Record-Breaking Snowfall Disrupts Travel in Japan’s Hokkaido

Record-breaking snowfall fell on Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido, disrupting traffic and causing airport closures today. The local government said parts of highways and main roads were closed, and train services in the affected areas were suspended. Dozens of flights in and out of Hokkaido were cancelled, affecting thousands of people. About 370 schools cancelled classes today across Hokkaido.

The Hokkaido prefectural government said record-breaking snowfall has been observed, especially in the eastern regions of the island. In Obihiro and



Kushiro, city offices received dozens of calls for help from drivers whose vehicles had stalled in the snow. In Obihiro, record-breaking snowfall of 129 centimetres was detected early this morning. 

The Japan Meteorological Agency predicted up to 100 centimetres of snowfall in northwestern Japan and 50 centimetres more snowfall in Hokkaido over the next 24 hours through Wednesday evening. The heavy snow and traffic disruptions came just as a popular snow festival began in Sapporo, in southern Hokkaido.