TOKYO - HEAVY snow blanketed northern Japan on Friday, stranding holiday travellers, as the weather agency warned of further severe winter storms and high waves over the weekend.
Japanese airlines cancelled at least 159 domestic flights as snow closed all the runways at New Chitose Airport, the biggest air hub on the northern island of Hokkaido, transport companies said.
Several train services in Hokkaido and in the north of the main island of Honshu were also called off due to snow.
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast up to 80cm of snow by Saturday morning in parts of central Honshu facing the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
It warned that the blizzard was carrying strong winds that would whip up waves of up to 7m on the eastern and northern shores of northern Japan. It also sounded an avalanche alert.
New Year is the most important holiday for many Japanese, who head to their hometowns to spend the time with their families. -- AFP
