Japan is facing heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast, causing disruptions in air and rail travel. Major airlines, including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, have canceled several flights. Train services in central Japan have also been affected, with some trains malfunctioning due to extreme cold. Authorities report casualties, including a fatal accident in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that the snowfall could continue through the weekend and may also affect regions where snow is uncommon.
Heavy Snowfall Affects Japan’s Transportation and Daily Life
Japan is currently experiencing severe snowfall, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. The intense winter weather has caused significant disruptions in transportation, affecting flights, trains, and road travel. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the snow will continue in the coming days, making travel conditions even more challenging.
The cold wave has brought one of the heaviest snowfalls of the season. Some areas in central Japan have recorded over a meter of snow, leading to transportation delays and safety concerns. Authorities have advised residents to stay alert as the extreme weather conditions persist.
Flights Canceled Due to Bad Weather
Several flights have been canceled as heavy snowfall and strong winds make air travel unsafe. Two major airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), have suspended flights to and from different parts of the country.
Flights between Tokyo and Tottori Prefecture in western Japan were among those canceled. Similarly, flights connecting Shimane Prefecture and the Oki Islands in the Sea of Japan were affected. The cancellations have left many travelers stranded at airports, waiting for updates on when services might resume.
Airport authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working with weather experts to determine when flights can safely operate again. However, with snowfall expected to continue, more cancellations and delays may occur.
Train Services Disrupted Across Central Japan
The extreme cold has also impacted train services in several areas, making it difficult for people to commute. In central Japan, train operations in Ishikawa, Gifu, and nearby prefectures were canceled due to dangerous conditions.
A major incident occurred on the JR West Nanao Line, where an express train malfunctioned due to ice formation on its brakes. The train had to be stopped, leaving passengers stranded until authorities resolved the issue.
Rail operators have warned that more delays and cancellations are possible in the coming days. Travelers are advised to check for updates before heading to train stations.
Record Snowfall in Some Regions
The snowfall recorded in several regions has reached record levels. Shirakawa in Gifu Prefecture received an astonishing 129 centimeters of snow within 48 hours. This is the highest snowfall the area has seen in years.
Toyama Prefecture saw 50 centimeters of snowfall in just 12 hours, while Shirakawa recorded 48 centimeters in the same period. Jyoetsu in Niigata Prefecture also received 45 centimeters of snow. Even Kagoshima, located in southwestern Japan, experienced rare snowfall of 2 centimeters within six hours.
The heavy snow has made it difficult for people to move around, with roads becoming slippery and dangerous. Authorities are using snowplows to clear roads, but continuous snowfall makes the process challenging.
Casualties and Accidents Reported
The harsh weather has also led to accidents, some of which have resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities.
In Tonami, Toyama Prefecture, a man in his 50s suffered a severe head injury after falling from a forklift while trying to clear snow. Emergency services rushed him to the hospital, but details about his condition remain unclear.
In a tragic incident in Yamaguchi Prefecture, a 62-year-old woman lost her life when an 18-meter tree fell on her. She had been assisting in the removal of another tree that had come into contact with a power cable. Authorities believe that the ground, loosened by the heavy snowfall, may have caused the tree to fall.
Officials have urged people to take extra precautions while clearing snow, as icy surfaces and unstable structures can pose serious risks.
Weather Agency Issues More Warnings
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the country is experiencing extremely unstable weather conditions. Cold air with temperatures as low as minus 39°C is moving across eastern and northern Japan. This extreme cold is expected to form large cumulonimbus clouds, which could bring more heavy snowfall.
While the snowfall has mainly affected areas along the Sea of Japan, the agency has warned that even regions on the Pacific side of the country—where snow is rare—could experience significant snowfall. This means cities and towns unprepared for such weather might face unexpected challenges.
Residents are advised to stay indoors if possible and to avoid unnecessary travel. The government has also requested people to keep emergency supplies, including food, water, and warm clothing, in case the situation worsens.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy snowfall is not only affecting transportation but also daily life for many residents. People are struggling to go to work and school, and businesses are facing disruptions.
Schools in some of the hardest-hit areas have closed temporarily to ensure the safety of students and staff. Many offices have also allowed employees to work from home until conditions improve.
Power outages have been reported in some regions due to fallen trees damaging power lines. Utility companies are working to restore electricity, but the ongoing snowfall makes repairs difficult.
Supermarkets and grocery stores are also seeing an increase in demand for essentials as people prepare for more days of extreme weather. Authorities have reassured the public that food supplies are stable, but transportation issues may cause minor delays in restocking.
Government Response and Safety Measures
The Japanese government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to minimize the impact of the severe weather. Local authorities have dispatched snowplows and emergency teams to clear roads and assist residents.
