Blizzard conditions likely in northern Japan until early Tuesday

[Sherman A1]

Strong winds and heavy snows are being observed in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido and the northeastern region of Tohoku. The Meteorological Agency is warning of whiteout conditions with zero visibility until early Tuesday, with possible disruptions to transportation.

Weather officials say that during the 3 hours until 6 p.m. on Monday, wind gusts of over 122 kilometers per hour were recorded at Cape Erimo in Hokkaido, 118 kilometers per hour in Abashiri City, Hokkaido, and over 96 kilometers per hour in Akita City, Akita Prefecture.

They also say snowfalls intensified during the same period, with 12 centimeters observed at Kushiro Airport in Hokkaido, and 8 centimeters in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture in central Japan.

As a powerful winter pressure pattern will remain in place, gales and snow are likely until early Tuesday, mainly in Hokkaido and Tohoku.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220221_34/

[SheltieLover]

1. Is this normal?

[Sherman A1]

2. I don't believe so

The reporters I am watching each morning on NHK don't indicate one way or the other, but just guessing here this might be a bit more than they normally get.

[Tetrachloride]

3. That kind of snow will beat hard. Odds are its wet, heavy and some epic blockage

the elderly population is an issue. anybody below 60 is young.

In the Tokyo area called the Kanto Plain, family buildings that i saw had zero winter insulation. Kerosene heaters and electric blankets and “kotatsu’s”.

The north region probably has some insulation.

[msongs]

4. hokkaido island always has tons of snow in winter. this may be more than usual. nt