Nemuro, Oshima, Rumoi, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow heavy snow warnings: Soya Region in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow heavy rainfall and landslide warnings: Across Toyama and parts of Fukui, Ishikawa, and Niigata prefectures in Hokuriku Region.
Yellow storm/gale warnings: Hidaka and Tokachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture; parts of Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region; and parts of Akita and Yamagata prefectures in Tohoku Region.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings: Hidaka, Hiyama, Iburi, Ishikari, Kamikawa, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, Sorachi, and Soya regions in Hokkaido Prefecture; parts of Niigata Prefecture in Hokuriku Region; and Akita, Aomori, and parts of Yamagata prefectures in Tohuku Region.
Yellow avalanche warnings: Soya Region in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Yellow snow accretion warnings: Hidaka, Hiyama, Iburi, Kushiro, Nemuro, Oshima, Rumoi, Shiribeshi, and Sorachi regions in Hokkaido Prefecture.
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 the affected area.
Transport
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
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.
