Snow storm knocks out power in Japan

TOKYO, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Snow storms and bad weather in Japan have disrupted trains and planes in Hokkaido and cut power across Aomori Prefecture.

Kyodo reported Sunday that in Hokkaido, more than 270 train runs connecting Sapporo, Wakkanai and Abashiri were suspended because of heavy snow.

Meanwhile, more than 140 flights in an out of New Chitose International Airport were canceled.

In Aomori Prefecture, as many as 50,000 households have been intermittently without power, Kyodo reported.

Utility companies said the winds were so strong they severed power lines and broke utility poles.