Heavy snow falls in Tokyo and wider region, impacting transport networks

Heavy snow fell across the Kanto-Koshin region and other areas on Monday as a low-pressure system passed along the southern coast, with some expressways closing and the authorities warning of further disruptions to transportation networks.

All of Tokyo was under a heavy snow warning as of late Monday, along with all of Saitama Prefecture and parts of Chiba Prefecture.

Snow was expected to fall through Tuesday after peaking late Monday, including in central Tokyo. Areas of the Tokai region, including Gifu and Shizuoka prefectures, as well as Fukushima Prefecture in the Tohoku region, were also experiencing heavy snow.

While the snowfall may peak overnight, those commuting to work or school on Tuesday morning are likely to encounter icy roads and impacts on trains or roadways.

During the 24-hour period through noon on Tuesday noon, 40 centimeters of snow is forecast in areas including the northern Kanto region, 30 cm in areas such as Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture and Tama in western Tokyo, and 8 cm in Tokyo's 23 wards, according to the weather agency.

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines canceled at least 100 flights in total, mostly leaving or arriving at Tokyo's Haneda airport Monday afternoon, with over 11,000 people affected.

East Japan Railway Co. decided to suspend some limited express train services on the Chuo Line starting Monday evening.

Major expressways running through Tokyo and its vicinity, including Tomei Expressway and Metropolitan Expressway, have been partially shut down, according to operators.

Expressway operator NEXCO East said all vehicles on expressways in the Kanto area, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, must use snow tires starting Monday morning. Some sections of expressways in the area were closed starting at noon on Monday as a preventive measure. Drivers are required by law to use snow tires on snowy roads.