NHK


 

Heavy snow has been buffeting wide swathes of Japan, with some areas observing record accumulations. Weather officials are warning of possible transport system disruptions and snow-related accidents.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says a wintry pressure pattern and a cold air mass have been bringing snow to places along the Sea of Japan and elsewhere.

The total precipitation for 24 hours reached 62 centimeters through 6 a.m. on Sunday in Maibara City in the western prefecture of Shiga, and 60 centimeters through 2 p.m. in Sapporo City in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido.

Both figures are the highest since comparable data became available in 2001 for Maibara and in 1999 for Sapporo.

The meteorological agency is cautioning that more snow could fall through Monday morning in the prefectures of Shiga and neighboring Gifu.

Traditionally snowy mountainous areas in Niigata and Nagano prefectures in central Japan have also been receiving larger-than-usual snowfall.

The total accumulation through 7 p.m. on Sunday climbed to 3.54 meters in Niigata's Tsunan Town and 2.71 meters in Nagano's Nozawaonsen Village. Both figures are the most for the municipalities in the past several years.

People in snowy locations need to be on the alert for possible power outages, avalanches and other snow-related accidents.

Many areas in Japan have received greater-than-average amounts of snow this winter. Some people have died while clearing snow.

People should stay away from the eaves of buildings even if the snow lets up. They should also form groups of two or more people and take thorough safety measures when engaging in snow-removal work.

Meanwhile, due to a low pressure system, places along the Pacific Ocean in eastern Japan, including the greater Tokyo area, could have snowfall around Thursday.