Rain is expected to turn to snow in some areas of central Japan that were hit by a massive earthquake on Monday.

The magnitude 7.6 quake registered the maximum level of 7 on the Japanese intensity scale in the town of Shika, Ishikawa Prefecture. Seismic activities registered upper 6 in the cities of Nanao, Wajima and Suzu, and the town of Anamizu.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says that the cold air mass is strong for this season and it is moving in over the Hokuriku region and neighboring Niigata Prefecture.

They say rain is likely to turn to snow early tonight and it is forecast to intensify even in the plains through Monday morning.

Up to 60 centimeters of snow is expected in mountainous areas and 25 centimeters in plains in Ishikawa Prefecture, 90 centimeters in mountainous areas and 30 centimeters in the plains of Niigata Prefecture during the 24 hours till Monday morning.

Also 70 centimeters of snow is expected in mountainous areas and 40 centimeters in the plains of Toyama Prefecture, and 60 centimeters in mountainous areas and 10 centimeters in the plains of Fukui Prefecture.

More snow is forecast to fall later on.

Weather officials are calling for caution as heavy rain in the areas where soil grew loose with the quake may result in mudslides.

They also say that snow can hinder visibility, making it difficult to identify irregular conditions such as caved-in or cracked roads.

Officials are warning that heavy snow can cause further traffic disruptions, damage to farm facilities and icy roads.