Japanese highway authorities maintain preventive closures on several expressways due to the forecast of heavy snow this Sunday, January 25, 2026. The closures mainly affect the regions of Kansai, Nagoya and Hokuriku, interrupting traffic on essential routes.
At 8am local time, eleven highways remained closed, with no immediate prospect of reopening. Operadoras as NEXCO Central Japan and West Japan adopted the measure to avoid risks from vehicles stuck in excessive accumulations of snow.
Agência Meteorológica of Japão predicts significant precipitation between 9 am and 12 pm, with accumulations that may exceed levels safe for rapid removal. Regiões like Hokuriku and north of Kinki record abundant snow, justifying the closures.
- Meishin Expressway
- Shin-Meishin
- Hokuriku Expressway
- I took Expressway
- Isewangan Expressway
- Tokai Kanjo Expressway
- Maizuru-Wakasa
- Tomeihan
- Ise Expressway
- Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
- Keiji Bypass
Most affected regions
Prefectures such as Gifu, Shiga, Fukui, Mie and Aichi face direct restrictions on expressways. Trechos parallels of national highways, such as routes 1, 8 and 21, are also included in the closures.
Accumulated snow has already caused additional closures in Ishikawa and Toyama, in addition to general preventive measures. Motoristas receive constant guidance to avoid non-essential travel.
Preventive measures adopted
Preventive closures occur when the forecast indicates snow exceeding the capacity for immediate removal. Essa strategy avoids prolonged congestion and risky situations for drivers.
Authorities reinforce the ban on driving with common tires in snowy areas. Veículos without adequate equipment contributes to accidents and obstructions in adverse conditions.
Operators monitor conditions in real time to decide on partial or full releases. Decisões are based on up-to-date meteorological data and field reports.
Detailed weather forecasts
Accumulations could reach up to 90 centimeters in Hokuriku by the end of the day. Regiões like Tohoku and Tokai record forecasts of 70 centimeters, while Kanto-Koshin and Kinki expect up to 60 centimeters.
The winter atmospheric configuration intensifies cold pressure over the coast from Mar to Japão. Nuvens of snow forms in a concentrated manner, increasing the risk of rapid precipitation.
Warnings remain in effect until at least Sunday night in mountainous areas. Municípios prepare teams for continuous removal on secondary roads.
Impacts on rail transport
Operators like JR announce preventive suspensions on lines like Takayama. Interrupções affect regional connections and may extend to routes with greater demand.
Passengers face cancellations and delays on local and express services. Empresas recommend checking updated timetables before planned trips.
Effects on flights and airports
Airports in affected regions record preventive cancellations. Rotas to Tóquio and Kansai are adjusted due to reduced visibility and runway conditions.
Airlines reschedule flights to minimize inconvenience. Passageiros receive notifications about changes and relocation options.
Guidance for drivers
Mandatory use of winter tires or chains in permitted areas remains in effect. Veículos without adequate preparation face fines and high risks of skidding.
Drivers should keep full tanks and basic supplies on unavoidable trips. Itens such as water, food and blankets help with any long waits.
Context of recurring snowfalls
Japão experiences heavy snow events annually on the Mar coast of Japan. Significant Acumulações occur frequently in January, requiring established protocols.
Preventative measures evolved after previous episodes of vehicles stuck for days. Aprimoramentos include more accurate monitoring and early communication.
Mountainous regions of Niigata and Nagano accumulate snow in historically high volumes. Adapted Infraestrutura supports efficient removal in most cases.
Municipal and residential preparation
Municipalities activate monitoring centers to coordinate responses. Equipes cleaning staff operate in shifts to keep urban roads passable.
Residents stock up on essential supplies ahead of prolonged alerts. Escolas and companies consider adjustments to schedules for safe travel.
Projections for the next few days
Snow is expected to continue at varying intensity until early next week. Regiões coastal areas maintain a greater probability of additional accumulations.
Authorities update forecasts hourly to adjust restrictions. Gradual Liberações occur as conditions improve in specific sections.
General security recommendations
The population must prioritize official information from operators and meteorological agencies. Aplicativos and dedicated websites provide real-time updates.
Avoiding high-risk areas reduces the chances of incidents. Cooperação with guidance contributes to effective management of the climate event.
Situation in specific areas
Hokuriku records the largest accumulations observed to date. Trechos of the local expressway faces closures due to real snow, in addition to preventive ones.
Kansai and Tokai maintain broad lockdowns to preserve future flow. Remoção preventive prevents major complications during precipitation peaks.
