Japanese weather officials are warning of heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan, spanning from western to northern Japan, from Thursday to Friday.

They say the season's first heavy snow may hit western Japan and are advising residents to stay updated with the latest weather information.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says a winter pressure pattern is expected to strengthen due to an incoming cold air mass, which is expected to be the strongest so far this season, from Thursday to Friday.

This is expected to bring rough weather with snow and winds to areas along the Sea of Japan from western to northern Japan.

In particular, the Kinki, Chugoku and northern Kyushu regions and some parts of the Tokai region may experience extremely heavy snow if it continues to fall in the same areas or if more snow clouds develop than expected.

The weather agency says that in the 24 hours through Thursday evening, snowfall is expected to total 20 to 40 centimeters in the Hokuriku, Kinki, Tokai and Chugoku regions and Niigata Prefecture, 10 to 20 centimeters in Nagano Prefecture, and 5 to 10 centimeters in northern Kyushu. Officials say snowfall will continue in these areas even after that period.

Active snow clouds may intermittently flow into the Hokuriku and Kinki regions from the Sea of Japan, possibly causing heavy snowfall in certain areas.

Weather officials warn that snowfall and frozen roads may cause traffic disruptions. They are urging caution against strong winds, high waves, lightening, tornadoes, and power outages due to avalanches and snow accumulating on power lines.