Snowstorm in Japan: Some regions received up to two meters of snow
Illustrative photo: Snowfall in Japan (pexels.com)
Heavy snowstorms continue in areas along the Sea of Japan. Although their intensity is somewhat decreasing, meteorologists warn of possible blizzards and transportation disruptions in the region, NHK WORLD-JAPAN informs.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, winter atmospheric pressure and cold air masses are contributing to heavy snowstorms that have affected the eastern and northern regions of the country.
As of Friday morning, the snow depth in Okura village (Yamagata Prefecture) reached 1.99 meters. In Uonuma city (Niigata Prefecture), 1.94 meters of snow fell, while in the famous Shirakawa village (Gifu Prefecture), the snow depth reached 1.84 meters. In some areas, the snowfall exceeds the usual norm for this time of year by more than twice.
On Thursday evening, a car in Toyooka city (Hyogo Prefecture) slid off the road and into a river. The driver is in critical condition. Preliminary reports suggest the accident may have been caused by difficult driving conditions due to snow.
Rail company JR East reported a temporary suspension of high-speed Shinkansen trains on the Yamagata line on Friday morning. Services were later resumed.
According to meteorologists, another powerful snowstorm is expected along the Sea of Japan regions by Saturday morning. People are urged to exercise caution due to potential transportation disruptions, strong winds, high waves, avalanches, and power outages.
