Heavy snow, storms forecast across Japan in winter cold snap

Forecasters are warning heavy snow, storms and high tides are expected across Japan from Jan. 24 to 26, and that the inclement weather will likely cause traffic disruptions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said heavy snow is expected in wide areas from northern to western Japan on the Sea of Japan side and in some areas on the Pacific side of the archipelago, as a developing low-pressure system will make its way toward the waters off the northeastern part of the country on Jan. 24

Over the 24-hour period starting at 6 a.m. on Jan. 24, the JMA is forecasting 70 to 100 centimeters of snowfall in Hokuriku, 60 to 80 cm in Tohoku, 50 to 70 cm in Kanto and its surrounding areas, Kinki and Chugoku.

It is also predicting 40 to 60 cm in Tokai, 30 to 50 cm in northern Kyushu, 20 to 40 cm in Shikoku and 10 to 20 cm in southern Kyushu.

Snowfall may continue in some areas over the next day as well.

Forecasters are warning the public to be on guard as snowstorms and gusty winds are expected to hamper traffic across the country. 

Weather officials are forecasting winds with a maximum speed of 126 kph in Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, southern Kyushu, Amami and Okinawa.