Traffic in Nagano city proceeds in a snow-covered street during a heavy snow storm which hit the central and eastern Japan Thursday Jan. 15 1998. The overnight snow fall delayed Japanese railway systems and cancelled most domestic flights. Nagano city officials who have been anxious about a lack of snow for some time, welcome the efficient amount of snow to fill up venues for the upcoming Olympic games, but also fear that a similar storm could paralyze them. AP Photo/Kyodo

Huge snowfall raises concern at Nagano Olympics

Web posted January 17, 1998

By JEFF LEINAWEAVER
Associated Press Writer

NAGANO, Japan -- After a spell of warm weather, organizers of the 1998 Winter Olympics were delighted when snow finally fell on central Japan last week, blanketing the principal venues with powder.

There was only one problem: The snow never stopped.

Record amounts of snow were dumped this week in the Nagano area, paralyzing transportation, forcing businesses and schools to shut down, and prompting the question: What if this happens during the games?

``I only hope they have a plan for the Olympics, because they don't have one now,'' said Nagano resident Sachiko Morishita.

The snow shut down the main airport. Trains stopped running. Nagano's only highway was closed to traffic, stranding commuters.

The fear is that a similar storm could paralyze the games. Nagano officials appealed for calm.

``The Nagano Olympic Organizing Committee is working with Japan Rail and the airport'' to resolve transportation problems, said Toshio Kondo, a committee official.

Nagano residents expressed a less rosy view, saying that Olympic organizers might not have the skills required to handle crisis situations.

Even more than most alpine areas, the Nagano area is known for sudden weather changes. Anything from strong winds to fog, and, as was seen this week, blizzards could play havoc with Olympic schedules.

One of the Olympic sites was hit with 28 inches of snow Thursday, breaking a 100-year record. More snow is forecast for next week.

Until last week, organizers were wondering about whether Nagano's venues would get enough snow. Grassy patches dotted the principal venues -- places where snow was needed in abundance.