Heavy snowfall blanketed Kyushu and Saga Prefectures on February 5, 2025, leading to significant disruptions across transportation networks. The adverse weather resulted not only in chaos on the roads but also affected several modes of public transport.
According to local reports, the Saga Airport maintained normal operations for All Nippon Airways flights heading to Haneda. Train services, including those operated by JR and Matsuura Railway, continued to run on schedule as well. Meanwhile, Saga City and Showa Bus managed to adapt by implementing chain-running protocols to navigate the affected routes. Conversely, some routes operated by Yutoku Bus were curtailed, particularly those servicing Takeo and Ureshino Cities, though operations are expected to steadily resume.
Long-distance services were markedly hampered, with the express buses from Saga to Osaka and Hiroshima ceasing operations for the day. On the ferry lines, service between Karatsu and Iki proceeded as planned, ensuring some consistency amid the chaos.
Reports from Saga TV's Suzu Ki Yuto detailed the closure of National Route 34 toward Ureshino, with heavy congestion building and detours necessary. The primary 41-kilometer stretch from the SAGA Arena intersection to the Sanbonzakura intersection was closed for several hours to prevent vehicles from becoming trapped. The traffic on the expressways paralleled the struggles on local highways currently experiencing similar shutdowns.
A consequential backlog of vehicles has been noted throughout the region, causing distress among commuters as recounted by local residents. One frustrated driver stated, "Normally, the bus ride is about 30 minutes, but today it took me over 1 hour and 10 minutes! It was quite troublesome."
Incidents of traffic accidents spiked due to slippery conditions caused by both snow and ice on the roads. The Saga Prefectural Police reported 79 incidents related to the snow directly, with at least five individuals sustaining injuries before 8:30 AM on the same morning.
To add to the urgency of the situation, Nishi-Nippon Railroad confirmed their local bus lines were mostly operational, with exceptions primarily affecting the Chikuhō and Kurume areas. Continuous monitoring of weather patterns and road conditions was being advised to mitigate any potential delays or cancellations moving forward.
The Saga National Route Office announced at 9:30 AM the reopening of the affected part of National Route 34 after successful snow removal operations. This would allow traffic to resume more smoothly and alleviate the congestion previously experienced.
While the immediate crisis seems to be under control, the effects of the heavy snowfall serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather, prompting officials to urge the public to remain vigilant as they navigate through potentially hazardous conditions. The community continues to work together, leveraging shared resources and support following this unexpected bout of severe winter weather.