Japan warns of avalanches, icy roads ahead of more snow

By AFP February 24, 2025 | 04:02 pm PT

Pedestrians crossing the street in the snow in central Sapporo, Hokkaido prefecture, on Feb. 18, 2025. Photo by AFP

Japan will face more heavy snow after a two-week whiteout, the country's weather agency said on Monday, warning people to be wary of avalanches and icy roads.

The country's regions facing the Sea of Japan experience heavy snowfall every year and are home to many ski resorts, drawing a growing number of tourists from abroad.

But several cities have seen record snowfall this month, causing traffic disruption and fatalities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Monday more snowfall is expected in Niigata, Ishikawa and Nagano prefectures, as well as in some western regions including Hiroshima and Shimane prefectures.

The agency also warned people to stay vigilant of avalanches, icy roads and frozen water pipes in those areas.

By 10 a.m. local time on Monday, the northern Aomori City recorded 5 m of snow, Niigata's Uonuma recorded 3.81 m, and Tadami in Fukushima prefecture recorded 3.13 m, according to the JMA.