Cars Buried in Snow" 120cm of Snowfall in Just Half a Day, Hokkaido Hit by 'Snow Bomb'

-

Record-breaking snowfall in Japan causes severe disruptions in Hokkaido and other areas /AFP


Hokkaido and other parts of Japan are currently experiencing a major snowstorm, causing significant disruptions to daily life, including paralyzed transportation networks. The most severely impacted area has been the eastern part of Hokkaido, particularly the Obihiro region, which has received an unprecedented amount of snow. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, between midnight and 10 a.m. on February 4th, the Obihiro area was hit with 120 cm (approximately 47 inches) of snow within just 12 hours, setting a new record for the highest snowfall in Japan in a 12-hour period.

The previous record for the highest 12-hour snowfall in Japan was 91 cm, recorded on December 24, 2022, in the Oguchimachi area of Yamagata Prefecture. Asahi TV reported that the snowfall in Obihiro was an extraordinary sight. "It was an unimaginable amount of snow," said a local resident. "When we opened the door, the snow was piled up to shoulder height. It's extremely rare for this much snow to accumulate in a region like Obihiro, where snowfall is usually minimal."

TBS YouTube

Footage from TBS News showed the dramatic effects of the snowfall, including parked cars in Obihiro being completely buried under snow. The images captured a black sedan, completely covered in snow, with only the tip of its antenna visible above the snowdrifts, resembling a snow peak. The accumulation of snow was so severe that it caused massive transportation delays, including cancellations of numerous flights at Obihiro Airport.

In addition to travel disruptions, schools in Obihiro were also affected, with 379 elementary, middle, and high schools being closed for temporary breaks. Many businesses, including supermarkets and large retail stores, reported significant shortages of goods due to halted deliveries. Local residents, like Mr. Ashizawa, shared their difficulties. "It took me about an hour to clear the snow off my car. When I went to the supermarket to buy food, they told me that the deliveries had stopped due to transportation being completely blocked," Ashizawa told Asahi TV.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued further warnings, forecasting continued heavy snowfall in Hokkaido through February 6th, with additional snow expected in other regions of the country. The agency has also issued snowstorm warnings across many areas, urging people to take precautions. Hiroaki Kawase, a meteorologist at the Japan Meteorological Research Institute, attributed the increased frequency of heavy snowfall to global warming, estimating that the occurrence of heavy snowstorms in Hokkaido has increased by approximately 1.4 times.

TBS YouTube

This extreme weather event has had a significant impact on daily life in Hokkaido and the surrounding areas, highlighting the potential consequences of a warming climate. With further snowstorms expected in the coming days, local authorities are bracing for continued disruptions to transportation and daily activities. Residents and visitors alike are urged to stay informed and take appropriate measures to stay safe as the snowstorm continues to impact the region.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Trump's 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico: Market Fallout

-
Image
Economic impacts of 25% tariffs on trade, currency, and investments / AP Effects of Trump's 25% Tariffs on Canada and Mexico Impact on Currency Markets Canadian Dollar Depreciation The announcement of tariffs led to a 1.2% decline in the Canadian dollar. This sudden drop is attributed to concerns about weakened trade and potential inflation. Economists predict further volatility if the tariff remains in place, prompting possible monetary policy adjustments by the Bank of Canada. Mexican Peso Fluctuation The Mexican peso also fell by 1.1%, highlighting its vulnerability due to Mexico’s heavy reliance on U.S. exports. Experts forecast that prolonged trade restrictions could lead to a 10% drop in the peso against the dollar, impacting consumer purchasing power and financial stability. Broader Economic Consequences On Canadian Trade and Industry Export Challenges: Canada's energy and automotive sectors face risks due to higher trade costs. Monetary Adjustments: The B...
Read more

Fatal Midair Collision: American Airlines Jet and Black Hawk Helicopter

-
Image
  Midair collision near Washington D.C. causes loss of lives, FAA and NTSB investigate. Detailed SEO-Friendly Article: Midair Collision Near Washington D.C.: A Tragic Event On January 29, 2025, a tragic midair collision occurred between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This incident involved a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet operated by PSA Airlines, which was descending toward the airport, and a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter performing a routine military training mission. Both aircraft tragically collided in midair and crashed into the Potomac River. This devastating event has sparked widespread concern about aviation safety and the need for better coordination between military and civilian air traffic. The Sequence of Events Leading to the Collision At approximately 9:00 PM ET on January 29, 2025, the two aircraft came into contact while both were operating within t...
Read more

EU LNG Deal Under Scrutiny: France Rejects US Demands for More

-
Image
France challenges US LNG demands in EU, warning against premature concessions The Growing Pressure on EU Countries for Increased LNG Imports The ongoing energy debate in the European Union has reached a critical point, especially with respect to the importation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). With the European Commission exploring the expansion of LNG imports from the United States, tensions have escalated, and member countries like France have raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of complying with such demands. The Push for Increased US LNG Imports In response to the global energy crisis, the European Union has been exploring diverse avenues for securing alternative sources of energy, especially after the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent disruption of Russian energy supplies. US LNG has emerged as a central focus in this shift, with high-level discussions between US President Donald Trump and European leaders. Trump's administration has consistent...
Read more