SAPPORO, Feb 14 (News On Japan) –
A strong winter storm swept throughout northern Japan on Friday, bringing extreme climate circumstances that disrupted every day life and prompted vital injury. Heavy snowfall led to whiteout circumstances in Hokkaido and Tohoku, making driving hazardous as visibility dropped to close zero.
In Date, Hokkaido, a sudden whiteout occurred round 9 a.m., drastically lowering visibility. Drivers discovered themselves struggling to navigate the roads as autos emerged unexpectedly from the blinding snow. One driver described how even with a smartphone digital camera, visibility was higher than with the bare eye, which at occasions may see not more than a meter forward. The unpredictable and momentary lack of visibility pressured many to cease their autos and depend on hazard lights, creating harmful conditions on the highway.
The storm additionally introduced sturdy winds, resulting in further destruction and challenges. In Iwate Prefecture’s Oshu City, wind gusts of as much as 19.6 meters per second fueled a hearth, making it troublesome for firefighters to comprise the blaze. The sturdy winds elevated the depth of the flames, whereas thick white smoke engulfed the realm, additional complicating firefighting efforts. Across completely different areas, excessive winds prompted intensive injury to buildings and infrastructure, highlighting the harmful affect of the winter storm.
In Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, the acute winds prompted extreme injury to an indoor tennis court docket. The highly effective gusts ripped aside the ceiling cowl, leaving solely the steel framework uncovered. Fortunately, nobody was inside on the time, and there have been no accidents reported. However, the injury left the tennis membership dealing with a major monetary burden. Ace Tennis Club coach Akira Iwata expressed concern, noting that the ability had by no means skilled such intensive injury earlier than. Initial restore estimates counsel prices may attain between 5 to six million yen, prompting the membership to think about crowdfunding as a option to cowl the bills.
The widespread destruction attributable to the storm has raised questions on insurance coverage protection for wind-related damages. Wataru Hiranuma, a supervisor at Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, defined that whereas many hearth insurance coverage insurance policies embrace wind injury compensation, the precise protection relies on particular person contracts and coverage circumstances. He suggested policyholders to assessment their protection to make sure they’re adequately protected towards future incidents.
As Japan continues to take care of the aftermath of the storm, one other extreme chilly wave is on the horizon. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued early warnings for what is predicted to be one of many strongest and longest chilly spells in years. Forecasts point out that the chilly wave will peak between February 18 and 20, doubtlessly bringing record-low temperatures and heavy snowfall. The excessive climate is predicted to final by the upcoming three-day weekend, prompting authorities to induce residents to organize for additional disruptions. With heavy snow and robust winds prone to proceed, the affect of this winter’s harsh circumstances stays a rising concern.
Source: FNN