Severe Snowfall Disrupts Traffic Along Sea of Japan Coast

Heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast has led to significant disruptions in transportation services, with numerous flight cancellations and train service interruptions reported. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of more snow expected this weekend, while incidents of casualties related to the severe weather have also been recorded across Japan.

The Sea of Japan coast is currently experiencing heavy snowfall as the most severe cold front of the season disrupts transportation systems across central Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for additional snowfall expected by the weekend. Consequently, major airlines, such as All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, have canceled several flights, particularly those connecting Tokyo with Tottori and Shimane Prefectures as well as the Oki Islands.

Rail services in central Japan have faced significant disturbances, with cancellations affecting local train routes in Ishikawa and Gifu Prefectures. Notably, an express train on JR West’s Nanao Line was halted because of a braking issue caused by frost. Snow accumulation has been extreme, with Shirakawa reporting an unprecedented 129 centimeters of snowfall within a 48-hour timeframe through 5 p.m. Other significant totals include 50 cm in Toyama and 45 cm in Jyoetsu, Niigata Prefecture.

Casualties have occurred amid the severe winter conditions, including a man who sustained head injuries after falling from a forklift during snow removal in Toyama Prefecture. In another tragic incident, a 62-year-old woman in Yamaguchi Prefecture lost her life when a large tree fell on her, likely due to ground instability caused by the heavy snow. Police have indicated the fallen tree was linked to the adverse weather.

With extreme atmospheric instability, temperatures have plunged to minus 39 degrees Celsius in elevated regions above eastern to northern Japan, resulting in potential cumulonimbus cloud formation. This situation poses further risks of heavy snowfall not only along the Sea of Japan coast but also on the Pacific side, where snow is typically infrequent.

The Sea of Japan coast is enduring severe snowfall, leading to substantial disruption in air and rail services. The Japan Meteorological Agency has signaled warnings for continued adverse weather conditions, with reported casualties attributed to the extreme weather. As cold air intensifies, the forecast indicates possible snow events across wider areas of Japan, raising further concerns.

Original Source: english.kyodonews.net