Heavy snowfall across north and western Japan prompted weather officials to call on residents to stay alert for winter blizzards on Friday (December 23), Reuters reports.
The snow that has continued along the Sea of Japan coast in northern and western areas in the country since December 17 has killed 8 people and injured dozens as of Friday morning, according to Japanese public broadcaster, NHK.
Rural areas in Japan’s Hokkaido observed 1 meter and 61 centimeters of snow. Japan Railway’s Sapporo station said that it will suspend trains connecting to Hokkaido’s capital city, Sapporo.
Weather officials are asking residents to stay cautious and refrain from non-essential outings until Monday (December 26) as heavy snow may disrupt traffic and cause power outages.
