Heavy Snowfall In Japan

Damn you, global warming!:

Heavy snow continued on Wednesday across much of Japan as the country grapples with the most severe cold snap of the season so far, with trains and vehicles stranded due to difficulties caused by the winter storms.

Record cold temperatures were seen in parts of Japan, with snow falling on the Sea of Japan coast stretching from the country's north to west. Amid concerns of further snowfall, including in low-lying areas on the Pacific coast, Japan's weather agency is calling for vigilance against blizzards, rough seas and icy roads.

The weather has brought widespread disruption. Thousands of people using local train services in Kyoto and Shiga prefectures were forced to stay overnight in carriages or stations, while vehicles on major roads across the country were left stranded and hundreds of flights canceled.

At least one person has died and two more deaths are being investigated in connection with the cold weather, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a news conference in Tokyo.

Among the effects on transportation, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways said more than 300 flights scheduled for Wednesday have been canceled.

On local railways, passengers were stranded on several trains on the Biwako Line and Kyoto Line overnight from Tuesday due to snow and strong winds, operator West Japan Railway said. The company reported delays and cancellations on around 20 of its lines, including express services, through Wednesday morning.