Snow-covered streets in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on Tuesday
© JIJISnow-covered streets in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on Tuesday
A powerful low-pressure system is unleashing record-breaking snowfall along Hokkaido's Pacific coast, with the city of Obihiro accumulating more than 1 meter of snow in just 12 hours through Tuesday.

Heavy snowfall has persisted since Monday night, with Obihiro recording 120 centimeters in the 12 hours through noon on Tuesday, the highest on record for the city. Snow depth in the city has now surpassed 120 centimeters, a level last seen in 1972, according to private weather forecaster Weathernews.

While the cold front's impact is most pronounced in the northern regions along the Sea of Japan, the cold air mass is also pushing westward, spreading snow to the Kyushu region facing the East China Sea and the Shikoku region facing the Seto Inland Sea.

In some parts of Kyushu, temperatures have dropped below minus 12 degrees Celsius, according to Weathernews. Kagoshima Prefecture is experiencing steady snowfall, with accumulations visible on grassy surfaces in the city center. Mountainous areas have seen roads turn completely white.



While occasional breaks in the snowfall may allow sunlight to filter through, the cold air mass is expected to fluctuate in intensity and persist until the weekend.

The Meteorological Agency is forecasting heavy snow for Hokkaido and the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions later this week.

In the 24 hours through 6 a.m. Wednesday, these regions are expected to receive significant snowfall, with Hokuriku seeing up to 100 cm, Gifu Prefecture 80 cm, and Tohoku 70 cm. The Kinki region is projected to receive 60 cm, while Hokkaido and the Chugoku region are expected to get 50 cm. Meanwhile, Shikoku and northern Kyushu may see up to 30 cm of snow.

Further accumulations are anticipated in the 24 hours through 6 a.m. Thursday, with Tohoku and Hokuriku each receiving another 100 cm. Gifu is projected to get an additional 70 cm, while Hokkaido and the regions of Kinki and Chugoku could see 50 cm more. Shikoku and northern Kyushu are expected to have an additional 40 cm of snowfall accumulate.

The transport ministry has advised the public to stay updated on weather conditions and prepare for potential travel delays or cancelations as widespread highway closures are possible. The ministry also urged people to avoid nonessential and nonurgent outings.

For those who must drive, the ministry strongly recommends equipping vehicles with winter tires, carrying snow chains and keeping shovels and sand in the vehicle for emergencies.

Nexco Central announced Tuesday that the Hokuriku and Maizuru-Wakasa expressways may face closures Tuesday afternoon as a precautionary measure against the heavy snow.

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have said that they are canceling 34 and 29 domestic flights, respectively, on Tuesday, affecting approximately 5,800 people.