Heavy snow blankets parts of Japan

Heavy snow hits northern and coastal areas of Japan, triggering travel disruptions and airport closures, with the severe weather forecast to continue in the coming days. The coldest air mass of the season is dumping a blanket of snow in many areas, mainly along the Sea of Japan coast. 

 A rapid accumulation of snow is forecast in the Hokuriku region and Niigata Prefecture, as well as the southern part of the Tohoku region, where a Japan Sea polar air mass convergence zone is expected to appear. 

The Meteorological Agency is urging people to watch out for traffic disruptions, blizzard-like conditions, and high waves as well as power outages, fallen trees and avalanches.