A powerful winter storm has enveloped Tokyo in a thick layer of snow, creating a picturesque yet perilous scene across Japan. On Sunday, various districts in the capital experienced significant snowfall as a robust winter pressure system established its dominance over the region.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that this strong weather pattern persisted throughout the weekend, with frigid air surging into the upper atmosphere. For instance, Chiyoda Ward, located in central Tokyo, measured approximately 5 centimeters of snow by 4 p.m. on Sunday. In surrounding prefectures like Chiba, Saitama, and Ibaraki, some areas reported accumulations reaching up to 9 centimeters.
As the temperatures plummeted, officials issued warnings about icy roads, heightening the risk of traffic accidents and delays in public transit around the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. The situation became critical as NHK reported over a hundred accidents due to slippery roads in Ibaraki Prefecture alone between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Notably, a serious incident occurred in Tokyo where a seven-car collision on the Tsukuji Ohashi bridge resulted in injuries to six individuals, including two police officers who suffered severe neck and back injuries.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, JR East announced delays and suspensions of numerous rail services nationwide, particularly affecting the Kanto region. By 5 p.m. Sunday, several lines, such as the Ito, Kashima, Narita, and Sobu lines, were entirely halted, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen experienced notable delays. Additionally, major roadways like the Tomei Expressway and Shin-Tomei Expressway faced closures, especially near the Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectural borders.
Compounding the challenges is the timing of this snowfall, coinciding with a national election and the university entrance exam season. Institutions such as Hosei and Chuo University have announced schedule adjustments on their websites, indicating that their entrance exams would start later than planned due to the weather.
Snow enthusiasts could be seen gathering near Kawasaki Station in western Tokyo, while workers diligently cleared snow from pathways outside the Asao Ward office in Kawasaki.
The most intense snowfall was predominantly along the Sea of Japan coast, with certain regions already reporting snow levels significantly above seasonal averages. In Hokuriku, forecasters predict snowfall amounts could reach up to 60 centimeters within a 24-hour span starting Sunday evening. Meanwhile, the Kanto-Koshin area expects up to 50 centimeters, and Hokkaido along with northern Tohoku could see accumulations of 40 centimeters during the same timeframe.
Meteorologists have also cautioned about unstable atmospheric conditions persisting along the Sea of Japan from east to west, which raises concerns about lightning strikes, sudden gusts of wind, and even the potential for tornadoes. The forecast predicts blizzard-like conditions and strong winds in northern and western Japan, with gusts reaching up to 30 meters per second anticipated in regions such as Tohoku and northern Kyushu.
As coastal areas brace for warning-level high waves on Monday, forecasts suggest wave heights could reach 6 meters per second in the Izu and Ogasawara islands and 5 meters per second along the Hokuriku coast. The prevailing weather trend is expected to linger through Sunday, as the pressure trough associated with the system moves southward toward the Izu islands. Heavy snowfall is also projected for mountainous regions early Monday morning.
Authorities urge residents living in heavily affected areas to stay vigilant and prepared for potential risks, including avalanches, snow falling from rooftops, and the weight of accumulated snow on power lines and trees.
