Heavy snow forecast for Kanto-Koshin region around Tokyo on Feb. 5-6

TOKYO — The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is warning of heavy snow in the Kanto-Koshin region from Feb. 5 to 6. Snow accumulation and icy roads may cause major disruptions to public transportation, including railroads.

According to the JMA, mountainous areas in a broad swath of the Kanto-Koshin region are forecast to see heavy snowfall due to a low-pressure system off the south coast of Japan. Warning-level heavy snow is also possible on the plains.

The Utsunomiya Local Meteorological Office is urging people in Tochigi Prefecture to be careful of snow on power lines and trees, and of avalanches. Tokyo is also expected to have snow on Feb. 5.

According to East Japan Railway Co. (JR East), there is a possibility of significant delays and changes in train destinations due to snowfall on and after Feb. 5, and it advises people to start their journeys well in advance.

(Japanese original by Shota Harumashi, Tokyo City News Department)