Japanese weather officials have issued heavy snow warnings for suburban Tokyo and other prefectures. They are warning of more possible disruptions to road traffic and public transport.

As of 18:00 Friday, the depth of snow was 26 centimeters in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture; 20 centimeters in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture; and 13 centimeters in Fukushima City. Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture had 8 centimeters, while Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture had 6 centimeters.

Heavy snow warnings are in effect in Tokyo's Tama area and in Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi, Yamanashi, Nagano, Shizuoka and Miyagi prefectures.

A heavy snow warning in Tokyo's 23 wards has been switched to an advisory.

Snowfall is expected to intensify intermittently, mainly along the mountains in the Kanto-Koshin and Tohoku regions through dawn on Saturday.

During the 24 hours through late Saturday afternoon, snowfall could reach up to 30 centimeters in southern Tohoku; 20 centimeters in northern Kanto and Koshin; 7 centimeters in Hakone, Tama and Chichibu; 5 centimeters in Shizuoka Prefecture; and 3 centimeters in the plains in southern Kanto. Tokyo's 23 wards may receive up to one centimeter of snow.

Weather officials are warning of traffic disruptions. They cite multiple reports of vehicles slipping on icy roads or getting stuck in snow.

Officials are advising motorists to avoid non-essential outings and to use vehicles with winter tires and snow chains if they need to go out.

They say people using public transport should stay up to date on the latest traffic information.