Weather officials in Japan say snow and winds are expected to intensify through Monday. They are warning of possible disruptions in transportation.
The Japan Meteorological Agency says a low-pressure system is expected to develop rapidly on Saturday while moving to the northern part of the Sea of Japan, bringing stormy weather with strong winds, mainly along the Sea of Japan coast.
Winds could reach 82.8 kilometers per hour in the Hokuriku and Chugoku regions on Saturday, and 72 kilometers per hour in Niigata and Yamaguchi prefectures and in the northern Kyushu region. Winds of maximum instantaneous speed are expected to reach 108 to 126 kilometers per hour.
Waves are also expected to be high, with rough seas anticipated in some areas.
On Sunday and Monday, a winter-type pressure pattern is likely to intensify, bringing extremely cold air.
Heavy snow with strong winds is expected over wide areas. Blizzards are possible in some places, with visibility likely to deteriorate rapidly.
Snowfall in the 24-hour period from Saturday evening through Sunday evening in mountainous areas is expected to reach up to 100 centimeters on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region.
Heavy snow is possible even in low-lying areas on the Sea of Japan side, and snow could accumulate in some places on the Pacific side.
Weather officials are urging people to be on alert for heavy snow and blizzards, snow drifts affecting transportation, as well as strong winds and high waves.
Officials are also urging caution against avalanches and power outages due to snow accumulating on power lines.
Public transportation could be affected over the three-day weekend.

Quiz 1:
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, what is expected to develop rapidly on Saturday?
A. A high-pressure system bringing warmer temperatures
B. A low-pressure system bringing stormy weather
C. A calm weather pattern with clear skies
D. A summer monsoon affecting the northern regions

Quiz 2:
What is the expected maximum instantaneous wind speed in the Hokuriku and Chugoku regions on Saturday?
A. 72 kilometers per hour
B. 82.8 kilometers per hour
C. 108 to 126 kilometers per hour
D. 50 kilometers per hour

Quiz 3:
What is a potential hazard being warned about due to snow accumulation?
A. Avalanches
B. Earthquakes
C. Volcanic eruptions
D. Tsunami



[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A