Violent winds and snow are making it impossible for some commuters to navigate northern Japan.
More than 30 cars stalled along one road in Hokkaido alone as a blizzard brought 112-km-per-hour winds.
One driver says he has no alternate route, as side roads are also closed.
With visibility reduced to five meters, trains and flights in the regional capital Sapporo have been cancelled.
(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) UNIDENTIFIED RAILWAY PASSENGER SAYING:
"This happens over and over again. It's incredible."
Hokkaido's severe wintery conditions are expected to continue through Thursday.
