【最強寒波】名神高速道路の立ち往生19時間に巻き込まれたドライバーに取材「まさかこうなるとは…」【めざまし８ニュース】

Summary

In Gifu Prefecture, near the Sekigahara Interchange, drivers face severe challenges due to heavy snowfall that has significantly worsened road conditions. This report highlights the aftermath of the season's strongest snowstorm, including major disruptions on highways and local roads, leading to extensive traffic jams and stranded drivers. Efforts to clear the snow have been ongoing, with some success in easing congestion, but the situation remains dire, with limited progress for vehicles, including trucks stuck in long queues. The narrative captures the struggles of drivers running low on supplies and fuel, the community's efforts to assist, and the broader impact of the snowstorm on transportation and emergency responses.

Takeaways

• ❄️ The area around Sekigahara, Gifu Prefecture, is experiencing severe road conditions due to heavy snowfall that started yesterday, making travel difficult.
• 🚗 Vehicles are moving slowly and cautiously due to the treacherous road conditions, with significant shaking and instability reported.
• 🚧 Major traffic jams occurred on National Route 21 last night, but intense snow removal efforts overnight have alleviated the congestion.
• ⏰ The Meishin Expressway saw traffic jams clear up around midnight going up and 4 AM going down, though general road conditions remain poor.
• 🌨️ The region is facing what is described as the season's strongest snowfall, leading to stranded drivers battling cold conditions.
• 🆘 Some drivers, including a truck driver, have been stuck without food or drink for over 11 hours, highlighting the severity of the situation.
• ⛽ Concerns are rising among drivers about running out of gas, with some conserving fuel by intermittently turning off their engines despite the cold.
• 🏠 Families of the stranded drivers are worried, sending messages of concern and encouragement.
• 🚒 Accidents and vehicle damage have occurred, including a car hitting a utility pole and a truck sliding off the road, emphasizing the dangerous driving conditions.
• 🍇 In Ishikawa Prefecture's Anamizu Town, a winery producing Notowine reported damage due to the earthquake, with significant loss of wine and delays in business operations due to the snow.

Q & A

What caused the major traffic disruptions?

Heavy snowfall from the previous day caused poor road conditions, leading to major traffic jams and accidents.

How long were some drivers stuck in the traffic jam?

Some drivers reported being stuck for over 11 hours.

What supplies were lacking for the stranded drivers?

Many drivers reported having no food or drinks while stuck.

What were drivers worried about running out of?

Drivers were worried about running out of gas since they had been idling for so long.

What message did the stranded driver receive from his family?

The family sent messages worried about him being stranded all night and asked if he had enough gas and supplies.

What caused the truck accident near the stranded drivers?

The truck slid off the snowy road and collided with a utility pole, heavily damaging the vehicle.

How did the earthquake damage the snow melting pipes?

The earthquake caused liquefaction which damaged some of the snow melting pipes, preventing them from working.

How did the damaged snow melting pipes impact recovery efforts?

With snow remaining on roads longer, recovery efforts for utilities and clearing debris were delayed.

How did an earthquake-damaged winery lose wine?

Tanks shifted from the earthquake vibrations, causing lids to open and 10,000 liters of wine to spill out.

What increased risk was caused by snow on damaged roads?

With roads damaged by the earthquake and snow removal impaired, driving conditions became more dangerous.