Japan - January 09, 2025 Heavy snow has swept across areas along the Sea of Japan coast, with some regions expected to see snow depths surpassing 80 centimeters. In Uonuma City of Niigata Prefecture, which is about four-hour drive from Japan's capital city Tokyo, snow depths have reached 20 centimeters on vehicles and rooftops on Thursday. In some areas that have yet to be cleared, the snow has piled up to the height of a single-story building, with snow depths 1.5 times that of this time in previous years. The local weather agency said that by Friday morning, the estimated 24-hour snowfall is expected to be up to 80 centimeters in some parts of Niigata Prefecture. In addition to Niigata Prefecture, the snow brought by the cold wave has affected a vast area, stretching from Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido to the Shikoku region in western Japan. Due to the heavy snow, rail transportation in some areas has been delayed or even canceled. Latest information shows that certain sections of highways in Niigata and Fukushima prefectures are closed all day Thursday. Japan's weather agency said the heavy snow will continue till Friday in areas along the Sea of Japan coast. Shotlist: Niigata Prefecture, Japan - Jan 8-9, 2025: 1. Various of snow-covered road, riverbank; 2. Various of traffic in snow; 3. Various of snow sweeper working; 4. Various of snow on rooftops, vehicle; 5. Various of traffic in snow. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]