Northeastern Japan hit by record snowfalls

Tokyo [Japan], December 20: A strong winter pressure pattern has brought record snowfall to Japan's northeastern Tohoku region on Monday, with weather officials urging caution for the possible impacts on public transport and blackouts.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said that in a 24-hour period, 110 centimeters of snow fell in the town of Tadami in Fukushima Prefecture, while the snow was about 101 centimeters deep at Okura Village in northern Yamagata Prefecture, all record-breaking figures for each area.
Snow is expected to keep falling on the Sea of Japan coast between the country's north and west. In the 24-hour period through Tuesday noon, up to 70 centimeters of snow is forecast in Niigata Prefecture and 50 centimeters in other parts of Tohoku, according to the JMA.
Monday's snowfall paralyzed Shinkansen bullet train services and caused expressway closures. Japanese weather officials warned that more snow is coming and advised people to be on high alert for traffic disruptions and other problems.
Source: Xinhua