Heavy snow and strong winds swept across several parts of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Saturday night to Sunday, disrupting transport and prompting emergency operations across a number of cities.
In the regional capital Urumqi, the snow intensified on Saturday evening as temperatures fell below zero, leaving major roads covered with snow and ice. Local authorities deployed road crews and traffic police to clear the snow overnight, and conditions gradually improved by early Sunday.
East to Urumqi in Hami City, a blizzard in Tianshan Mountains reduced visibility early Sunday and caused icy roads, stranding vehicles on several key routes. Police carried out rescue operations and assisted stranded drivers as temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius.
In western Xinjiang's Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, a sleet weather of rain and snow on Saturday night quickly froze urban roads, prompting the local authorities to arrange clearing overnight. Traffic along regional expressways was upset, where police urged drivers to slow down as visibility fell.
"We activated our severe-weather emergency plan right away, using mobile patrols, fixed-post duty performing and police-led convoys to eliminate road hazards. Where traffic was heavy, we diverted vehicles to prevent accidents and keep people safe on the road," said Julaiti, deputy leader of the Qitai County highway traffic police squadron.
In Mulei County, blowing snow on several expressways had vehicles stranded, prompting traffic police to conduct rescue operations in heavy snow and work to restore traffic flow.
"We've strengthened patrols in wind-prone and mountain sections and stepped up rescue efforts to ensure safe travel and keep the roads open," said Sheng Weiming, head of the Mulei County traffic police brigade.
Blizzard disrupts transport across Xinjiang
