Japan's meteorological agency says intermittent snowfall will continue to increase mainly on the Sea of Japan side of western to northern Japan through Saturday, with heavy snow expected.

The agency is calling on people to be careful of snow accumulation and frozen roads.

It says the snow is due to a midwinter-level cold air mass flowing in over Japan and a resulting winter pressure pattern.

For three hours through 6 p.m. on Thursday, 14 centimeters of snow fell in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, 10 centimeters in Sarufutsu Village, Hokkaido Prefecture, and 5 centimeters in the town of Kitahiroshima, in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The winter pressure pattern will likely last until Saturday, bringing more snow mainly to Sea of Japan coastal areas from western to northern Japan.

For 24 hours through Friday evening, up to 80 centimeters of snow is expected in Niigata Prefecture, 70 centimeters in the Hokuriku region, 60 centimeters in the Tokai region, and 50 centimeters in Hokkaido, and the Kinki and Chugoku regions.

Weather officials warn that some areas in the regions of Hokuriku, Kinki and Chugoku will have heavier snow affected by bands of snow clouds flowing in from the Sea of Japan. Such clouds are made by what is called a Japan Sea polar air mass convergence zone, or JPCZ.

The agency is warning of possible traffic disruptions due to heavy snow and icy roads. It is also urging people to be on alert against possible power failures and avalanches.

The agency and land ministry advise motorists to avoid non-essential outings and 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 information.