Record snowfall causes major traffic disruptions in Japan

Japan deployed the military to help residents trapped by record snowfall that has blanketed parts of the country, with 10,000 homes losing power in the north and west. Over 72 hours, a record 2.17 metres (7.12 feet) of snow fell in Minakami, Gunma prefecture, while Yuzawa in Niigata prefecture -- famous for skiing -- got a record 1.8 metres of snow on Thursday morning.

In pic: Vehicles are stranded on the snow-covered Kanetsu expressway in Minamiuonuma in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

Vehicles are stranded on the snow-covered Kanetsu expressway in Minamiuonuma in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

People remove snow on a street in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

A woman removes snow on a street in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

A snowplow (L) clears a path as traffic is seen stuck along the snow-covered Kan-etsu expressway at Minamiuonuma, Niigata prefecture.