Heavy snowfall from Japan’s Hokuriku to Sanin regions is passing its peak. But the Meteorological Agency is warning of possible traffic disruptions as intermittent snowfall is expected in northern Japan, Niigata Prefecture, and elsewhere.
The agency says a strong winter pressure pattern brought snow, mainly to areas along the Sea of Japan coast from Hokkaido to the Chugoku region, from Saturday night to early Sunday.
It issued a heavy snow alert for Ishikawa and Tottori prefectures, warning of rapid accumulation of snow in parts of the regions.
From midnight to 6 a.m. on Sunday, the city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa got 37 centimeters of snow. That is the highest amount since statistics began.
As of 11 a.m., accumulated snow in Kanazawa reached 64 centimeters, more than nine times the amount of an average year.
The city of Tottori had 37 centimeters of accumulated snow as of 11 a.m.
Elsewhere, accumulated snow reached 264 centimeters in the Sumon district in the city of Uonuma, Niigata Prefecture, 128 centimeters in the city of Aomori, and 116 centimeters in the city of Otaru in Hokkaido as of 11 a.m.
What’s known as a Japan Sea polar air mass convergence zone, or JPCZ, which generates bands of snow clouds, is moving south on the Sea of Japan side of western Japan while weakening.
Meanwhile, officials warn that heavy snow is possible, mainly in northern Japan and Niigata Prefecture through early Monday due to a cold air mass.
Up to 60 centimeters of snow could fall in Niigata Prefecture, 50 centimeters in Hokkaido, and 40 centimeters in the Hokuriku and the Kanto-Koshin regions, in the 24-hour period through Monday noon.
Officials say people should stay alert for power outages, avalanches and snow falling from rooftops. Drivers are advised to refrain from nonessential outings in areas with heavy snow. Some roads are already closed as a precaution.
AloJapan.com