Foreign residents across Japan should brace for significant transportation disruptions as heavy snowfall continues to impact the country's Sea of Japan coast, with meteorological authorities issuing rare emergency warnings for several prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued "significant heavy snow information" alerts for both Ishikawa and Shiga prefectures on January 21-22, according to NHK reports. These warnings, reserved for the most severe weather conditions, indicate an elevated risk of large-scale transportation disruptions. In Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 20 centimeters of snow accumulated in just six hours ending at 10 p.m. on January 21, demonstrating the intensity of this weather system. The heavy snowfall results from a strong winter atmospheric pressure pattern affecting Japan, with conditions expected to reach their first peak on January 22. The JMA warns that snowfall will intensify across regions from Niigata Prefecture through the San'in area, with rapid snow accumulation anticipated even in lowland areas. According to meteorological forecasts cited by NHK, this cold snap is expected to persist until approximately January 25. For expats living in or traveling through affected areas, transportation networks face severe disruption. The Tokaido Shinkansen, Japan's busiest bullet train line connecting Tokyo and Osaka, may experience delays, according to transportation updates released at 5 a.m. on January 22. Highway closures have already been implemented, with authorities warning of potential "preventive traffic restrictions" on expressways in affected regions. These preventive closures occur when conditions deteriorate to prevent vehicles from becoming stranded. The risk of vehicle immobilization presents particular concern. Professor Katsuhisa Kawashima from Niigata University's Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery, speaking to NHK, explained that traffic standstills occur most frequently when snowfall rapidly intensifies. Foreign residents unfamiliar with driving in heavy snow conditions should exercise extreme caution or avoid unnecessary travel entirely during this period. Practical preparations are essential for those in affected areas. Residents should ensure adequate food, water, and heating supplies at home, as heavy snow can make travel dangerous or impossible. Those who must drive should carry emergency supplies including blankets, food, water, a fully charged mobile phone, and a snow shovel. However, authorities strongly recommend postponing non-essential travel until conditions improve. The areas under highest alert include Ishikawa Prefecture's Kaga region and Shiga Prefecture's Koto area, where flat, populated zones face particular risk of major transportation impacts. The JMA specifically warned about the danger of large-scale traffic disruptions in these flatland areas, which typically experience less snow than mountainous regions and may be less prepared for rapid accumulation. For expats planning business travel or personal trips, flexibility is crucial. Transportation delays and cancellations are likely to continue through at least January 25. Those with flights should contact airlines directly for updated schedules, while rail passengers should monitor JR East, JR West, and other railway company websites for real-time service information. Many companies provide English-language updates through their official websites and social media channels. Local governments in affected prefectures have established emergency response systems, and residents should monitor local news and official prefecture websites for evacuation advisories or emergency instructions. NHK World, Japan's international broadcaster, provides continuous English-language weather updates for foreign residents. This weather event serves as a reminder that Japan's winter conditions can change rapidly and severely impact daily life. Foreign residents, particularly those from countries with milder winters, should take these warnings seriously and prioritize safety over convenience during severe weather events.