Heavy snow in Japan disrupts flights and trains, closes roads

Domestic airlines cancelled a total of 100 flights due to the snow as of noon, government authorities and operators say

A man clears snow in front of a shrine amid heavy snowfall in Tottori, Japan in this photo provided by Kyodo on Jan 25, 2023. REUTERS

Heavy snow across much of Japan on Friday grounded 100 flights, blocked dozens of roads and disrupted train services, government authorities and operators said.

Domestic airlines including ANA, Japan Airlines and others cancelled a total of 100 flights due to the snow as of noon, according to the land ministry.

Parts of 31 highways were closed in central and eastern Japan, while 54 central Tokyo expressway exits were blocked, the ministry said.

Services on more than a dozen train routes in central and eastern Japan had suspended operations or were planning to do so, the land ministry said.

East Japan Railway, the country's biggest train operator, said a high-speed service between Tokyo and the northeastern prefecture of Yamagata would be suspended later on Friday.

Major delivery service firms including Yamato Transport and Sagawa Express said their delivery services may experience delays until Saturday.