February 21

Strong winds and heavy snow have forced the cancellations of 683 train runs in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido and 134 flights serving the region.

Hokkaido Railway Company says the 683 runs include all the limited express train trips that were scheduled for Monday. It says all the rapid train trips on the line that links New Chitose Airport with Sapporo City and elsewhere are also included.

Airlines have reportedly canceled 134 flights. Sixty of the canceled flights are Japan Airlines flights, 45 are All Nippon Airways flights, and 22 are Peach Aviation flights. Some other airlines have also decided to cancel flights.

JR Hokkaido and the airlines are calling on travelers to get the latest information. They say they may cancel more services, depending on the weather.

NHK