Overview
- Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts a short, intense winter storm driven by a strong pressure pattern through the 24 hours ending 6 a.m. on Dec. 27.
- Western Japan is expected to bear the brunt on Friday, with rough weather shifting to eastern and northeastern regions, including Hokkaido, into Saturday.
- Projected snowfall includes up to 80 cm in Hokuriku, 70 cm in Tohoku and 50 cm in Hokkaido during the main window.
- Additional heavy totals are forecast with up to 60 cm in the Kanto-Koshin region including Tokyo and in Nagano, and up to 50 cm in mountainous areas of Gunma.
- The agency warns of very strong winds, blizzards and high waves with possible lightning, tornadoes and avalanches, and it urges caution for widespread traffic disruption.