A strong cold air mass is bringing intermittent snowfall across Kyushu, with heavy snow expected even in low-lying areas through the morning of February 6. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of potential transportation disruptions due to accumulated snow and icy roads, as well as risks to agriculture and infrastructure.
As of the morning of February 5, snowfall was recorded at 3 cm in Iizuka, 1 cm in Yame, and 1 cm in Kitakyushu’s Yahata district. Forecasts indicate up to 20 cm of snow in mountainous areas and 10 cm in lowlands across Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto prefectures by the morning of February 6. Northern Kyushu is expected to remain under a winter pressure system, with additional snowfall likely on February 7 and 8.
Traffic has already been affected, with highway closures reported between Yahata IC and Kokura-Higashi IC on the Kyushu Expressway, between Saga-Yamato IC and Ureshino IC on the Nagasaki Expressway, and between Kitakyushu JCT and Nakatsu IC on the East Kyushu Expressway. The Kitakyushu Urban Expressway is fully closed, while Fukuoka Urban Expressway remains open. Some national highways, including Route 3 in Kitakyushu and Route 10 between Kitakyushu and Nakatsu, may also see closures.
While major railway services, including the Kyushu Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen, are operating as usual, delays and route adjustments have affected some highway and local bus services. Authorities urge caution for travelers and residents, advising them to check the latest updates on road and transport conditions. Source: NHK / KBC / RKB
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