Record-breaking snowfall fell on Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido on Tuesday, disrupting traffic, causing airport closures and delaying deliveries

After almost cancelling a popular annual snow festival due to unseasonable January warmth, record-breaking snowfall has hit Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido, disrupting traffic, causing airport closures and delaying deliveries.

The weather agency warned of blizzards, high waves and hazardous road conditions through the weekend, urging residents to avoid nonessential travel.

Heavy snowfall continued Wednesday along the Sea of Japan coast as the season's strongest cold front disrupted rail services in centr

A city in Japan's Hokkaido sees almost4 feet of snow fall in only 12 hours:: saron17 via Instagram:: Obihiro, Japan:: 5, 2025The Meteorological Agency said a powerful low pressure system and moist air caused heavy snow to persist in Obihiro city in Hokkaido from Monday (February 3) night,

Obihiro City, the northernmost Japanese island, has been experiencing heavy snowfall for more than 12 hours since Monday, setting a record for the country with totals nearing 130 centimeters, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

An area of low pressure over the main island of Hokkaido in northern Japan caused record amounts of snow to fall in the region. There were considerable traffic disruptions and dozens of flight cancellations.

Obihiro city in Hokkaido records 1.2 metres of snow in 12 hours, weather officials say. Video credit: saron17 via Instagram