Heavy snow is expected to continue across a wide area of Japan, mainly along the Sea of Japan coast. People in the area are being advised to exercise caution when traveling.



The Japan Meteorological Agency says a winter pressure pattern and a strong cold air mass are causing intermittent snow in areas along the Sea of Japan coast between the Hokuriku and the Chugoku regions.



As of 5 a.m. on Monday, snow was 5.01 meters deep in the Sukayu area of Aomori Prefecture; 3.84 meters deep in Uonuma City Niigata Prefecture; 3.32 meters in Ohkura Village, Yamagata Prefecture, and 1.24 meters deep in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture.



Heavy snow can be expected even in areas that usually receive little snow, such as central Kinki and low-lying areas of Shikoku.



Snow predicted for the 24-hour period through Tuesday morning could reach up to 30 centimeters in Niigata Prefecture, the Hokuriku region, and the Chugoku region.



Weather officials are calling on people to be on the alert for traffic disruptions, avalanches, snow falling from roofs, power outages and fallen trees caused by snow.