Overview
- The Japan Meteorological Agency expects additional heavy snowfall this weekend across northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast.
- AccuWeather projects localized totals exceeding 20 inches, with the heaviest snow likely on Sunday.
- The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo issued a new advisory warning of avalanches, low visibility, dangerous driving, tree wells, and snow-covered creeks.
- Several areas have already accumulated unusually deep snow, increasing slide potential and complicating travel.
- A Jan. 16 embassy alert stressed that many backcountry areas are unpatrolled with limited rescue access and urged visitors to remain within designated zones.