The Kanto region is bracing for heavy snowfall as forecasts predict significant disruptions starting from the evening of March 4, 2025. Authorities are warning about the potential for major travel difficulties as snow is expected to begin accumulating around the time commuters head home from work.
According to officials from the Japan Meteorological Agency, the low-pressure system approaching from the coast is likely to result in snowfall levels warranting warnings. Specifically, the heaviest snowfall is anticipated to hit areas including Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto region from the night of March 4 through to March 5. Reports suggest snow clouds will start forming over Tokyo around 4 PM, coinciding with the end of the workday. The peak snowfall is expected around 7 PM, highlighting the urgency for commuters to prepare.
Forecasters predict up to 3 centimeters of snow accumulation across the 23 wards of Tokyo by the morning of March 5, with expectations of the snow turning to rain by around 3 AM. Despite the impending rain, officials caution commuters to remain vigilant about potential icy road conditions on the morning of March 5.
To mitigate traffic disruptions related to the anticipated snowfall, various preventive measures are being activated. Starting at 3 PM on March 4, preventive closures on major expressways were announced. This includes significant sections of the Tomei Expressway, the Shin-Tomei Expressway, and Metropolitan Expressway Route 3, with authorities urging the public to adjust travel plans accordingly. Such closures are aimed at preventing large-scale vehicle congestion, particularly west of the city center.
More than 100 scheduled highway buses departing from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to western Japan's destinations such as Shizuoka, Nagano, Osaka, and more have been canceled. Passengers were observed adjusting their plans, opting for earlier departures to get to their destinations before the severe weather sets in. The Shinjuku Bus Terminal confirmed the wave of cancellations and expected more as conditions evolve, affecting countless travelers.
Similarly, train services are being impacted. JR East has announced the suspension of the Ome Line between Ome and Okutama stations from 4 PM on March 4 until the end of the day’s service. The cancellations and disruptions reflect the wider impact of the weather system as it approaches.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has been actively coordinating responses to the anticipated weather conditions. On March 4 at 11 AM, the agency warned of extensive road closures due to expected heavy snow, particularly on key routes including the Tomei Expressway. They have advised the public to minimize travel and to remain updated on road conditions, counsel they reiterated as planning for emergency snow measures continues.
Preventive closures are particularly focused on several key sections, which include the following:
- Tomei Expressway: Tokyo IC to Shimizu IC and Gotemba IC to Shimizu IC, operational from 3 PM to 9 PM on March 4.
- Shin-Tomei Expressway: Both directions from Susono JCT to Shin-Qinano IC, active from 3 PM to 9 PM.
- Nishi-Shonan Bypass: Both directions, from Fujisawa IC to Chigasaki Kaigan IC, from 3 PM to 9 PM.
- Chuo Expressway: Tsuru IC to Kawaguchiko IC is effective from 6 PM to midnight on March 4.
The closures are not limited to expressways. National Route 246 and Route 139 are also slated for preventive closures, which will begin around the same time, creating potential difficulties for vehicles attempting to traverse this region.
Overall, the combined challenges posed by weather and road conditions could test commuters significantly. Many are urged to plan accordingly, whether by modifying travel routes or choosing alternative modes of transport. The urgency for caution cannot be overstated, especially with the combination of snowfall and commuter traffic increases anticipated.
The latest updates will continue to be broadcast as the situation develops, providing real-time updates for those impacted by the forecasted snowstorm and any consequential travel restrictions.