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3,400 people spend night at Tokyo airport after snowfall causes flight cancellations

Associated Press
Published | Updated

A woman walks in the snow as a man clear the way in Tokyo Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. This winter's first snow in Tokyo severely disrupted train services in the Japanese capital. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (The Associated Press)

People attempt to shield themselves as it snows in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (The Associated Press)

A man walks on a pedestrian bridge in the snow in Tokyo Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. This winter's first snow in Tokyo severely disrupted train services in the Japanese capital. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) (The Associated Press)

Tokyo's Narita International Airport operator says 3,400 travelers spent the night in the terminal after snow caused airlines to cancel 71 flights.

In the season's first snowfall in the Japanese capital, about 8 centimeters (3 inches) of snow fell in central Tokyo and around Narita on Monday — a national holiday in Japan. The snow snarled traffic and caused train delays.

Airport officials distributed sleeping bags, water and crackers to stranded travelers. Normal flight operations at Narita resumed Tuesday, except for a few delays.

Major train operator JR East said trains were running on schedule Tuesday.

Sections of several highways around Tokyo were still closed Tuesday as workers cleared away snow and ice.