Japan is buried under an unbelievable amount of snow, with drifts so high they tower over most people. The extreme snowfall has made travel nearly impossible in many areas, with roads and highways blocked, train services suspended, and dozens of flights canceled, leaving thousands stranded. The situation has even shut down about 370 schools, along with post offices and delivery centers, disrupting mail and packages across the country.
Officials in Hokkaido have urged people to stay indoors for safety, but for those who absolutely must drive, they’re warning to use snow tires and chains, and to keep a shovel and sand in the car in case they get stuck. Residents are also being told to watch out for dangerous snow avalanches falling from rooftops.
So why is Japan seeing so much snow? It’s all thanks to a powerful low-pressure system sitting over northern Japan. The country is no stranger to intense snowfall—it’s actually one of the snowiest places on Earth. Meteorologists explain that bitter cold air from Siberia sweeps over the relatively warmer Sea of Japan, creating heavy “sea-effect snow.” It’s the same idea as lake-effect snow in the U.S., but on a much bigger scale. This pattern can last for days, dumping snow nonstop on the mountains and slopes of Japan.
And this storm isn’t over yet. More heavy snow is expected into early next week, adding to the already massive piles. For some perspective on just how extreme Japan’s snow can get, weather records show that back in 1927, Mt. Ibuki recorded a staggering snow depth of 38.8 feet—more than 466 inches!
For now, Japan remains locked in a deep freeze, and people are doing their best to dig out and stay safe as the snow keeps falling.