Snow hits western Japan

A cold snap has brought snow and record-low temperatures to several locations across western Japan. The meteorological agency says about 1.8 meters of snow has accumulated in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, and nearly 1.5 meters in Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture. The southwestern regions of Kyushu and Shikoku also experienced rare accumulations of snow. Nagasaki City had a record 17 centimeters. Okinawa’s main island also received snow for the first time in recorded history. Freezing temperatures hit many parts of the country. On Sunday the daytime high was below zero degrees Celsius at 375 out of 928 observation points. On Monday record-low temperatures hit 49 locations, mainly in western Japan. Agency officials say the weather pattern is easing. But they warn there could be more snow and freezing temperatures in some areas. They are advising people to be on the lookout for avalanches, snow falling from roofs and icy roads. Source...