The Japan Meteorological Agency said two powerful low pressure systems are moving on both sides of the Japanese archipelago, sending cold air into the region.
As a result, the city of Obihiro in Hokkaido Prefectural saw record snowfall on Feb. 3 and 4. Local meteorological officials reported that Tokachi district in Obihiro recorded 129 cm (4 feet) of snowfall over a 12-hour period, up to 9 a.m. on Feb. 4—the highest amount ever documented.
Many cars stuck on the road in Obihiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture on Feb. 4.
The heavy snowfall led to traffic congestion, rendering many vehicles immovable. Local authorities advised residents to prepare for winter conditions, including using snow tires designed for icy and snowy roads.
A man tries to dig his car out with a shovel as snow falls across northern Japan, in the city of Obihiro on Feb. 4. Regional police have received dozens of reports about cars trapped in the snow.
Hokkaido officials have called on the residents and visitors to carry shovels and warm clothes in their vehicles in case they stall in the snow.
Heavy machinery is used to clear a road as heavy snow falls across northern Japan, in the city of Obihiro, Hokkaido prefecture on Feb. 4.
A total of 379 public elementary and junior high schools across 44 municipalities in Hokkaido have been temporarily closed, national broadcaster NHK reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns that as the strongest cold wave of the season moves in, heavy snowfall is expected to spread across the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, impacting transportation and increasing the risk of blizzards and high waves.
Residents have been urged to stay prepared for high winds, rough seas, avalanches, and further traffic disruptions. Temperatures in many parts of northern Japan have dropped as low as -12 degrees Celsius.
Snow covering the streets of Obihiro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Feb. 4. Video: X/AccuWeather
The heavy snow and traffic disruptions came just as a popular snow festival began in Sapporo in southern Hokkaido, although the city did not face major disruptions.
The prefecture said parts of highways and main roads were closed, and train services in the affected areas were suspended. Runways were closed due to snow at Obihiro and Kushiro airports, while dozens of flights in and out of Hokkaido were canceled, affecting thousands of people.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said in the 24 hours to Friday noon, up to 80 centimeters of snow is forecast in Niigata Prefecture, up to 70 centimeters in the Tohoku region, up to 50 centimeters in the Hokuriku region and Hokkaido, up to 40 centimeters in the Tokai and Kinki regions, up to 30 centimeters in the Chugoku region and up to 25 centimeters in the Shikoku region.
