Tokyo has heaviest snowfall in decades

Tokyo: The heaviest snow in decades in Tokyo and other areas of Japan has left at least five dead and 600 injured across the country.

As much as 27 centimetres of snow was recorded in Tokyo by late Saturday, the heaviest fall in the capital for 45 years, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

Other parts of greater Tokyo received as much as 50 centimetres, a record for the region, the meteorological agency said. The weather disrupted flights and train services, and caused power outages across the region.
Tokyo street: The weather disrupted flights and train services, and caused power outages.

Tokyo street: The weather disrupted flights and train services, and caused power outages. Photo: Reuters

The snowstorm hit on the eve of the election for the capital's new governor, and observers say the heavy snowfall might affect voter turnout in the city of 13 million people. Former Japanese health minister Yoichi Masuzoe was leading the race to be governor, a survey conducted by the Nikkei newspaper found,ahead of former prime minister Morihiro Hosokawa and Kenji Utsunomiya, the former head of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations
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The north-eastern city of Sendai received 35 centimetres of snow, the heaviest in 78 years.

Local media said at least five people had been killed in snow-linked accidents - mostly crashes after cars skidded on icy roads. Public broadcaster NHK reported more than 600 people were injured across the nation.
Visitors to the Imperial Palace: As much as 27 centimetres of snow was recorded in Tokyo

Visitors to the Imperial Palace: As much as 27 centimetres of snow was recorded in Tokyo Photo: Reuters

More than 20,000 households were still without electricity early on Sunday while airlines cancelled 200 domestic flights a day after more than 740 flights were grounded on Saturday.

Nearly 5000 people were stranded at Narita Airport as traffic linking the airport to the capital was disrupted, NHK said.

Further snowfall is expected on Sunday in northern Japan, the weather agency said. SMH