250 injured as heavy snow falls on eastern, northeastern Japan

Heavy snow hit many areas of eastern and northeastern Japan, including downtown Tokyo and other locations usually unaccustomed to snowfall, resulting in injuries to hundreds of people and disruptions to transport systems, Kyodo reported Monday.

The weather, caused by an atmospheric low pressure system that moved along Japan's Pacific coast, led to around 250 injuries chiefly due to falls on slippery roads and other accidents.

Many commuters were forced to line up at some railway stations in Tokyo during and after morning rush hours Monday following a significant reduction in the number of trains and restricted entry to stations due to overcrowding.

Japan Airlines Co. and All Nippon Airways Co. cancelled 197 domestic flights in total affecting more than 16,000 people.