Heavy snow impacts on traffic in eastern Japan

TOKYO - A storm system hit eastern Japan on Monday resulting in heavy snow fall that had impacted on traffic in many prefectures, including the capital city of Tokyo.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a snow storm warning in the tsunami-hit Fukushima prefecture and heavy snow warnings in other five prefectures, namely Yamagata, Miyagi, Nagano, Yamanashi and Kanagawa.

The agency also issued heavy snow advisories in Tokyo and more than 10 other eastern and central prefectures.

Traffic comes to a stop during a heavy snowfall in Tokyo, Jan 14, 2013. Tokyo saw its first snowfall this season on Monday. [Photo/Agencies]

More than 400 flights were delayed in Haneda Airport in Tokyo, while runways in Sendai airport were closed as of now, according to local media.

Some major tramways in the area were suspended and highways were also closed for safety considerations.

The heavy snow also caused a car accident in Chiyoda in Tokyo, injuring about six people, Japan's NHK reported.

The JMA forecasted that the storm would last till Monday night and predicted the thickest snows in Tokyo would reach 10 cm and 20 to 30 cm in the north mountainous areas.

The agency also issued high wave and gale warnings or advisories in coastal areas.

Japanese women in kimonos walk to attend a ceremony celebrating Coming of Age Day in heavy snowfall at Toshimaen amusement park in Tokyo Jan 14, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]