A severe winter storm hit several parts of Japan over the holiday weekend, leaving 17 dead, over 90 injured, and hundreds without power.

Heavy snowfall impacted the northern half of the country, with parts of the region reporting three times the average snowfall this season. Several cities have seen record snowfall with Engaru registering over 35 inches of snow. Last week, areas of Nagaoka and Kashiwazaki received 28-30 inches of snow in a 24-hour period.

On Saturday, the death toll from the storm was 11. It rose to 17 on Monday morning following more snowfall over the holiday weekend. Kyodo News reported of one 85-year-old man dying during the storm after falling into a drain and a woman in her 70s found dead under a large pile of snow.

Over 93 people have been injured due to the heavy snowfall according to Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Most of the deaths have been attributed to people falling from roofs while removing snow or being buried underneath snow piles falling from rooftops. City officials in areas impacted by the storm have warned residents to be cautious while removing snow and to not work alone.

There were also reported to be about 20,000 homes that went without power on Sunday due to heavy snow that knocked down an electric transmission tower. According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry electricity has since been restored to a majority of homes.

Transportation has also been affected as over 200 flights were canceled and more than 150 trains were disrupted in the northern region of Hokkaido on Friday.

Last week, more than 800 cars and trucks were left stranded overnight on a congested highway in Kashiwazaki due to the storm's impact.

Japan Blizzard Winter