Satellite Image Shows Scale of Japan's Record-Breaking Winter - SnowBrains

"A newly released satellite image from Europe's Copernicus Earth observation program offers a striking look at the extraordinary winter Japan has been experiencing-one defined by record-level snowfall. Captured on February 10 by a Sentinel-2 satellite, the image shows Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast almost entirely buried beneath snow. Cities, farmland, and surrounding mountains are visible only as faint shapes under a vast white blanket, illustrating just how extreme accumulation has become after weeks of relentless storms."

"According to Copernicus, Japan has been dealing with record-breaking snowfall since late January 2026. The prolonged snow cycle has led to major nationwide impacts, including dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries, transportation shutdowns, and extensive damage to infrastructure. Much of the danger has come not only from the depth of the snow itself, but from secondary risks such as avalanches, roof collapses, and hazardous cleanup conditions."

"Persistent storm tracks moving off the Sea of Japan have repeatedly dumped large amounts of lake-effect-style snow across the prefecture's coastal plains and mountainous terrain. Copernicus says satellite monitoring plays a critical role during winters like this. By mapping snow extent and tracking how long it persists on the ground, the data helps authorities evaluate impacts, anticipate hazards, and improve preparedness during extreme weather events."

Europe's Copernicus Earth observation program released a Sentinel-2 satellite image captured on February 10 showing Niigata Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast almost entirely buried beneath snow. Japan has experienced record-breaking snowfall since late January 2026, producing nationwide impacts including dozens of deaths, hundreds of injuries, transportation shutdowns, and extensive infrastructure damage. Hazards include deep snow, avalanches, roof collapses, and hazardous cleanup conditions. Niigata, about 300 kilometers northwest of Tokyo and historically prone to heavy snow, has been especially hard hit by repeated storm tracks producing lake-effect-style snow. Satellite monitoring of snow extent and persistence supports hazard evaluation and preparedness.

Read at SnowBrains