Heavy snowfall is expected across Japan over the weekend as the weather agency issued a warning Friday for many regions on the Sea of Japan coast as well as some mountainous areas on the Pacific side.
The Meteorological Agency said that with strong cold air masses approaching the archipelago, even some low-lying areas near the Pacific coast could see snow. The agency asked people to be aware of icy roads and disruption of public transportation.
At around 8 a.m. Saturday in Hiji, Oita Prefecture, a truck slipped on a road covered with snow. The accident blocked traffic and more than 20 vehicles were stuck until around 1:30 p.m.