The weather bomb

In Japan wind speeds are measured in metres per second. So, instead of 130 kilometres per hour, the weather forecast is given as 35 metres per second. This is what they are forecasting for Hokkaido tonight, rising to 40 metres tomorrow (145 kph). As of this afternoon, 3:00pm Japan time the weather chart looks like this:

By 9:00am tomorrow morning it's due to look like this.

The barometric low of 948 millibars around which all those jammed lines are furiously circulating is equivalent to the strongest typhoon to have hit Japan this year. However, unlike the typhoon, this storm is bringing with it sub zero gale force winds and snow. Lots and lots of it. The local NHK weather forecaster, with a noticeable tremor in his voice, told us all to prepare for upwards of 80cms of snow between now and Thursday. All schools in Muroran have already decided to close tomorrow and may do so again on Thursday.
Our big concern is a blackout. Our house is what they call 'all denka', all electricity: everything from the cooking to the heating to the toilet flush is powered by electricity. Should we suffer a prolonged power cut we would have a hard time keeping the house warm (and pleasant smelling).
But all is not lost. Daddy's accumulation over the years of various camping tools means we have a gas stove for everyone in the family, along with head lamps, water bottles, down sleeping bags and, ahem, a portable 'field' toilet. Sanae is really hoping it doesn't come to that though Cian appears to relish the chance to 'get back to nature'.