A fierce Siberian-driven winter storm slammed into Hokkaido, burying Sapporo under record snowfall, paralyzing transport and daily life, and leaving residents exhausted and shaken as an entire city struggled to breathe beneath the weight of relentless snow.

SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO — What began as a routine winter forecast escalated into a full-scale regional crisis as a powerful winter storm swept across northern Japan this week, burying Sapporo and surrounding cities under meters of snow, crippling transportation networks, and forcing thousands of residents to dig their way out of homes and cars in near-whiteout conditions.

By early morning, entire neighborhoods in Hokkaido’s capital appeared frozen in time, with cars reduced to unrecognizable mounds and streets erased beneath thick, wind-packed drifts.

The storm intensified rapidly late Sunday night, driven by a strong Siberian air mass colliding with moisture over the Sea of Japan.

By Monday afternoon, snowfall rates in parts of Sapporo exceeded 6 centimeters per hour, according to local meteorological offices, triggering heavy snow warnings across central and northern Hokkaido.

In some wards, total accumulation surpassed seasonal averages in less than 24 hours, overwhelming snow removal crews already stretched thin by an unusually active winter.

“I opened my door and couldn’t see my car anymore,” said Kenji Sato, a 54-year-old office worker in Sapporo’s Kita Ward, speaking while shoveling a narrow path through chest-high snow.

“It felt like the city disappeared overnight.

Even the sound was gone.

Just wind and snow.”

Transportation disruptions rippled quickly through the region.

JR Hokkaido announced widespread suspensions and delays across multiple rail lines, citing blocked tracks, frozen switches, and limited visibility.

Commuter services in and out of Sapporo were halted for hours at a time, stranding passengers and forcing companies to urge employees to work remotely where possible.

New Chitose Airport, the main air hub for northern Japan, canceled and delayed dozens of domestic and international flights as runways required constant clearing and aircraft de-icing operations slowed turnaround times.

Airport officials described the situation as “fluid and highly weather-dependent,” urging travelers to monitor updates closely.

Inside the terminal, passengers slept on benches wrapped in coats and blankets, while staff distributed water and basic supplies.

“We prepare for snow every winter,” one airport employee said quietly, “but storms like this push every system to its limit.”

Emergency services across Hokkaido reported a spike in weather-related incidents, including traffic accidents on icy roads, collapsed carports, and residents suffering exhaustion while clearing snow.

Local authorities warned of the heightened risk of roof collapses as heavy, wet snow accumulated on older structures, urging homeowners to remove snow in stages and avoid working alone.

Fire departments also cautioned against improper use of heaters, noting an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during prolonged cold spells.

The storm’s impact extended beyond urban centers.

In rural areas outside Sapporo, farming communities faced blocked access roads and delayed deliveries of food and fuel.

Convenience store shelves in some neighborhoods emptied quickly as residents stocked up, while municipal governments opened temporary warming shelters for those experiencing power outages or inadequate heating.

Although widespread blackouts were avoided, officials acknowledged that the grid remained under strain as temperatures dropped well below freezing overnight.

Meteorologists described the event as part of a broader pattern of increasingly volatile winter weather affecting northern Japan.

While Hokkaido is no stranger to heavy snow, the intensity and frequency of extreme snowfall events in recent years have raised concerns among climate researchers and local planners.

“This is not just about one storm,” said a regional weather analyst during a televised briefing.

“We are seeing systems that dump enormous amounts of snow in very short periods, which challenges infrastructure designed for steadier accumulation.”

For residents, the storm brought both hardship and a familiar resilience.

Schools across Sapporo closed temporarily, children turning snowbound streets into makeshift sled runs while adults focused on clearing paths and checking on elderly neighbors.

“It’s dangerous, yes,” said Yumi Takahashi, a shop owner near Odori Park, “but people here help each other.

We always have.”

As snow continued to fall into Tuesday, authorities warned that recovery would be slow.

Even after the storm weakens, clearing roads, restoring full rail service, and reopening flight schedules could take days.

Officials urged residents to limit nonessential travel, conserve energy, and remain alert for further advisories.

In Sapporo, the snow shows no sign of mercy — only patience — settling quietly over rooftops and streets, reminding the city that winter here is not just a season, but a force capable of reshaping daily life in a single night.