The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued multiple advisories for “significant heavy snowfall” on Sunday in Ishikawa and Tottori prefectures, as a strong winter pressure system over the Sea of Japan coast since Tuesday continued to bring snow and disrupt local transportation.
In Ishikawa Prefecture, accumulated snow has exceeded nine times the seasonal average in the city of Kanazawa, making removal difficult, according to a report by NHK. Snowfall reached 37 centimeters in the six hours up to 6 a.m. — the highest amount recorded since statistics began in 1997. As of 9 a.m., accumulated snow in Kanazawa stood at 64 cm.
In Tottori Prefecture, accumulated snow in the city of Tottori rose sharply to 38 cm as of 9 a.m., NHK said.
The JMA is urging the public to remain on high alert for major traffic disruptions and to refrain from nonessential outings.
Closures of highways and delays in train operations have been reported.
According to expressway operators, road closures as preventive measures for heavy snow were implemented Sunday morning in areas around Nagoya and in the Kansai and Hokuriku regions. Affected roads included the Meishin Expressway, the Shin-Meishin Expressway and the Hokuriku Expressway.
Some national highways and other major roads across various regions — from Hokkaido to the Chugoku and Shikoku regions — have also closed.
According to Central Japan Railway, Tokaido Shinkansen services have been delayed between Nagoya and Kyoto stations. Some other conventional lines in regions from Hokkaido to Chugoku and Shikoku have also seen delays or suspensions of services.
In the 24 hours through midday Monday, up to 60 cm of snow is expected in Niigata Prefecture, 50 cm in Hokkaido and 40 cm in the Hokuriku region.
So far, heavy snow since Tuesday has left four people dead during snow removal work and 26 others injured. According to data compiled by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency as of Friday afternoon, one person died in each of the cities of Uonuma and Sado and two in the city of Nagaoka, all in Niigata Prefecture.
The injuries were reported in a wide area, from Aomori Prefecture to Kyoto Prefecture. Of the total, 10 people were seriously injured, and 16 suffered minor injuries.( Source- The Japan Time)
