On March 17, 2025, severe weather struck Hokkaido, particularly affecting the eastern region, leading to widespread transportation disruptions. A rapidly developing low-pressure system has resulted in blizzard, heavy snow, wave, and high tide warnings, creating hazardous conditions across the area.
Reports indicate significant snowfall is anticipated, with the Sea of Okhotsk expected to receive around 60 centimeters of snow by 6 AM on March 18. This severe weather has prompted all elementary and junior high schools in Nemuro City to temporarily close, ensuring the safety of students amid the conditions.
Transportation services have come to a near standstill due to the malfunctions caused by the harsh weather. Japan Railways (JR) announced the cancellation of 124 train services, including 17 limited express trains. Key routes, such as the express services between Sapporo and Obihiro/Kushiro, will remain suspended from the first departure until at least 4 PM, and similar suspensions are affecting various rapid and local train lines.
Specifically, all local and rapid trains running between Shin-Toku and Kushiro on the Nemuro Line, Kushiro and Nemuro on the Hanasaki Line, and Abashiri and Kushiro on the Senmo Line have been halted for the entire day. Likewise, the Sekihoku Line is suspending services between Kamikawa and Abashiri from around 11 AM onward.
The harsh weather has also affected road travel. The Doto Expressway is closed between the Shintoku Interchange (IC) and Tomamu IC due to blowing snow, and National Route 236 has been shut from Hiroo-cho to Urahoro-cho due to the risk of snow avalanches since 5 AM.
At New Chitose Airport, around 30 flights, including inbound and outbound services, have faced cancellations. Specific departures canceled as of 9 AM include flights to and from destinations such as Nakashibetsu, Kushiro, and Sendai. Travelers remain stranded as airlines scramble to adjust their schedules amid the erratic weather conditions.
Among those affected is Yu Kanae, a 36-year-old company employee who traveled from Shanghai with her family. She expressed frustration, stating, "My schedule will be delayed. First, I have to think about how to get to New Chitose Airport," after learning of her delayed notices upon arriving at JR Kushiro Station.
The airport initially had 23 flights canceled or expected to be canceled. Further cancellations included significant departures, with numerous flights to popular locations like Tokyo being diverted due to the weather. Passengers had to make last-minute adjustments, including Yu Kanae, who considered alternate routes to reach the airport.
Another traveler, a woman in her 40s from Kushiro City, had also faced canceled flights destined for Tokyo. After her flight was called off, she managed to change her plans and boarded the bus to Sapporo. She was relieved to see the bus service still operational, claiming, "I was relieved to see the bus running," as her morning plans took unexpected turns.
The situation throughout Hokkaido showcases the coin toss of weather's unpredictability and its immediate impacts on daily life. Trains are heavily canceled and were filled by frustrated travelers checking train updates on electronic boards and mobile apps for the latest information.
While schools temporarily closed, people continued to lean on available transport options, even bus services still running between cities. Northern areas heavily impacted by snow and wind urged residents to stay indoors whenever possible during the blizzard warnings.
Although the storm has brought challenges, authorities remind residents to prioritize safety over convenience, urging for preparedness measures to navigate through the adverse weathers. Community services and information centers aimed to keep residents updated on the latest developments as the storm continues to brew.
Overall, the blizzard as of March 17 has struck hard at Hokkaido, emphasizing the importance of certain weather preparedness as the situation evolves and transportation authorities work diligently to recover from this ice-laden storm.