Heavy snow hit a wide area of the Sea of Japan coast on Tuesday, leading to the death of one driver from carbon monoxide poisoning after he was trapped in his car and stranding some 1,500 vehicles on a main road.
At least 27 people sustained minor or serious injuries because of the snow that mainly hit Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, authorities said.
The snow forced more than 400 schools to close and caused disruptions for bullet trains, airplanes and highways, according to the authorities.
The weather agency warned that the area may see additional snowfall on Wednesday.
Kanazawa was hit with 75 centimeters of snow on Tuesday evening, the largest amount in 17 years in the city.
In Fukui Prefecture, a line of some 1,500 vehicles stretched for about 10 kilometers on Route 8. The Ground Self-Defense Force mobilized more than 750 personnel to help remove snow and provide water and food to drivers.
Source: Mainichi Image: ANN
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