Japan’s weather agency has issued a strong alert ahead of the weekend, warning that powerful winds, blizzards and high waves are likely across western, eastern and north-eastern regions. Authorities also cautioned about the potential for lightning, tornadoes, avalanches and major traffic disruption as severe winter conditions intensify.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, western Japan was expected to face harsh conditions beginning Friday, while eastern and north-eastern parts of the country would likely continue experiencing rough weather through Saturday under a pronounced winter pressure pattern.
Forecasts indicate that in the 24 hours through 6 a.m. Saturday, the Hokuriku region in central Japan could see up to 80 centimetres of snow, while the Tohoku region in the north-east may receive as much as 70 centimetres. The Kanto-Koshin region, which includes Tokyo, may experience up to 60 centimetres of snowfall. Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, could see up to 50 centimetres, and the Kinki region in western Japan, centred around Osaka, may receive up to 40 centimetres of snow.
