Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency said a strong winter pattern is driving heavy snow in Tohoku, with 24‑hour totals forecast at up to 70 cm in coastal mountains and up to 50 cm on plains through Jan. 1, and continued risks into Jan. 2.
- The Sapporo District Meteorological Office urged caution for blizzards, drifting snow and snowdrifts in Hokkaido through Jan. 2, with some Japan Sea and western Pacific sectors expected to see around 50 cm of accumulation.
- The Fukuoka District Meteorological Observatory forecast heavy snow from early Jan. 2 into the morning of Jan. 3 across both mountains and lowlands, warning of road icing and transport disruption, with 10 cm in mountains and 3 cm on plains possible in the first 24 hours.
- NHK reported that an analysis of 463 disaster‑related deaths linked to the Noto Peninsula earthquake found movement burdens during transfers or evacuations were cited in over 30% of cases.
- Taiwan President Lai Ching‑te used a New Year press conference to denounce expanding Chinese military pressure and urged strengthening Taiwan’s defense and coordination with partners.