The northern region of Japan is grappling with record-breaking snowfall, particularly hammering the city of Obihiro, which recorded over 1.2 meters of snow within just 12 hours. This unusual weather phenomenon has far surpassed the previous record for snowfall, which was 91 centimeters noted in 2022.
According to meteorological reports, the blizzard has been fueled by the collision of cold air with moisture-laden systems, creating conditions ripe for significant snow accumulation. The storm began on Monday evening and has continued to wreak havoc throughout the region, affecting many aspects of daily life.
By Tuesday morning, approximately 129 centimeters of snow had fallen between 9 PM Monday and 9 AM local time Tuesday, according to Japan’s weather agency. The situation is compounded by predictions of up to two meters of snow expected within mountainous areas, particularly on Honshu, as this cold front persists through the weekend.
Consequently, the impact has been substantial, with around 370 schools forced to close—transportation services have been disrupted as residents struggle to cope with the dangerous conditions. The authorities have urged those living in the north to postpone any non-essential travel until the conditions improve since even stepping outside can be perilous.
The relentless snowfall is fortuitously coinciding with the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, situated about 200 kilometers from Obihiro. Historically, Sapporo has attracted visitors for its winter festivities, which date back to the time of the 1972 Winter Olympics, where the city gained international acclaim. Locals cherish the arrival of snowfall, viewing it as integral to their winter celebration, but the extreme weather presents challenges as well.
Sapporo is also home to the Kiroro Ski Resort, which boasts the highest annual snowfall of any of Japan's ski resorts, receiving approximately 21 meters of snow each winter. While the west coast of Hokkaido typically receives more snow than the eastern regions, Obihiro itself accumulates around 2.01 meters annually. To think nearly half of this total has fallen within just 24 hours truly puts the situation’s severity in perspective.
Residents from areas as far south as Kanazawa have reported similar scenes, with streets blanketed under snow reminiscent of conditions seen during severe winters. International and domestic flights to and from Obihiro Airport have been completely suspended due to low visibility and hazardous runway conditions. This has left local commuters and travelers alike stranded as they await the snow to subside.
Meteorologists indicate the storm is far from over, with additional precipitation anticipated throughout the week. Weather warnings remain active as snow drifts and whiteouts can be expected, akin to those faced by other snowy cities across North America like Montreal when confronted with heavy storms.
Video footage from the region shows not only how quickly the snow has accumulated, but also the resilience of residents trying to maintain their daily lives amid complicated and hazardous conditions. Local authorities and weather services are working diligently to keep citizens informed and safe throughout the ordeal.
Such snowfall records highlight both the beauty and challenges of Japan's harsh winter climate, prompting conversations about preparedness and resilience as communities deal with the immediate impacts.