TOKYO – Northern Japan is facing severe disruptions as heavy snowfall continues to blanket the region, causing widespread travel delays, power outages, and safety concerns. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued warnings for several prefectures, including Niigata, Aomori, and Nagano, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. The relentless snowstorm, which has persisted for over two weeks, has brought record-breaking snow levels to many areas.
Aomori City has reported five meters of snow, while Uonuma in Niigata and Tadami in Fukushima have recorded 3.81 meters and 3.13 meters, respectively. Local authorities are particularly concerned about the risk of avalanches, icy roads, and freezing of water pipes, as temperatures continue to plummet. Emergency crews have been dispatched to clear roads and assist residents trapped in their homes, while transportation services, including bullet trains and highways, have been heavily impacted, leading to cancellations and delays.
Power companies are working to restore electricity in areas affected by outages, but continued snowfall is hampering recovery efforts. The extreme weather has also affected the tourism industry, as several popular ski resorts have been forced to close temporarily due to safety concerns. With more snow forecasted in the coming days, authorities are urging vigilance and preparedness to minimize the impact of this harsh winter storm.