Japan is bracing for further heavy snowfall across a wide swathe of the country, with officials warning of potential disruptions to transport and daily life through . A developing winter pressure pattern is intensifying snowfall, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast, while unusually cold air is forecast to bring accumulations even to regions that rarely experience significant snow.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that strong winds accompanied the intensifying snowfall, with gusts reaching 93.6 kilometers per hour in Kushiro City and 91.44 kilometers per hour in Rausu Town in Hokkaido during a three-hour period ending at . Residents of Hokkaido have been urged to remain vigilant for blizzard conditions for several more hours.
The current weather system is driven by a strong cold air mass flowing into the region, exacerbating snowfall even in areas like the Kanto and Kyushu regions, which typically see little snow. The JMA anticipates that snowfall will peak on with the arrival of an even more potent cold air mass. A phenomenon known as the Japan Sea polar air mass convergence zone (JPCZ) is expected to generate snow cloud bands, potentially leading to rapid and substantial accumulations, particularly in the northern Kinki and Sanin regions.
Forecasts predict up to 70 centimeters of snow in Niigata Prefecture over the next 24 hours, through . The Chugoku region is expected to receive up to 60 centimeters, while Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Kinki regions could see accumulations of 50 centimeters. These figures build upon what has already been a period of unusually heavy snowfall in many areas.
Authorities are urging caution regarding the impact of the heavy snow on transportation networks. Concerns also extend to the risk of avalanches, power outages caused by snow weighing down power lines, and the potential for snow to fall from roofs. The JMA is specifically warning those living along the Sea of Japan coast to be particularly prepared for these hazards.
The recent heavy snowfall has already had a significant impact across northern Japan. Reports from indicated that 15 prefectures were affected, with snow depths reaching up to 2 meters in the worst-hit areas. This has led to widespread road closures and, tragically, dozens of deaths nationwide. Many of these fatalities were attributed to falls while residents attempted to clear snow from their homes.
In Niigata Prefecture, a major rice-growing region, twelve of the snow-related deaths have been reported. One man was found collapsed on the roof of his home in Uonuma city on , and a 70-year-old man in Nagaoka city is believed to have died after falling from his roof. These incidents underscore the dangers associated with attempting to remove heavy snow accumulations.
The situation in Aomori Prefecture is particularly challenging. As of , more than 1,700 homes were without electricity, and most train lines, including bullet trains, were suspended. Governor Soichiro Miyashita reported that emergency vehicles were unable to reach some destinations, forcing medical staff to travel on foot with stretchers to assist those in need. Schools in Aomori were also closed, impacting thousands of students.
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo issued an advisory on cautioning U.S. Citizens about the dangers posed by the record snow levels, even while acknowledging the appeal of the powder conditions for skiers and snowboarders. The embassy specifically warned of avalanche risks, poor visibility, dangerous driving conditions, and hidden hazards such as tree wells and snow-covered creeks. A previous alert on reiterated the dangers of backcountry skiing in Japan, emphasizing the lack of patrols and limited rescue access.
The unusually heavy snowfall is attributed to a persistent cold air mass originating from the Arctic. The JMA also noted that relatively warm temperatures in some areas are increasing the risk of snow sliding off roofs and triggering avalanches. The combination of these factors presents a complex and potentially dangerous situation for residents across a large portion of Japan.
While the current focus is on the immediate dangers of the snowfall, the long-term implications for infrastructure and agriculture remain to be seen. The weight of the snow poses a threat to buildings and farms, and the disruption to transportation networks could have economic consequences. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as the weather system progresses.
