WORLD
Tokyo area bracing for heavy snow
Baku, February 9, AZERTAC
Weather forecasters in Japan are warning of heavy snowfall on Saturday in the Kanto region comprising Tokyo and surrounding prefectures, according to NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).
A strong cold air mass and passing low-pressure system are likely to bring snow to wide areas from morning to night.
Snowfall through Sunday morning may reach up to 10 centimeters in mountainous areas of Kanto; eight centimeters in plains across the region; and five centimeters in Tokyo's 23 wards.
The Meteorological Agency is urging people to watch out for icy roads and disruption to transportation services. Drivers are advised to use winter tires or snow chains.
Airline companies have cancelled some flights for Saturday.
As of 5 AM Saturday, Japan Airlines had cancelled 50 inbound and outbound flights at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, and Narita Airport in neighboring Chiba Prefecture.
Jetstar has cancelled 34 flights at Narita and Chubu Airport in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.
All Nippon Airways has grounded 12 flights at Narita.
The carriers are urging travelers to check their websites for the latest flight information, as more cancellations are possible.