TOKYO, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency said Friday that heavy snowfall is expected to fall in northern and western regions along the Sea of Japan coast through the weekend, as the country prepares for a general election on Sunday.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said a rapidly developing low-pressure system has led to a strong winter pressure pattern near the archipelago.
The agency warned that blizzards could strike Hokkaido while heavy snow is likely in the Chugoku region around Hiroshima on Friday, raising the risk of traffic disruptions. During the 24-hour period through 6 a.m. Saturday, Hokkaido is expected to see snowfall of up to 50 cm.
In the subsequent 24-hour period through 6 a.m. Sunday, up to 70 cm of snow is forecast for the Hokuriku region in central Japan. Hokkaido, Tohoku and the Chugoku region may each receive up to 50 cm, while the Kinki region around Osaka and Kyoto could see as much as 40 cm, according to the agency.
Snowfall across Japan since Jan. 20 has left 42 people dead and 486 injured nationwide, the country's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said on Friday. ■