Overview
- Japan’s Meteorological Agency urges caution for blizzard conditions and snow-related transport problems through Saturday.
- Forecast 24-hour snowfall totals by 6 p.m. Dec. 27 reach about 70 cm in Tohoku, 50 cm in Hokkaido, 40 cm in Hokuriku, and 15 cm in Kanto-Koshin and Chugoku.
- Very strong winds are expected to produce whiteout conditions in some areas, heightening risks for drivers and commuters.
- Short bursts of heavy snow have already been recorded, including 22 cm in three hours in Shirakawa, 20 cm in Otari, and 17 cm in Inotani on Dec. 26.
- The winter pattern is projected to relax from the west on Dec. 27, and the agency notes a possible renewed heavy-snow episode around Jan. 3 that could affect New Year return travel.