 The heavy snowfall across north and western Japan have prompted several officials to call on residents to stay alert for winter, blizzards, and Friday. The snow that has continued along the Sea of Japan caused in northern and western areas in the country since December 17 has killed eight people and injured dozens as of Friday morning, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK. As part of safety procedures, residents are asked to stay cautious and refrain from non-essential outing until Monday the 26th as heavy snow may disrupt traffic and cause power outages.