Weather officials in Japan are urging people to brace for more heavy snowfall from Friday through Sunday.
Officials of the Japan Meteorological Agency said on Thursday that heavy snowfall is expected to peak on Sunday along the Sea of Japan coast in wide areas from western to northern Japan, possibly causing traffic disruptions.
Snowstorms are forecast for northern Japan, centering on Friday. Snow is expected to continue falling on the Sea of Japan side, peaking on Sunday.
The officials say the snowfall could be of warning-level intensity, mainly on the Sea of Japan side.
They say snow may even accumulate in the Kyushu region and along the Pacific coast from western to eastern Japan. These areas rarely have much snow.
A Meteorological Agency forecaster says the new round of snowfall may further add to the record accumulations in some areas from western to northern Japan.
The forecaster urges caution in case of blizzards and traffic disruptions.
He also calls on people to be on the alert for avalanches, snow falling from roofs, and damage to buildings and farms.
Snowfall risk from warmer temperatures
Temperatures in some parts of Japan are relatively warm for this time of year, raising the risk of snow falling from roofs.
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that temperatures on Thursday will reach March levels in the Tohoku region in northern Japan and in Niigata Prefecture and the Hokuriku region.
The rising temperatures could cause snow to slide off roofs, icicles to fall, and avalanches to occur.
Hokkaido is expected to have very strong winds and rough seas on Friday, with peak gusts forecast to reach 126 kilometers per hour on land and sea.
Snow is also expected to hit areas along the Sea of Japan in northern and western Japan on Saturday.
Weather officials forecast that up to 50 centimeters of snow will fall in Hokkaido in the 24 hours through Saturday morning, 40 centimeters in Tohoku, and 30 centimeters in Niigata.
They predict the snowfall will peak on Sunday, with accumulations reaching up to 70 centimeters in Niigata during the 24 hours through Sunday morning, 50 centimeters in Tohoku, and 40 centimeters in Hokkaido and the Chugoku region. The snow could become even deeper.
Even areas along the Pacific coast, which usually do not get much snow, may have snowfall on Saturday and Sunday. They include the Kanto region, where Tokyo is located, and southern Kyushu.
Officials are warning of the risk of traffic disruptions in Hokkaido caused by blizzards and snowdrifts.
They say heavy snow may also affect traffic in other regions. They are urging caution in case of avalanches and in case of blackouts caused by snow on power lines.
AloJapan.com