Severe winter weather has gripped Saga Prefecture and the surrounding areas of Japan, leading to significant snowfall and widespread transportation disruptions, particularly on February 5, 2023. Authorities recorded up to 4 cm of snow accumulation in Saga City, with forecasts indicating more to come.
According to NEXCO West Japan, numerous highways were affected, including parts of the Kyushu Expressway which were closed due to safety concerns. The expressway was closed from the morning of February 5, impacting routes between Fukuoka and Saga. The Northern Kyushu Urban Expressway was also shut down completely, as well as several sections of the Eastern Kyushu and Nagasaki roads. By mid-morning, closures extended as authorities ensured motorists were kept safe from hazardous travel conditions.
The Saga Regional Meteorological Observatory stated, "The peak of heavy snowfall is expected this afternoon, and up to 20 cm of snow is predicted for mountainous areas." This cold wave, noted to be one of the strongest of the season, has also brought temperatures plummeting below freezing. Early on February 5, residents of Saga faced frigid temperatures, with records showing -3.9℃ at Kawatatsu and -3.8℃ at Kuroki.
Residents shared their experiences as transportation ground to a halt. A university student from Sasebo expressed frustration, stating, "I can't leave for home because of the service suspension, so I’m just waiting here." This sentiment echoed throughout the region, as others found themselves stranded or delayed due to sudden transportation cancellations.
Public bus services connecting Fukuoka and other areas across Kyushu saw many routes suspended or completely canceled, leading to confusion among would-be travelers. Local transportation agencies urged the public to seek updated information through their websites to understand the latest travel advisories.
The heavy snow led local meteorologists to issue warnings throughout the region, advising residents to avoid non-essential travel. Street conditions deteriorated rapidly, resulting in several accidents and near-misses reported by local news outlets. Communities braced for more snow, as weather forecasts suggested continued heavy snowfall would be seen until February 6.
Notably, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism took proactive measures after assessing road conditions. They reported, "We have closed about 41 km of National Route 34, from the Saga Arena junction to the Sanbonzakura junction, to prevent traffic congestion due to the parallel expressway closures." Although conditions were later reevaluated, and some roads were reopened by the morning of February 5, many remained treacherous and required caution.
The public has been advised to stay indoors and limit travel, especially during the times of peak snowfall. The authorities are on high alert, monitoring road conditions and ensuring safety measures are upheld to protect residents and travelers alike. Safety reminders have been emphasized, urging individuals to heed authority advice and plan routes carefully if travel is unavoidable.
With weather patterns indicating the possibility of continued cold and snowfall, citizens have been left to navigate the unexpectedly harsh conditions of winter. Planners and weather analysts continue to observe and assess the storm's impact and forthcoming weather dynamics, hoping for improvement as warmer weather approaches.]