Authorities in Japan have issued snowstorm warnings for the north of the country and certain coastal areas, Japanese media reported Friday.

Dozens of flights have already been cancelled to and from the northern island of Hokkaido, the reports said.

The meteorological authorities issued warnings for heavy snowfalls, rough seas and avalanches.

Train services were disrupted in Hokkaido and some motorways had to be closed to traffic in the far north of the island.