HOKKAIDO, Jan 15 (News On Japan) - A powerful winter pressure pattern is expected to bring severe blizzard conditions mainly to northern Japan through January 15th, prompting authorities to warn of violent snowstorms and high waves that are likely to disrupt transportation. In Hokkaido, flight cancellations mounted as the storm intensified, forcing around 900 passengers to spend the night at airports after services were suspended.
On January 13th, widespread blizzard conditions swept across Hokkaido, leading to the cancellation of a total of 126 flights at New Chitose Airport, where roughly 900 travelers were unable to leave and remained overnight inside the terminal.
One stranded passenger said that after boarding the aircraft it never took off and they were informed it had been canceled, adding that the provision of mats and blankets by airport staff was greatly appreciated under the circumstances.
On January 14th, blizzard warnings were issued for the Ishikari and Rumoi regions of Hokkaido, reflecting the severity of the weather system moving through the area.
Maximum instantaneous wind speeds are forecast to reach up to 35 meters per second in parts of Hokkaido, comparable to typhoon-level gusts that could further worsen conditions.
With intense blizzards expected to continue across northern Japan through January 15th, authorities are urging heightened caution over potential disruptions to transportation networks.
Source: FNN
