Dec 26 (NHK) - A winter pressure pattern around Japan has brought heavy snow to mountainous areas in northern and eastern parts of the country. Caution is advised against traffic disruption, as well as icy roads.
Weather officials say heavy snow fell from Thursday through Saturday, mainly in mountainous regions from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Some flatland areas, such as the cities of Nagoya and Kochi, have also seen snow accumulation.
Periods of snowy weather since December 17 have caused snow to accumulate more than three times the level of an average year in some areas.
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, 1.17 meters of snow on the ground was recorded in Engaru Town in Hokkaido, 96 centimeters in Oguni Town in Yamagata Prefecture, and 65 centimeters in Gujo City in Gifu Prefecture.
The current spell of heavy snow has peaked, but the winter pressure pattern continues. It is expected to bring intermittent heavy snow to mountainous areas. ...continue reading