Hokkaido snow breaks record, land and air traffic chaos

Compiled by Lai Minglun/Comprehensive foreign report

Affected by a strong cold current in Japan, heavy snow fell in Hokkaido and parts of Hokuriku, especially in many parts of Hokkaido.

114 cm of snow at New Chitose Airport

The report pointed out that due to the recent winter pressure from Siberia to the south, hitting Hokkaido and the Hokuriku region in western Honshu, resulting in a lot of snowfall, the New Chitose Airport measured 114 cm of snow, and the coast of Toyoura Town reached 145 cm, breaking the observation record.

Under the influence of the heavy snow, the New Chitose Airport had no time to remove the snow. Both runways were closed, take-offs and landings were completely suspended, and at least hundreds of flights were grounded. Officials might not predict when the airport would resume operations. Sapporo Station, the core of Hokkaido’s railway transportation, was also completely suspended on the 22nd due to snow-covered railway tracks. On the Hakodate-Esashi Highway in Hokuto City, Hokkaido, there have been many car accidents and collisions, resulting in one death and more injuries. In Ishikawa Prefecture, Hokuriku, many trains were delayed due to heavy snow, and there were many car accidents. Three people were known to be slightly injured.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that heavy snowfall may continue until the 23rd, calling on the public to pay attention to roof snow, avalanches and land traffic safety.

The snowfall in Hokkaido broke a record, and the railroad tracks of a JR Hokkaido station were completely submerged in snow. (taken from JR Hokkaido Twitter)

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