Prediction of weather effects on roads Strongest cold wave brings heavy snow, fear of large-scale traffic disruption even in flat areas How long will the impact last?
December 22, 2023 12:22
Today, the 22nd, there is a winter-like atmospheric pressure pattern around Japan, with strong cold air flowing in. Snow has fallen widely on the Sea of Japan side, and heavy snow has also fallen on flatlands, especially in Hokuriku. The risk of weather impacts on roads remains high. Be wary of cars getting stuck.
High risk in Hokkaido – Hokuriku – be wary of stranded cars
Today, the 22nd (Friday), is the peak of the cold wave, and snow has fallen widely on the Sea of Japan side, resulting in snow accumulation. In particular, heavy snowfall is occurring even in flat areas, especially in Hokuriku, where active snow clouds from the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) are flowing. The agency announced “weather information regarding significant heavy snowfall,” stating that there is a growing risk of large-scale traffic disruptions occurring in Toyama Prefecture in the early hours of the morning, in Fukui Prefecture in the morning, and in Ishikawa Prefecture before noon.
Looking at the weather forecast for roads, the risk is particularly high in Hokkaido into the night of the 23rd (Saturday) and in Hokuriku into the early hours of the 23rd (Saturday). Heavy snow may cause vehicles to become stranded. Please refrain from going out unless necessary in areas experiencing heavy snowfall. If you have no choice but to drive, be sure to have winter tires and chains, as well as winter gear such as a shovel and sand in your car. Some roads may be affected by road closures, so please pay close attention to the latest traffic information and consider taking detours or reconsidering your route.
After that, the effects of cold air will continue, and snow will continue to affect Hokkaido into the night of the 24th (Sunday), and Tohoku and Hokuriku into the early hours of the 24th (Sunday).
The mountainous areas of northern Kanto, Nagano Prefecture, and Tokai (northern Gifu) also need to be careful of snowfall and frozen roads until the morning of the 23rd (Saturday).
Kinki to Kyushu will continue to be affected. How long will it be affected?
The risk of impact is high from Kinki to Shikoku until the morning of the 23rd (Saturday), and in Kyushu until the evening of the 23rd (Saturday). Heavy snow has fallen mainly along the mountains, and snow has fallen even on the plains in the San’in region. Even in Western Japan, there are winter tire regulations that require the installation of studded tires and chains in some places. Normal tires are dangerous. If your car is equipped for winter and you are not used to driving on snowy roads, please do not overdo it by using public transportation. It gets cold in the mornings and evenings, and the roads can freeze in some places, so you need to be careful about changes in road conditions.
During the day on the 23rd (Sat), the snow will gradually weaken from western Japan, and from the 24th (Sun) onwards, the snow from Hokuriku to Hokkaido will also weaken. On the 25th (Monday), the weather on the Sea of Japan side is expected to be calm.
Safety goods for driving on snowy roads just in case
When driving on snowy roads, it is a good idea to have the following items on hand in case you get stranded.
(1) Items that keep you warm, such as winter clothes, warmers, and blankets
Be prepared for the temperature inside your car to drop when the heating shuts off.
(2) Drinking water, emergency food, mobile battery, portable toilet, flashlight
Be prepared to spend a long time in your car and be prepared for trouble at night.
(3) Booster cable, tow rope, tire chain
It would also be a good idea to have a booster cable to use when the battery dies and a tow rope to help you escape if you are unable to start. Tire chains are also helpful in dealing with heavy snowfall that cannot be handled with studless tires alone.
(4) Work gloves, rubber gloves, boots, shovel
Make sure you have something ready to remove snow. If the muffler becomes buried in snow, exhaust gases may flow back into the vehicle and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
When driving on snowy roads, be sure to have items in your car that will come in handy in case of an emergency. Additionally, make sure you have enough fuel before heading out. However, please check the weather and traffic information, and if heavy snow or blizzard is expected, consider changing your plans for going out or changing your means of transportation.
Stuck on a snowy road – be careful of carbon monoxide poisoning
If you are stranded on a snowy road, be careful of carbon monoxide poisoning.
As a general rule, turn off the engine when your car is covered in snow. If the muffler becomes buried in snow, exhaust gases may flow back into the vehicle and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Even if you open the windows to ventilate the room, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning may increase depending on conditions such as the amount of window opening and wind direction.
If you have to start the engine due to cold weather, etc., be sure to remove snow from around the muffler to prevent it from getting buried in snow. When driving on snowy roads, it’s a good idea to have a shovel for snow removal, warm clothing, and blankets in your car just in case.
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2023-12-22 03:22:34
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