Historic Snowfall Paralyzes japan: Hokkaido and Gifu Hit Hard
Japan is grappling with unprecedented snowfall, as record-breaking snowstorms sweep across the country, particularly affecting Hokkaido and Gifu Prefecture. The relentless snow, driven by a prolonged cold front, has disrupted daily life, transportation, and safety across the region.
In Hokkaido, the snowfall reached a staggering 129 cm by 9 a.m. on February 4, marking the highest level in over 53 years since 1972. According to Japanese media reports, the snow depth in Obihiro city alone hit 125 cm, with 120 cm of snow accumulating in just 12 hours. Local authorities have warned residents of the risks posed by the heavy, wet snow, including roof collapses and deteriorating road conditions.
Meanwhile, Gifu Prefecture has also been buried under a thick blanket of snow. In Baichuan Village,the snow depth reached 178 cm by 4 p.m. on February 4, an increase of 40 cm from the previous day. The heavy snowfall has obscured customary village landscapes, making navigation nearly unfeasible. Adding to the chaos, many chinese tourists were seen dragging their suitcases through the snow-covered roads on the final day of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
The severe weather has wreaked havoc on transportation systems. Japan Airlines canceled 63 flights due to heavy snow, affecting approximately 3,500 passengers. Additionally, All Nippon Airways scrapped 5 flights between Haneda, Fukuoka, and Toyama on February 5, impacting around 4,100 travelers.
The japan Meteorological Bureau has issued warnings for continued snowfall and strong winds across the country. Over the next 24 hours, Hokkaido is expected to receive 50 cm of snow, while the Northeast and Hokuriku regions could see up to 100 cm. The East China Sea region is forecasted to receive 70 cm, with Kinki and China regions expecting 70 cm and 50 cm, respectively.
Strong winds are compounding the challenges, with maximum speeds predicted to reach 25 meters per second (up to 35 meters per second) on February 5. These conditions are expected to persist, raising concerns about traffic disruptions and safety hazards.
key Snowfall and Wind Forecasts
Table of Contents
| Region | Snowfall (Feb 5-6) | Wind Speed (Max) |
|——————-|————————|———————-|
| Hokkaido | 50 cm | 25 m/s |
| Northeast | 100 cm | 23 m/s |
| Hokuriku | 100 cm | 23 m/s |
| East China Sea | 70 cm | 20 m/s |
| Kinki | 70 cm | 20 m/s |
As the snow continues to fall, residents are urged to remain cautious and stay updated on weather advisories. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds is expected to persist,particularly in coastal areas from northern to western Japan.
For more detailed updates on the snowfall and its impact, visit the Japan Meteorological Bureau’s latest forecasts.
Stay safe, stay informed, and prepare for the ongoing winter onslaught.
Historic Snowfall Paralyzes Japan: Insights from a Leading Weather Expert
Japan is currently experiencing unprecedented snowfall, with record-breaking snowstorms causing widespread disruption. To better understand the situation, we spoke with Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura, a renowned meteorologist and expert in extreme weather events, about the impacts, forecasts, and safety measures for residents.
The scale of the Snowfall
Senior Editor: Dr. Nakamura, the snowfall in Hokkaido and Gifu has been extraordinary.Can you elaborate on the scale of this weather event?
Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura: Absolutely.This is one of the most notable snow events Japan has seen in decades. In Hokkaido, we’ve recorded up to 129 cm of snow, the highest as 1972. Gifu Prefecture is also heavily affected, with Baichuan Village reaching a depth of 178 cm. These figures are staggering and highlight the intensity of this prolonged cold front.
Impacts on Daily Life and Transportation
Senior Editor: How has this snowfall disrupted daily life and transportation in the affected regions?
Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura: The impacts are severe. Transportation has been heavily disrupted; hundreds of flights have been canceled, including those by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, affecting thousands of passengers. Roads are treacherous, and many areas are nearly unfeasible to navigate. The weight of the snow also raises concerns about roof collapses, especially in rural areas where buildings may not be designed to handle such loads.
Weather Forecasts and Risks
Senior Editor: What does the forecast look like, and what risks should residents be aware of?
Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura: The Japan Meteorological Bureau predicts continued heavy snowfall and strong winds. Hokkaido is expected to receive an additional 50 cm, while regions like Northeast and Hokuriku could see up to 100 cm. Wind speeds may reach 25 m/s, exacerbating the dangers.Residents should remain cautious, avoid unneeded travel, and stay updated on weather advisories.
Safety Measures and Preparedness
Senior Editor: What steps should residents take to stay safe during this ongoing winter onslaught?
Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura: Preparedness is key. Residents should ensure their homes are secure, clear snow from roofs if safe to do so, and stock up on essentials. If you must travel, check road conditions and follow local authorities’ guidance. Above all, stay informed through reliable sources like the Japan Meteorological Bureau to avoid being caught off guard.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Nakamura, for your insights. It’s clear that this historic snowfall poses significant challenges,but with the right precautions,residents can navigate this challenging period safely.
Dr. Hiroshi Nakamura: My pleasure. Let’s all stay safe and informed as we weather this storm together.
