TOKYO - A strong winter pressure pattern and the season's most intense cold air mass are set to bring heavy snow and strong winds to areas along the Sea of Japan starting Tuesday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

In the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning, heavy snow is expected, with up to 50 cm in Hokkaido, 40 cm in Hokuriku, 30 cm in Tohoku, 25 cm in Gifu Prefecture, 20 cm in Kinki, Chugoku, and Niigata Prefecture, and 10 cm in northern Kyushu.

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By the morning of Feb 5, snowfall will further increase, reaching 70 cm in Tohoku, Hokuriku, Niigata, and Gifu, 50 cm in Hokkaido, Kinki, and Chugoku, 20 cm in Shikoku and northern Kyushu, and 15 cm in southern Kyushu.

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Strong winds will also accompany the snowfall, with maximum wind speeds reaching 23 meters per second in Hokkaido and 20 meters per second in Tohoku, with gusts of up to 35 and 30 meters per second, respectively. High waves and rough seas are expected, with some areas experiencing stormy conditions.

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The JMA warns of potentially disruptive snowfall and blizzards, urging residents to prepare by checking fuel supplies, emergency provisions, and travel plans.