Weather officials are warning of more heavy snow, mainly along the Sea of Japan coast from northern to western Japan, as a winter pressure pattern is expected to intensify again.

The Meteorological Agency says another cold air mass will stream in through Saturday.

The officials say they also expect heavy snow in mountainous areas on the Pacific side, and snow accumulation in low-lying areas.

Snow is forecast to intensify from around noon on Thursday mainly in mountainous areas. It will also snow on flatlands in the evening.

Maximum snowfall over the 24-hour period through Friday morning is expected to be 80 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture, 60 centimeters in the Hokuriku region, 50 centimeters in the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions, 40 centimeters in the Tohoku and Kinki regions, 30 centimeters in the Chugoku region and 15 centimeters in the Shikoku region.

In the 24 hours through Saturday morning, up to 90 centimeters of snow is expected in Niigata Prefecture, 80 centimeters in the Hokuriku and Kanto-Koshin regions, 70 centimeters in the Tohoku and Kinki regions, 60 centimeters in the Chugoku region, 50 centimeters in the Tokai region and 10 centimeters in the Shikoku region.

Weather officials are warning of strong winds, mainly in areas along the Sea of Japan coast from northern to western Japan through Saturday. The seas are also expected to become rough.

The officials are urging people to be on the alert for traffic disruptions caused by heavy snow, icy roads, blizzards and snowdrifts. They are also urging caution against strong winds, high waves, avalanches, and snow accumulation on power lines and trees.