Powerful blizzard affecting areas along the Sea of Japan, JMA urges residents to remain cautious
A powerful winter storm is affecting areas along the Sea of Japan on January 8, 2021, bringing dangerous winds, high waves, heavy snow, and blizzard conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned heavy snow and powerful winds are expected through Sunday, January 10.
Heavy snow has already knocked out power for more than 40 000 households in Akita Prefecture and caused traffic disruptions across the coast.
More than 210 flights have already been canceled and 240 train services in Hokkaido alone.
About 90 vehicles were temporarily stranded between Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures due to heavy snow.
Image credit: JMA/Himawari-8, RAMMB/CIRA, TW. Acquired 05:20 UTC on January 8, 2021
JMA is urging residents to remain on their guard against heavy snow, potential landslides and snow accretion, as well as traffic disruptions due to accumulated snow and icy roads, in northern through western Japan.
Heavy snow is forecast mainly along the Sea of Japan coast and mountainous areas on the Pacific side through January 10.
Snow will also be possible in some of the country's plains.
JMA said the Hokuriku region recorded at least 15 cm (5.9 inches) of snow in just three hours. High levels of snow are possible in this region in a short period on January 9.
In 24 hours to 18:00 JST on January 9, up to 120 cm (47 inches) is expected in Hokuriku, 60 cm (24 inches) in Tokai, Kinki, and Chugoku, 50 cm (20 inches) in Hokkaido, Tohoku and Kanto-Koshin, 30 cm (12 inches) in northern parts of Kyushu, 25 cm (10 inches) in Shikoku and 20 cm (8 inches) in the southern part of Kyushu.
Featured image credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, TW. Acquired January 7, 2021
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