Japanese authorities are warning that heavy snow is expected in areas hit by the New Year's Day earthquake and across wider regions in the country.

The Meteorological Agency and the land, infrastructure and transport ministry made an emergency announcement on Monday.

The agency forecast snow from Tuesday through Thursday. It said a winter pressure pattern will strengthen with an inflow of this season's coldest air mass. It warned of significant snowfall that could trigger a snow warning mainly on the Japan Sea side of eastern and western Japan.

The agency also said developing snow clouds will bring heavy snowfall in the Hokuriku region, where the quake occurred, as well as the northern Kansai and Chugoku regions.

It says gusty winds in northern Japan through Thursday will cause rough sea conditions. It adds that high winds accompanying snow will also cause high waves in Hokuriku.

Agency official Kishimoto Kenji said cold air will keep flowing over Japan in the next several days. He noted that heavy snow is in the forecast even for the flatlands on the Pacific coast, which usually sees only light snowfall.

Kishimoto alerted people to be prepared for road traffic and public transportation disruptions caused by heavy snow and blizzard conditions. He also warned that snow could cause buildings that had been damaged by the quake to collapse under its weight. He said flooding by storm surges is a serious concern for beach facilities.

The land, infrastructure and transport ministry warned drivers to avoid potentially getting stuck on snowy roads.

The ministry said in December, 2022, it took 38 hours to reopen sections of a national highway, with many vehicles stranded by snow in Niigata Prefecture's Kashiwazaki City and other cities.

Ministry official Nishizawa Kentaro advised drivers to keep checking the latest weather and road traffic information. He asked people to work from home if possible and refrain from going outside in heavy snow unless it is absolutely necessary.

Nishizawa said if people have to drive, they should put winter tires and tire chains on their vehicles before snowfall intensifies. He added they should carry snow shovels in their vehicle and take safer routes.