Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has issued a warning that there is a risk of heavy snowfall from January 21 to 25.
Due to the continued effects of a strong winter-type atmospheric pressure pattern around Japan, heavy snowfall has been ongoing for more than five days over both mountainous and flat areas, mainly along the Sea of Japan side from northern Japan to western Japan, resulting in a considerably large total amount of snowfall. MLIT notes that if a JPCZ (Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone) remains stationary over the Sea of Japan and snow clouds flow into the same area, there is a risk that snowfall may intensify locally.
For those who must drive a car out of unavoidable necessity, MLIT is calling for the use of winter tires, advance confirmation and carrying of tire chains and ensuring they are fitted early, as well as carrying winter equipment such as shovels and sand. Depending on snowfall conditions, expressways and parallel national highways over a wide area may be closed at the same time, and MLIT is asking for cooperation with wide-area detours and reviewing travel routes. There is also a risk of large-scale and prolonged delays or suspensions in public transportation.
In regions where heavy snow is forecast, people are urged to refrain from non-essential and non-urgent outings by making use of telework, and, if going out is necessary, to allow plenty of extra time for their movements.
Some airlines and railway operators are offering fee-free refunds or changes for air tickets and train tickets.
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This article was generated using automatic translation by GPT-4 API. The translation may not be accurate.
