TOKYO: Due to the coldest winds of the current winter, the northern and western coasts of Japan are in the grip of snowfall, especially the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan are being severely affected.
According to the Meteorological Agency, snow is likely to accumulate rapidly in Hokuriku, Niigata Prefecture and the southern part of Tohoku.
While up to 100 centimeters of snow has been predicted in Tohoku and Niigata in the 24 hours until noon today, up to 80 centimeters of snow may fall in the Hokuriku area and up to 70 centimeters in Gifu Prefecture.
The Meteorological Agency has also predicted that up to 60 cm of snow is likely to fall in the Kinki region, 50 cm in the Hokkaido and Chugoku regions, 40 cm in Kantō-Kōshin and Shikoku, and 15 cm in Kyushu.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds are forecast along the coasts of northern and western Japan, which could cause problems such as traffic disruptions, blizzards, high waves and power outages.
The Meteorological Agency has advised citizens to be careful of fallen trees and avalanches.
