WNAM REPORT: Heavy snowfall is expected to continue through the early morning of Friday in eastern Japan as a strong winter pressure pattern and cold air bring intensified snowfall, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
Due to the prevailing winter pressure pattern, snowfall has intensified across northern and eastern Japan. As of 11 a.m. local time, the snowfall in the past six hours reached 23 cm in Nishiaizu, Fukushima Prefecture, 22 cm in Oguni, Yamagata Prefecture, 17 cm in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, and 16 cm in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture.
Snow clouds are expected to move further south, bringing intermittent heavy snowfall to Niigata Prefecture and the Hokuriku region through early Friday.
Authorities have warned of potential disruptions to transportation and urged caution against avalanches and other snow-related hazards.
