INTERNATIONAL: Heavy snow has continued to pummel northern and western Japan on Monday, a day after more than 100 domestic flights in Japan were grounded due to bad weather.

A footage shows workers clearing icy roads in Minamiuonuma, Niigata prefecture, even amidst heavy snow which completely buried parked vehicles. About 35 inches of snow is expected to fall in the mountainous areas of Niigata prefecture by Tuesday, 28 December.

Japan Meteorological Agency has warned heavy snow could leave vehicles stranded on roads, urging people to refrain from non-essential outings in areas along the Sea of Japan.