Industry News
Japan is preparing for another round of heavy snowfall following a two-week whiteout that has led to traffic disruptions, fatalities, and mounting concerns over avalanches and hazardous road conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warnings Monday, February 24, for multiple regions, urging residents to remain vigilant as severe winter weather persists.
The affected areas include the central prefectures of Niigata, Ishikawa, and Nagano, as well as western regions such as Hiroshima and Shimane. These regions, which border the Sea of Japan, frequently experience heavy snowfall during winter, drawing large numbers of tourists to their ski resorts. However, this year’s snow accumulation has shattered records in several cities, posing significant challenges for residents and local authorities.
By 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) Monday, the northern city of Aomori had recorded five meters (16 feet) of snow, while Niigata’s Uonuma reported 3.81 meters (12.5 feet) and Tadami in Fukushima Prefecture measured 3.13 meters (10.3 feet), according to JMA data. Authorities warned that additional snowfall could exacerbate conditions, increasing the risk of avalanches, icy roads, and frozen water pipes.
The extreme winter weather has already taken a toll. Multiple cities have reported fatalities linked to the heavy snow, though officials have not released an exact count. Transportation networks have also been severely affected, with snow-related accidents and road closures disrupting travel.
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Japan’s heavy snowfall is not unusual in coastal regions facing the Sea of Japan, which is known for its snowy winters due to cold air masses from Siberia colliding with moist air over the sea. But the intensity of this season’s storms has raised concerns over infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness. Local governments have deployed additional snow-clearing equipment and issued advisories for residents to stock up on essentials as more snow is expected in the coming days.
The JMA continues to monitor the situation and advises caution for those living in affected regions. Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay informed about weather updates as conditions evolve.
