Tokyo Digs Out From Heavy Snow Amid Travel Chaos
It was the heaviest snow to hit Tokyo in four years.
The Japanese capital of Tokyo on Tuesday dug out from more than 20cm of snow that had snarled traffic, trapping cars on bridges and in tunnels, and serious transport delays remained around the metropolis.
The snow that began on Monday morning tapered off early on Tuesday after dumping some 23cm on a city that rarely has snow accumulate, with freezing temperatures keeping snow-choked roads slick and pedestrians wary.
It was the heaviest snow to hit Tokyo in four years. Most commuter lines were operating normally, but a number of train services were cancelled and highways remained closed, while airports struggled to clear a backlog of flights.
Cancelled flights and a lack of transport left 6000 people stuck at Narita airport overnight.
“I slept on the floor last night, but at least my flight to Hawaii will leave later today, so I’m looking forward to that,” one woman told national broadcaster NHK.
Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and other airlines cancelled more than 300 domestic and international flights, particularly those departing from and bound for Haneda airport, near downtown Tokyo. According to JAL, one of its planes that landed at Narita airport, east of Tokyo, from Manila was stuck on a taxiway, as its front wheels could not move due to snow.
The airport operator closed two runways to ensure safety and remove snow.
More than 740 traffic accidents due to the snow were reported, and 67 people were injured from falls as of last night, NHK added.