Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of heavy snowfall from Thursday afternoon through Friday along the Sea of Japan side from Kansai to Tohoku.
- Forecast 24-hour totals through 6 a.m. Friday reach up to 70 cm in Hokuriku, 60 cm in Kinki, 50 cm in Tohoku, and 40 cm in Tokai.
- Additional accumulation is projected through 6 a.m. Saturday with up to 70 cm in Tohoku, 50 cm in Hokuriku, and 30 cm in Kinki.
- Snow is possible on the Pacific side with potential accumulation in central Tokyo, with up to about 1 cm in southern Kanto by early Jan. 30.
- The agency attributes the event to a strong winter pressure pattern and a cold air mass and warns of slippery roads, transport disruptions, and avalanches.