Since Tuesday, a powerful blizzard has swept across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the Chinese mainland, dropping temperatures to between -10°C and -15°C and disrupting daily life.
In Urumqi, heavy snow has coated roads in ice, slowing traffic to a crawl. Sanitation workers and fleets of snow-clearing vehicles have worked around the clock to keep main streets passable. Traffic police activated a Level-1 emergency response, deploying patrols to monitor slick spots and prevent accidents.
To the west, Shihezi’s coordinated snow-clearing operation features teams of large plows working in groups of four to five on major roads, while smaller machines tackle sidewalks. In tighter alleys and pedestrian areas, crews are clearing snow by hand.
The blizzard has forced authorities to impose partial or full traffic controls on key highways, with reopening times still uncertain. Several passenger trains have been canceled since Wednesday, leaving travelers scrambling for updates.
At Urumqi’s main train stations, staff have installed anti-slip mats at entrances, exits and underground passages, and raised waiting hall temperatures slightly to keep travelers safe and comfortable.
Heating companies in Urumqi have adjusted system settings, boosted output and stepped up inspections to ensure reliable service. Engineers report that primary and secondary networks are being warmed to maintain indoor temperatures above 20°C.
According to the weather forecast, more snow is expected over the coming days, with lows near -15°C. Authorities urge residents and travelers to plan ahead, stay informed of service updates and allow extra time for journeys.
Reference(s):
Cold front hit: Blizzard hits Xinjiang in NW China, impacts transport
cgtn.com
