Japan is currently grappling with severe winter storms, leading to heavy snow warnings and widespread transportation disruptions across various regions. This winter, the combination of cold air pushing down from the north and persistent winter pressure systems has resulted in significant snowfall, affecting daily life, travel plans, and road safety.
According to reports, as of January 10, highways across Fukuoka Prefecture were completely closed due to heavy snow, causing multiple incidents related to road slipperiness. "The Fukuoka city expressway, particularly at the Tenjin North entrance, is currently closed due to snow," stated reporter Kanta Shirano. The closures began around midnight for the Fukuoka urban expressway and at 3:30 AM for the Kitakyushu urban expressway, with other major routes such as the Kyushu and Nagasaki expressways also facing traffic halts.
Police have indicated several minor accidents have stemmed from icy conditions across Fukuoka, leading to at least four injuries, demonstrating the dangers posed by the inclement weather. The impact isn’t limited to this area; snow-related disruptions have been extensive throughout the country.
Further north, Toyama Prefecture also remains on high alert, with authorities issuing warnings for continued snowfall throughout the day. At 9 AM, snow depths measured 76 cm at the Iwatoyama station, causing travel interruptions. The weather service has urged caution, particularly for mountainous regions where accumulations could reach up to 40 cm within 24 hours, and flatlands expecting around 15 cm.
Fukuoka's and Toyama's situations highlight the broader impact of this winter storm, particularly on transportation systems. Heavy snow has already led to the cancellation of flights out of Toyama Airport, with the Tokyo-bound first flight of the day called off. Meanwhile, the Hokuriku Expressway was closed due to snow, causing delays for multiple routes.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has noted the snow isn't forecasted to let up soon, especially along the Sea of Japan. Reports indicated accumulated snowfall figures of 50 cm or more within 24 hours across several locations, raising concerns about subsequent traffic difficulties. The snowy conditions have led to some areas experiencing serious travel challenges, as seen with recent accidents involving large trucks and passenger vehicles alike.
For example, on the Northeastern Expressway, highway patrol reported multiple car accidents, including one incident with over 100 vehicles stuck due to poor visibility and treacherous surfaces. NEXCO East identified dozens of stranded vehicles, distributing supplies like food, water, and portable toilets to those affected.
The transport system has also felt the strain. The East Japan Railway Company halted services on several lines due to the weather, including the Joetsu and Banetsu lines, affecting countless commuters and travelers. Certain sections, like between Fukushima and Shinjō, remained shut for considerable durations. Meanwhile, delays continued on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen, which saw speed reductions due to snow accumulation, leading to delays of around 54 minutes.
Safety measures extended beyond simply managing roadway issues; schools too faced interruptions. At least 19 schools were closed across Fukuoka, with the Kitakyushu Education Board announcing closures for approximately 200 public schools, demonstrating how deeply winter storms can impact community infrastructure.
The situation remained dynamic as the country braced for potential shifts. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged residents to stay indoors where possible, keeping abreast of weather forecasts and changing conditions. Attention turned to the outlook, as concerns for sleet and brief thunderstorms are expected to accompany the snowfall, causing localized disruptions.
From the northern reaches of the country through to the coastal regions, Japan is experiencing one of its most challenging winters, demonstrating the far-reaching impacts of severe winter weather and the necessity for communities to adapt to these strenuous times.