Japanese weather officials are forecasting stormy weather for the northern Japan on Friday, and advised caution against gusty winds and high waves.

Japan Meteorological Agency officials say two developing low pressure systems are approaching northern Japan. They are expected to merge over the Sea of Okhotsk and gather force Friday night.

Japanese meteorologists are calling on people in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido to be vigilant as a severe winter storm hits the region.

They are warning of heavy snow, possible white-outs, travel disruptions and high waves, as a rapidly developing low-pressure system is approaching.