Updated

The Tokyo area has been hit by a rare heavy snowfall, stalling trains, grounding flights, and blanketing roads and skyscrapers with snow.

By mid-afternoon Saturday, around 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow had fallen.

After issuing its first heavy snowfall warning for central Tokyo in 13 years, the Japan Meteorological Agency said snow and rain would continue through the night, but that skies would clear gradually Sunday.

Several universities in Tokyo delayed the start of entrance exams because of delays in metropolitan trains and subways, known for almost always being on time.

Major carriers Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways suspended domestic flights from Tokyo's Haneda airport. Some bullet trains were delayed and parts of expressways were closed.