Japan's northern Kanto, Tokyo to be hit by heavy snow, rain

TOKYO, Feb. 10  -- Japan's Tokyo and northern parts of the Kanto region could be hit by heavy rainfall and snow when low atmospheric pressure clashes with a cold air front, reported Xinhua.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on Thursday said rain and snow are forecast through Friday in the Kanto-Koshin region, with up to 30 cm of snow falling in the Koshin region, 25 cm in the northern part of the Kanto region, and 20 cm in the Tama area, in the 24 hours through 6:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Parts of Tokyo got a heavy dusting of snow on Thursday morning, the agency said, adding that the capital's 23 wards will see at least 5 cm of snow in 24 hours.

Local media reported that around 170 domestic flights have been cancelled to and from Tokyo's Haneda airport and almost 70 trains including those in Tokyo and bullet train services to Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures have been suspended.

Expressways in the region are preparing for the buildup of snow and icy conditions and the Chuo-kanjo-sen Belt Line on the Metropolitan Expressway has closed some sections deemed dangerous to drivers.

--BERNAMA