Heavy snow forecast for areas mainly along Sea of​​ Japan over the weekend

Weather officials in Japan are forecasting heavy snow for areas mainly along the Sea of​​ Japan over the weekend. They say the dump could create a risk of avalanches, and are also cautioning people to watch out for snow falling from rooftops.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says a strong winter pressure pattern and a cold air mass are affecting areas running from Hokkaido down to the Chugoku region. The snow is intensifying in the prefectures of Niigata and Nagano, and also in the Hokuriku region.

The 24 hours through Sunday morning could deliver up to 90 centimeters in mountainous parts of the Hokuriku region and Niigata Prefecture, 70 centimeters in the regions of Tokai and Kansai, 60 centimeters in the Tohoku region, and 50 centimes in.

Officials say the cold air mass is expected to move across to the Pacific Ocean, which means snow may also accumulate in the flatlands of Tokai and elsewhere.

They say the conditions could disrupt transport services.

In some areas along the Sea of​​ Japan coast, the amount of snow that has accumulated is already more than double that of an average year.