TOKYO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Blizzards, strong winds and extreme cold disrupted rail services across northern Japan on Wednesday, as rough winter weather intensified around Hokkaido and areas along the Sea of Japan coast.
JR Hokkaido said 50 train services have been suspended since Tuesday due to strong winds, blowing snow and low temperatures. At New Chitose Airport, 82 departing and arriving flights have been canceled, while numerous others have experienced delays since Tuesday.
Authorities warned that whiteout conditions and heavy snowdrifts could continue to snarl transportation through the early hours of Thursday.
Forecasts through Thursday indicate maximum instantaneous wind speeds of up to 35 meters per second in southern areas along the Sea of Japan coast, with winds of up to 30 meters per second in northern Sea of Japan areas and along the Pacific coast.
Over coastal waters, winds of up to 35 meters per second are expected in eastern Pacific areas and the southern Okhotsk Sea, while other surrounding seas may see gusts of around 30 meters per second.
During the 24 hours through Thursday morning, snowfall is forecast to reach up to 40 centimeters in parts of both northern and southern areas along the Sea of Japan coast. ■
