Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that a strong winter setup will persist through Jan. 12 across the Sea of Japan side from western to eastern Japan and in northern regions.
- The agency forecasts a rapidly developing low to pass near Hokkaido and move into the Okhotsk Sea as associated fronts sweep across Honshu.
- Forecast peak winds include 25 m/s with gusts to 35 m/s in Hokkaido, 20 m/s gusting to 30 m/s in Tohoku, and 23 m/s gusting to 35 m/s in Hokuriku.
- Expected 24-hour snowfall totals to 6:00 a.m. Jan. 12 reach up to 80 cm in Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Tokai, 60 cm in Kinki, and 50 cm in Hokkaido, Kanto-Koshin, and Chugoku, with lesser but significant amounts elsewhere.
- The JMA warns of blizzards, high waves, and a high risk of transportation disruptions as cold upper-air inflow leaves the atmosphere very unstable.