Heavy snowfall is expected on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu and Hokkaido from Wednesday through Sunday, with significant travel disruption likely.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that these weather conditions are likely to persist for several days in both mountainous and lowland areas, increasing the risk of significant accumulation.

Some localities could be hit repeatedly by snowfall, and heavy snow might also be observed on the Pacific side of Honshu, especially in the Tokai region, which includes Shizuoka, Mie, Gifu and Aichi prefectures, the JMA added.

Heavy snowfall is expected all along the Sea of Japan side of Honshu, from Tohoku down to Chugoku. Formal advisories have been issued in some places, including Tohoku.

In the Hokuriku region, which includes Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures, estimated snowfall over a 24-hour period could reach as much as 100 centimeters (39 inches).

People in affected areas are advised to avoid nonessential travel during that period, and exercise caution if travel is unavoidable, the transportation ministry and the JMA said Monday.

The transportation ministry urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are equipped with winter tires and to prepare to install tire chains. Drivers are also advised to carry winter equipment, such as shovels and sand.

Shippers were asked to refrain from making urgent transportation requests to trucking companies.

Beware of icy roads, slippery surfaces that could cause falls and snow falling from rooftops, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tuesday afternoon.

¡°Given that heavy snowfall is forecast to continue for an extended period, we ask that you reconfirm your stockpiles of food, water and fuel,¡± he added.

The transportation ministry said it would ramp up inspections to confirm that commercial vehicles on the roads are equipped with winter tires. If large vehicles become stranded due to inadequate preparation and cause severe disruption, administrative penalties may be imposed.

Authorities also warned that simultaneous closures of expressways and national highways are possible, while public transportation services may face delays or cancellations.

As of Tuesday afternoon, some train services operated by Hokkaido Railway Company had been suspended or delayed due to heavy snowfall and low temperatures.

East Japan Railway Company said Tuesday it would offer full, free refunds for unused tickets for same-day travel cancelled by the passenger due to heavy snow. Eligible tickets are those covering certain portions of the Hanawa, Kitakami and Tsugaru lines, all located in the Tohoku region.

The government on Tuesday afternoon set up a liaison office inside the Prime Minister¡¯s Office to gather more information regarding the anticipated snowfall.