The effect of snow due to the south bank low pressure is simulated from the past heavy snowfall –Weathernews

2022/02/04 16:45 Weathernews

It is expected that the “South Bank Low Pressure”, which is a typical pattern that brings heavy snow to the Kanto region, will pass in the middle of next week.

At this point, there are still uncertainties about how much snow will fall and whether it will rain instead of snow. Recently, snow has accumulated in the city center at the beginning of January, but depending on the weather conditions, it is possible that the snow will be even heavier.

Heavy snowfall in urban areas of the Kanto region, which are not accustomed to snow, can have a huge impact on people’s lives. Here, we look back on the specific effects of heavy snowfall in the past and summarize the cases that can occur due to heavy snowfall so that we can prepare for the situation in advance. We hope you will find it useful in simulating your actions against this snow forecast.

(Case 1) Transportation network mahi

If there is a little snow, the impact on railways will often be minimal, but if there is heavy snow, trains and highways will stop, making it difficult to commute to work or school.

With reference to the time of January 22, 2018 and February 8 and 15, 2014, when snowfall of 20 cm or more was recorded in Tokyo recently, JR and private railways in the metropolitan area have been suspended from operation on most routes. Many people went to work but couldn’t go home, and the platform and station building were full of people.

Expressways and major national roads are also closed, and even on general roads in urban areas, a lot of snow is piled up and stacks occur frequently. Even with studless tires, it was a dangerous situation to drive safely. The impact extended to the next day, and there were some places where the road was closed for a long time due to the inability to remove snow, and there was a heavy traffic jam due to the flood of cars on the roads that could be passed.

Airplanes were canceled one after another, and even though the airport was closed and takeoffs and landings were taking place, the railroads and roads leading to the airport stopped, making it impossible to move from the airport.

(Case 2) Impact of power outage

If heavy, wet snow accumulates on the wires and is shaken by strong winds, it may cause a short circuit and a power outage. The snow caused by the south bank low pressure tends to be damp and heavy, and this time it is possible that the wind will become stronger due to the development of the low pressure system, so it is not strange that a power outage will occur.

The first problem in the event of a power outage is how to deal with the cold. In winter, you will not be able to use any heating such as air conditioners and hot carpets. It would be nice to have something that can be warmed up without using electricity, such as a body warmer.

Also, the smartphone will not be able to charge the battery, so charge it well the day before and keep the portable battery full.

And the impact on telecommuting, which has become established in the last few years, will also increase. It is possible that a power outage will make your home Internet device unusable, or that your computer will not have a battery and you will not be able to work remotely. It is also necessary to discuss in advance how to respond within the company.

(Case 3) Impact of logistics stop

A common occurrence during heavy snowfall in urban areas is the shortage of snow shovels sold at home improvement stores. It is necessary to avoid the accumulated snow, but if the demand rises at a stretch, it will not be possible to purchase.

In addition, if the effects of snow cover for several days, items such as supermarkets and convenience stores cannot be delivered, and there is a possibility that food and daily necessities will be out of stock. Excessive hoarding is not recommended because it will have a large impact on other people, but if you buy a little more food that can be used for emergency food in advance, and if there is a surplus, you can use it for emergency food. Consider preparing daily necessities and groceries that you can reasonably do.

If you are prepared, you will not be worried.

Even when passing through the south bank low pressure this time, the fluctuation range of the influence will be considerably large even if the temperature and low pressure conditions are slightly different. It makes it easier for me to feel that I’m okay, and this time I’m okay, but it’s best to prepare in advance in anticipation of various situations. If the impact is small, it would be better to think that we were able to confirm various things for the next, rather than thinking that it was wasted.

Weathernews will continue to provide the latest views and changes in impact over the next week. Please check back for the latest information from time to time.

Reference materials, etc.

Photo: Weather Report (Posted from Weathernews App)