Winter storm creates havoc in Japan

A powerful winter-like snowstorm struck the Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido, toppling trees and causing numerous power outages, officials said. Hokkaido Electric Power Co. said 41,000 households in the port city of Muroran lost electricity while 58 flights had to be canceled at New Chitose Airport near Sapporo Tuesday, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported. In Muroran, trees downed by the snowstorm blocked roads causing traffic jams and prevented emergency vehicles from getting where they were needed. Fire stations in the city received reports of roofs being blown off and utility cables snapping.