TOKYO, Jan 8 (NNN-NHK) – Japan’s weather agency said today, heavy snow is forecast from northern to western Japan, especially areas along the Sea of Japan coast, until Friday, with some regions expected to see extremely strong winds with snow.
In the 24 hours through Thursday morning, Niigata Prefecture, the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions and Gifu Prefecture, could see up to 70 centimetres of snow, while there may be up to 50 centimetres in the Chugoku region, 40 centimetres in Hokkaido, 35 centimetres in the Kinki region, 20 centimetres in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Shikoku region, as well as, five centimetres in northern Kyushu, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.
In the subsequent 24-hour period, until Friday morning, 70 centimetres of snow is forecast for Niigata Prefecture, the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, Gifu Prefecture and the Chugoku region, 50 centimetres for Hokkaido and the Kinki region, 30 centimetres for Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Shikoku region, and seven centimetres for northern Kyushu, the JMA said.
Weather officials warned of possible traffic disruptions, while advising people to watch out for blackouts caused by snow accumulation on power lines, avalanches, strong winds, high waves, and lightning strikes.– NNN-NHK
