Japan: Record-breaking snowfall wreaked havoc in northern Japan last week, leaving at least three people dead and 54 injured as of Feb. 10, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Among the worst hit regions were Hokkaido, the country’s northernmost island, and the Japan Sea coast.
The thick snow halted transportation in many areas as bullet train services were suspended and motorists were left unable to see the roads. In Hokkaido, flights were also cancelled alongside trains while hundreds of schools closed down, the Guardian reported.
Some cities experienced record-breaking snowfall, including Obihiro city in Hokkaido that received a record 129cm (4ft) of snow in just 12 hours.
Fukushima, a city located north of Tokyo, also saw multiple avalanches, which cut off around 160 people who were stranded in two hot spring resorts.
The Weather Channel attributed the heavy snowfall to a combination of factors including a low pressure system intensifying quickly over the Sea of Japan, and strong cold winds blowing from Siberia over this body of water.
Australia: Following heavy flooding in its northeastern states since Feb. 1, a tropical low named 18U is developing off the northern coast of western Australia, the country’s Bureau of Meteorology reported. “This system has a high chance of intensifying to tropical cyclone strength over the coming days,” it said.
The agency on Feb. 11 said U18 is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone by Wednesday, when it will be called Zelia.
The path of the cyclone is still uncertain, but the agency predicts it may move towards east Pilbara or west Kimberley.
Residents of both areas have already been warned of heavy rain and strong winds as the cyclone is forecasted to reach category three strength by Friday.
In a caravan park in Port Hedland, the second largest town in Pilbara, residents have been asked to pack and leave for their safety. Resident Graham Jones told ABC they will leave on Feb. 11 and head further south if the winds intensify.
Anchored vessels at Port Hedland, which is also the country’s largest iron ore exporting port, are also being asked to leave while around 3,500 sandbags have been distributed around town, ABC cited the Department of Fire and Emergency Services saying.
With rainfall expected to add the already high levels of the Pilbara rivers, authorities have already issued flood advisory alerts.
Banner image: Satellite image of Japan on Feb. 11 via Himawari Satellite, CSU/CIRA & JMA/JAXA.
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