Stormy weather hits Hokkaido

Snow is falling on and off mainly in northern Japan on Thursday. Hokkaido is experiencing stormy weather with snow and strong winds.

The Meteorological Agency says a rapidly developing low-pressure system accompanied by a front is passing over Hokkaido, creating a winter pressure pattern around Japan.

During the three hours through 5 a.m., Rausu Town in Hokkaido and Akinomiya in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, had 12 centimeters of snow.

In Hokkaido, a peak gust topped 100 kilometers per hour in Rausu Town and 90 kilometers per hour in Teshikaga Town at around 5 a.m.

The low-pressure system is expected to gradually move away. But snow and strong winds are forecast for Hokkaido through the afternoon.

A maximum wind speed of 90 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 126 kilometers per hour are expected in the region on Thursday. Seas will be rough around Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

Weather officials warn that blizzards and snowdrifts may disrupt traffic. They are also urging people to watch out for violent winds and high waves.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230202_07/