Foreign residents in Hokkaido and northern Japan are facing significant travel disruptions as severe winter weather batters the region, with transportation systems across the island experiencing widespread cancellations and delays. A rapidly developing low-pressure system has brought intense blizzards and powerful winds to Hokkaido, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue urgent warnings about transportation impacts, according to NHK. The extreme conditions have particularly affected air travel, with New Chitose Airport—Hokkaido's primary international gateway—experiencing numerous flight cancellations throughout December 14. The severity of the weather became evident when Cape Erimo in southern Hokkaido recorded maximum instantaneous wind speeds of 45.1 meters per second (approximately 100 mph), according to NHK reports. These hurricane-force winds, combined with heavy snowfall, have created whiteout conditions across much of the prefecture, making travel extremely hazardous. New Chitose Airport, which serves as a crucial hub for both domestic and international travelers, has been severely impacted by the weather system. According to Hokkaido Airports, multiple flights were cancelled on December 14 due to the deteriorating conditions. In one incident reported by NHK, a Jetstar Japan passenger aircraft became temporarily stranded on the airport grounds after landing, highlighting the dangerous conditions even within the airport itself. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued specific warnings for foreign residents and travelers in the region. Beyond the obvious flight disruptions, authorities are cautioning about the dangers of severe blizzards affecting road transportation, the potential for additional heavy snowfall to block routes, and the risk of coastal flooding due to storm surges. These combined factors create a particularly challenging situation for anyone attempting to travel within or out of Hokkaido. For expats living in or planning to visit Hokkaido, these conditions require immediate attention to travel plans. The weather system's impact extends beyond Hokkaido, with strong winds and snow affecting areas from northern Tohoku through the Hokuriku region along the Sea of Japan coast. This means transportation disruptions could affect connecting flights and alternative travel routes for those trying to reach or leave the affected areas. Foreign residents should be aware that Japanese winter weather warnings carry serious implications. The term "moufubuki" (猛吹雪), used in official warnings and translated as "severe blizzard," indicates conditions where visibility drops to near zero and travel becomes life-threatening. Similarly, warnings about "boufu" (暴風) or violent winds suggest conditions that can make even short trips dangerous. Expats planning travel through Hokkaido or northern Japan should check flight status directly with airlines before heading to airports, as cancellations may continue beyond the initial warning period. Those already in the region should avoid unnecessary travel and ensure they have adequate supplies if stranded. International travelers should also verify their travel insurance coverage for weather-related delays and cancellations. The timing of this weather system is particularly challenging as it occurs during the busy December travel season, when many foreign residents may be planning trips home for holidays or hosting visitors from abroad. Those with connecting flights through New Chitose Airport should build extra time into their itineraries and consider alternative routing if possible. Japanese transportation authorities typically provide updates in Japanese first, so expats should utilize translation apps or English-language news sources like NHK World for the latest information. Airport websites and airline apps generally offer English-language updates on flight status. As climate patterns continue to evolve, severe winter weather events in Hokkaido may become more unpredictable. Foreign residents in northern Japan should familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and weather warning systems to ensure safety during future winter storms.