Record Snow Destroys Japan's Apple Orchards; Cold Sends Romania's Gas Prices Soaring; "The Freezer Door Is About To Be Opened (Again!)"; Snow Error; + No, Cartí Sugdupu Isn't Sinking

"Trees aged 50 years have snapped under the weight (of the snow)."

Record Snow Destroys Japan's Apple Orchards

Japan's record snow is reported to have devastated Aomori Prefecture apple orchards in, the country's largest apple-producing region. Authorities fear losses could exceed 10 billion yen ($65 million).

Hirosaki City has registered an unprecedented 126 cm (4+ft) of snow—and counting—with the heavy accumulation snapping trunks and breaking branches across orchards in 11 municipalities. The autumn harvest in Aomori, responsible for 60% of Japan's apples, now faces decimation.

Yoshimoto Kudo, 85, who manages 150 trees on a 4,000-square-meter orchard, reported extensive damage: "Many branches are broken, and trunks of trees aged 50 to 60 years have snapped under the weight," he said.

Efforts to mitigate the damage, such as applying snow-melting agents, such as calcium chloride and/or salt, and reinforcing tree branches, have provided only limited relief, while uncleared farm roads have left three of his five orchards inaccessible.

Kudo estimates a quarter of his trees are affected, though the full extent remains hidden beneath the snow.

The trunk of a 50-year-old apple tree snapped under the weight of the record snow in Aomori, northeastern Japan.

The Aomori prefectural government has allocated emergency funds to combat the crisis, supporting measures like drone-operated snow-melting and other relief efforts.

Officials warn that with the additional February snow on the way the damage will only worsen. Comprehensive assessments are planned once conditions improve.

Cold Sends Romania's Gas Prices Soaring

Eastern Europe's brutal cold spell has sent Romania's gas prices soaring