Heavy snowfall in Japan. (File photo: Kyodo/TTXVN)
Conditions have been particularly severe in the two prefectures, with alarming statistics reported. In Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture), snow accumulation reached nine times the annual average, significantly hampering snow removal efforts. Within just six hours—up to 6:00 a.m. on January 25—37 centimeters of snowfall were recorded, the highest level since data collection began in 1997. By 9:00 a.m. the same day, total snow depth had reached 64 centimeters.
In Tottori City, snowfall also surged, with accumulation reaching 38 centimeters on the morning of January 25.
The extreme weather has forced authorities to close numerous roads and suspend transportation services. Several major expressways were shut down from the morning of January 25 as a precautionary measure. Key national highways stretching from Hokkaido to the Chugoku and Shikoku regions were also closed. Meanwhile, many railway services were delayed or temporarily suspended.
According to data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the prolonged snowfall since January 20 has left four people dead and 26 others injured.
The JMA has urged residents to remain on high alert for severe traffic disruptions and to avoid going outdoors unless absolutely necessary to ensure their safety./.