Northern Japan reeled under a merciless snowstorm Wednesday, as extreme cold, violent winds, and relentless snowfall disrupted life across Hokkaido and Japan Sea coastal belts. Transportation ground to a standstill, with trains halted and airports shuttered amid hazardous conditions.
JR Hokkaido disclosed that 50 train services had been suspended since Tuesday, victims of ferocious winds, airborne ice, and piercing chill. New Chitose Airport canceled 82 flights, delaying many others as safety trumped schedules. The administration flagged ongoing whiteouts and snow buildup risks through Thursday morning, portending escalated transport woes.
Forecasts signal sustained threats: 35 m/s winds battering southern Japan Sea coasts, 30 m/s across northern Japan Sea and Pacific shores. Sea conditions mirror the fury, with 35 m/s gales probable in eastern Pacific and southern Okhotsk zones. Up to 40 cm of snow looms for Japan Sea-adjacent northern and southern locales in 24 hours.
Parallel chills grip China, where the national weather watchdog foresees 10 days of intense cold, winds, and precipitation in Inner Mongolia and northeast provinces. Temps could sink 2-5°C below average on cold wave influxes. Sandstorms threaten Inner Mongolia and Gansu; agronomists recommend wheat protection measures, greenhouse fortifications, and livestock haven reinforcements to avert cold-induced losses.