TOKYO—Japan’s weather agency said today that heavy snow is forecast from northern to western Japan, especially areas along the Sea of Japan coast, until Friday, with some regions expected to see extremely strong winds with snow.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said that in the 24 hours through Thursday morning, Niigata Prefecture, the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, and Gifu Prefecture could see up to 70 centimetres of snow.
Up to 50 centimeters may also exist in the Chugoku region, 40 centimeters in Hokkaido, 35 centimeters in the Kinki region, 20 centimeters in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Shikoku region, and five centimeters in northern Kyushu.
The JMA said that in the subsequent 24-hour period, until Friday morning, 70 centimeters of snow are forecast for Niigata Prefecture, the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, Gifu Prefecture and the Chugoku region, 50 centimeters for Hokkaido and the Kinki region, 30 centimeters for Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Shikoku region, and seven centimeters for northern Kyushu.
Weather officials warned of possible traffic disruptions while advising people to watch out for blackouts caused by snow accumulation on power lines, avalanches, strong winds, high waves, and lightning strikes.– NNN-NHK