Travel

Record snowfall in Hokkaido leads to 15km traffic jam

HOKKAIDO, Jan 09 (News On Japan) - A record-breaking snowfall of 68 centimeters was recorded in 24 hours in Otaru City, Hokkaido, until early Morning morning, causing long traffic jams and forcing residents to start shoveling snow.

The snow continued to fall relentlessly, with the 48-hour snowfall reaching 81 centimeters by midnight.

On a national highway in Toyoura Town, a large trailer heading towards Hakodate got stuck on an uphill slope, blocking lanes in both directions.

A truck driver commented, "A patrol car came and told us the road was closed. There's nothing we can do. The expressway is also closed."

The resulting traffic jam stretched up to 15 kilometers, but has since been resolved.

by Brian Dentry

Source: ANNnewsCH

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