Japanese weather officials have issued heavy snow warnings for suburban Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. They are warning of possible disruptions to road traffic and public transport.

As of 15:00 Friday, the depth of snow was 19 centimeters in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture; 18 centimeters in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture; and 9 centimeters in Fukushima City. Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture had 5 centimeters, while Saitama City had 4 centimeters.

Heavy snow warnings are in effect in Tokyo's Tama area and in Saitama, Gunma, Yamanashi, Nagano and Shizuoka prefectures.

A heavy snow warning in Tokyo's 23 wards has been switched to an advisory. Still, snow has accumulated in parts of central Tokyo.

Snowfall is expected to intensify intermittently along the Pacific in the Kanto-Koshin and Tohoku regions through dawn on Saturday. Heavy snow could blanket the plains that usually receive little snow.

During the 24 hours through Saturday noon, snowfall could reach up to 40 centimeters in northern Kanto; 30 centimeters on the Pacific coastal areas of Koshin and Tohoku; 20 centimeters in Hakone, Tama and Chichibu; 15 centimeters in Shizuoka Prefecture; and 12 centimeters in the plains in southern Kanto. Tokyo's 23 wards may receive up to 10 centimeters of snow.

Some roads are already closed off. Weather officials are warning of further traffic disruptions.

They 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 traffic information.

People are also advised to watch out for icy roads and possible power outages.