Strong Winter Pattern to Bring Heavy Snow to Tohoku as Okinawa Faces Rain, Gales and Rough Seas

Overview

• The Japan Meteorological Agency says a winter-type pressure pattern will strengthen through January 1, producing heavy snow in parts of the Tohoku region.
• Projected 24-hour snowfall totals include up to 70 cm in Japan Sea-side mountains and 40 cm in nearby plains through December 31, with up to 70 cm in mountain areas and 40–50 cm in plains possible into January 1.
• Fukuoka’s District Meteorological Observatory expects snow to accumulate across mountains and plains from January 1–3 and notes a heavy-snow advisory may be issued if snow bands persist.
• Okinawa forecasts call for cloudy, rainy conditions from December 31 to January 1 with strong north to northeast winds and seas turning rough with swells across the main, Miyako, Yaeyama and Daito islands.
• Local guidance highlights risks to transportation, avalanches and falling snow in snowy regions and urges caution for marine operations as conditions evolve.