Weather officials in Japan say snowfalls are expected to continue through Sunday mainly in mountainous areas in Hokkaido through Kyushu.

The Meteorological Agency says a strong winter pressure pattern around Japan has been bringing in a cold air mass, causing heavy snow in Hokkaido through the Chugoku region.

The snow has been falling mainly in mountainous areas, but some flatlands in the Pacific side of the country also saw snow accumulation on Saturday morning. It reached 10 centimeters in Nagoya City, central Japan.

Some parts on the Japan Sea coast of northern to western Japan had snow accumulation three times that of an average year.

As of 6 p.m. on Saturday, snowfall had reached 1.28 meters in Shirataki, Engaru Town in Hokkaido, 1.23 meters in Oguni Town, Yamagata Prefecture, and 1.07 meters in Sumon, Uonuma City in Niigata Prefecture.

Agency officials say although the rough weather has passed its peak, heavy snowfall is still likely in mountainous areas because the winter pressure pattern will remain through Sunday.

Niigata Prefecture and the Tohoku region are forecast to have up to 60 centimeters of snow in the 24 hours through Sunday evening. Hokkaido and the Kanto-Koshin region could see 40 centimeters, the Hokuriku, Tokai and Chugoku regions 30 centimeters and the Kinki region 20 centimeters.

Strong winds are also expected in some parts of Japan through Sunday. The agency also forecasts rough seas in waters near Hokkaido through Kyushu.

Agency officials say the winter pressure pattern will ease on Monday.

They are urging people to stay on the alert for traffic disruptions caused by snow and icy roads, as well as for high waves, power outages and avalanches.