Japan is bracing for heavy snow as a cold wave is expected to stay near the Japanese archipelago through the weekend.

Northern Hokkaido received record snowfall on February 4.

The city of Obihiro observed 124 centimeters of snowfall in 24 hours by 11AM, reaching a record-high since record-keeping began.

The Japan Meteorological Agency and the transport ministry held a joint news conference on February 3 and called on locals to refrain from making unnecessary outings.

100 centimeters of snow is expected through the morning of February 5 in the Hokuriku region along the Sea of Japan.

The same amount of snow is expected in central Japan through the morning of February 6.

Officials have called on people to be vigilant for avalanches, snow falling from roofs and traffic congestion.