On the afternoon of March 4, 2025, major highways across the Tokyo metropolitan area initiated large-scale preventative road closures due to forecasts of heavy snowfall expected later tonight. The closures began at approximately 15:30 on the Metropolitan Expressway, with officials urging drivers to exit service and parking areas immediately to avoid being stranded.
According to reports from various sources, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions, such as Yamanashi and Shizuoka, are anticipating significant snowfall from the evening of March 4 through March 5. The weather forecast indicated impending heavy snow would create hazardous driving conditions, leading to the swift decision for preventative measures.
Starting around 16:00, closures were set to expand beyond the Metropolitan Expressway to include major routes like the Tomei Expressway and the Daisan-Keihin Expressway. With the Tokyo section of the Tomei Expressway closed from Tokyo IC to Gotemba IC, travelers aiming to reach Kanagawa by expressway found themselves unable to proceed.
The Central Circular Route of the Metropolitan Expressway has been completely blocked from the Ooi Junction to the Kumanocho Junction since 15:30, effectively cutting off access for drivers. Reports suggest similar preventative closures are happening on other main expressways, indicating the possibility of paralysis on roads where traffic is often dense.
Drivers were alerted by the NEXCO Central Japan Tokyo Branch, which cautioned, “Once the road closures begin, it will not be possible to leave service areas and parking areas until the closures are lifted.” The agency has been actively encouraging people to vacate these areas quickly to avoid being caught by the eventual closures.
By around 16:30, other major highways had also reported closures. These include sections of the Ken-O Expressway, which runs from Sagamihara to Fujisawa, parts of the Shin-Tomei Expressway, and roads within Kanagawa Prefecture such as the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road and the Yokohama New Road.
The snow is expected to peak later this evening, prompting road safety officials from the Ministry to advise residents against unnecessary outings and to revise travel plans accordingly. They are recommending businesses encourage telework and cautioning all travelers to equip their vehicles with winter tires and carry chains.
This enforced precautionary measure follows heavy snowfall patterns historically recorded during this period, making it imperative for commuters to adjust their travel behavior. With the additional turmoil expected on the roads, officials emphasized the need for preparedness.
Motorists are being advised to allow for ample travel time, especially during the challenging conditions expected overnight. “Ensure winter tires are installed, chains accompanied, and readiness for circumstances like falling snow or avalanches,” officials underscored.
The closing of roads and highways across the Tokyo metropolitan expanse has created apprehension among citizens about the accessibility to and from surrounding areas. With the snow, media reports indicate significant delays and obstacles for evening commuters. The snowstorm forecast has transformed travel timelines, urging those planning to venture out to reconsider.
Expected delays during peak hours may plague travelers aiming for timely arrivals. Commuters were reminded to take public transportation when possible, as the forecast indicated considerable traffic backups on major thoroughfares.
Drivers engaging these routes should stay alert to advisories, as the public agencies continue to monitor developments closely. Meanwhile, NEXCO has pledged to provide updates as conditions evolve, with officials emphasizing public safety as their priority.
The situation develops as agencies remain committed to ensuring safe transit. Authorities are poised to respond to any incidents arising from weather-related circumstances, which are beyond the control of drivers.
Efforts to facilitate effective communication surrounding these severe weather notifications are underway: updates will be disseminated via official channels, including traffic bulletins and social media. Everyone is urged to remain vigilant and heed the advice from local authorities.
With the imminent snowstorm expected to affect the region extensively, traffic management agencies have mobilized with preventative strategies as the weather worsens. Keeping the public informed of any changing conditions becomes imperative for community welfare.