Weather officials say heavy snow is expected in many parts of Japan through Monday, in particular, areas along the Sea of Japan coast in western to northern regions.

They are advising people in many parts of the country to stay on alert for the possibility that heavy snow may cause road traffic disruptions, or power outages.

The Meteorological Agency says a cold air mass is blowing in due to a winter-type pressure pattern around Japan. It is bringing snow not only to areas along the Sea of Japan coast, but also Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido on Thursday.

Snow is intensifying in mountainous areas of Chugoku in western Japan. During the three hours through 6 p.m., the town of Kitahiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture had 16 centimeters of snow, while the town of Ohnan in Shimane Prefecture had 15 centimeters.

Over the weekend and through Monday, heavy snow, high winds and other stormy conditions are forecast for Niigata, where heavy snow has fallen recently, and in other areas along the Sea of Japan coast in eastern to western Japan, as well as northern Japan.

The cold air mass is likely to linger over much of Japan for several days, and could also bring heavy snow to mountainous areas along the Pacific coast in western and eastern Japan, and even to some plains.

During the 24 hours through Friday evening, Hokuriku can expect one meter of snow; Niigata and Chugoku 80 centimeters; Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Tokai 60 centimeters; Kansai 50 centimeters; Shikoku and northern Kyushu 40 centimeters; and southern Kyushu 20 centimeters.
It will also be windy across much of the country overnight and on Friday. Winds of up to 90 kilometers per hour are forecast for Hokkaido, Hokuriku and Niigata. Winds of up to 83 kilometers per hour are expected in Tohoku, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku and southern Kyushu.

The Sea of Japan will be stormy. Pacific coastal areas of Hokkaido can expect storm surges, and flooding in low-lying areas.

Blizzard conditions in some areas could reduce visibility to zero. Weather officials say local residents are advised to check the latest weather information and to refrain from going out unless absolutely necessary.