Japan hit by record-breaking – and deadly – snowfall – Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes, hundreds injured, and at least 13 killed as record-breaking snowstorms barreled past Tokyo. More than one meter (three feet) of snow fell in some areas. The snow forced airports to cancel flights and closed roads on Saturday. Reports said roofs of buildings had collapsed under the weight of snow in some areas, and hundreds of drivers had been left stranded in miles-long traffic jams. Some 27cm of snow was dumped on Tokyo on Friday and Saturday, and several other cities reported record snowfall.
Heavy snow in Japan causes at least 13 deaths -Shuts down highways, collapses roofs, forces cancellation of more than 600 flights 16 Feb 14 – Much of Japan was blanketed with heavy snow over the weekend. Up to 10.6 inches of snow covered Tokyo, causing blackouts as it moved north along the coast, stopping train service and closing off highways. According to local media reports, 13 snow-related deaths were reported across seven prefectures. With snowplows unable to keep up, trucks and cars were stuck on highways for hours. Tokyo Electric Power Company said 109,000 households were without power in five prefectures just outside of Tokyo.
India – Heavy snowfall in Himachal -People remained without milk, bread, vegetables and other commodities and there was no supply of newspapers in the morning. All schools in the Shimla district have been closed for tomorrow following heavy snowfall. http://zeenews.india.com/news/himachal-pradesh/heavy-snowfall-hit-normal-life-in-himachal_911934.html
South Korea roof collapses under heavy snow, 9 dead – The roof of a resort auditorium in the southeastern city of Gyeongju collapsed during a welcoming ceremony for South Korean university freshmen, killing nine, trapping 10, and sending about 80 to hospitals with minor injuries, according to officials at the state-run National Emergency Management Agency.
Bridgeport, Connecticut on track for snowiest February EVER – During the last 10 years, Bridgeport has endured the top three snowiest February’s on record, and this February is barely half over. Bridgeport, CT – 15 Feb 14 In fact, Bridgeport is on track for the snowiest February on record. For those who aren’t familiar with the location, Bridgeport lies on the Connecticut coast in the northeastern United States.
More collapsing roofs – Up to 10 roof collapses due to the heavy snow were reported in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut from this latest storm, NBC New York reported. In Lancaster, Pennsylvaina, NBC affiliate WGAL-TV returned to the air at midday — more than 20 hours after ceasing its live broadcast when a portion of its station roof collapsed.