Northern and western Japan battered by snowstorm

Northern and western Japan continues to see heavy snow this weekend. As of Friday afternoon, four people have died in Niigata Prefecture.

A 60-year-old driver was injured when her car was smashed into by a train. She said she could not tell whether she was driving on a road or a train track.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued multiple advisories for significant heavy snowfall on Sunday in Ishikawa and Tottori Prefectures, as a strong winter pressure system over the Sea of Japan coast continues to bring snow and disrupt local transport.

In the city of Kanazawa, accumulated snow has exceeded nine times the seasonal average, making snow removal difficult.

As of 9 a.m. on Sunday, accumulated snow in Kanazawa stood at 64cm.

Officials warn the public to remain on high alert for major traffic disruption and to refrain from nonessential outings.