Two dead, 89 injured as heavy snow hits Japan

TOKYO: Heavy snow and severe weather struck Tokyo and other areas across Japan on Saturday leaving two dead and around 90 injured, reports said.

More than 600 flights were grounded as the weather agency issued a severe storm warning for the capital. As much as 12 centimetres (4.8 inches) of snow was recorded Saturday afternoon in Tokyo with a rapidly developing low pressure front heading toward eastern Japan, the meteorological agency said.

Public broadcaster NHK said at least 89 people were injured in snow related accidents only in eastern Japan including 17 serious injuries. It also said two female passengers aged 88 and 90 died on Saturday in a car accident on their way to a nursing home in Ishikawa central Japan.

Police suspect one of the cars skidded on the icy road and caused the head on clash. Further snowfall is expected Saturday afternoon and early Sunday in Tokyo with up to 20 centimetres of snow expected the weather agency said.

The agency issued a heavy snow warning for Tokyo the first such warning for the capital in 13 years calling on residents not to go out unless necessary.

The agency also warned of strong winds and high waves in eastern Japan.

Japanese airline companies have cancelled at least 615 flights on Saturday due to heavy snow.