Heavy snowfall, 800 Vehicles Trapped!

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Japan weather officials have forecast more heavy snow on Thursday. About 800 vehicles were stranded on an expressway in central Japan for several hours. According to sources, two trailers were stuck in the snow on Wednesday, causing a 6km (4 mile) traffic jam.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) of snow could fall in the Tohoku prefecture by Friday. Heavy snow is also expected on the northern island of Hokkaido and other areas.

The traffic jam occurred on the Meishin Expressway in Gifu province. Two children in a stranded car fell ill and were taken to hospital.