Japan Warns of Late-January Heavy Snow With Major Travel Risks

Overview

• The Japan Meteorological Agency and the transport ministry issued an emergency announcement warning of warning-level snowfall mainly along the Sea of Japan side from northern to western Japan.
• Forecast windows indicate heavy snow on Jan. 27–28 in Hokkaido, Jan. 28–29 in northern Kanto, Kinki and Chugoku, and Jan. 28–31 in Tohoku, Hokuriku and Tokai.
• Twenty-four hour snowfall could reach up to 100 centimeters in Hokuriku, 70 centimeters in Tohoku, 50 centimeters in Hokkaido and Kinki, and 40 centimeters in Kanto-Koshin, Tokai and Chugoku.
• Parts of the Pacific side, including sections of the Tokai region that typically see little snow, may also experience heavy accumulation.
• Officials warn of possible highway closures and public transport delays or cancellations, urge winter tires and chains with inspections and potential penalties, and ask shippers to avoid urgent trucking requests.