Traffic, Transportation Disrupted in Japan Due to Heavy Snow

Trains and vehicles are still stranded in most parts of Japan due to difficulties caused by the winter storms, as the Asian nation grapples with the most severe cold snap of the season so far.

Sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow in Japan killed at least four people, with snow falling on the Sea of Japan coast stretching from the country's north to west.

The dire weather has brought widespread disruption. Accordingly, thousands of people using local train services in Kyoto and Shiga prefectures were forced to stay overnight in carriages or stations.

Meanwhile, authorities revealed that traffic congestion between Shiga and Mie prefectures after the heavy snowfall eased Thursday morning.

Operators indicated that vehicles had formed several traffic jams stretching up to 34.5 kilometers on the Shin-Meishin Expressway around noon Wednesday on outbound lanes, with the prolonged snowfall delaying snow removal.

Central Nippon Expressway stated that it would aim to resume access to sections of the expressway, including between the Yokkaichi and Kameyama-Nishi junctions in Mie later on Thursday.