More snow forecast for eastern, northern Japan

Japan's weather agency on Saturday warned that a strong cold mass over the nation will bring more snow to the country's eastern and northern regions. Snowfall has intensified in Chugoku and Hokuriku regions on Friday and Saturday due to the cold mass along with a winter-type pressure pattern.



As of 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, 81 cm of snow had accumulated in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, 76 cm in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, 37 cm in Minamiechizen Town, Fukui Prefecture, and 29 cm in Kitahiroshima Town, Hiroshima Prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

Although the winter pressure pattern will gradually weaken, a cold mass over the nation will continue to bring more snow mainly to the Sea of Japan side of the country's eastern and northern regions, JMA said, adding that off-and-on snowfalls are expected there through Monday.



Since many people are returning home from their New Year holiday destinations, the agency warned that snow and ice on the roads could disrupt traffic, urging citizens to check out the latest weather and traffic information.



Weather officials also urged people to be on the alert for avalanches and power outages stemming from snow on utility cables.