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China has hiked the national alert to the second-highest level on snowstorms that are expected to hit northern regions over the next few days. Heavy snow has hit central and eastern parts of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, northern and western parts of Hebei Province, and most parts of Beijing.
The National Meteorological Center issued an alert on a cold snap in east China, which is expected to bring gales and drop temperatures by 6 to 8 degree Celsius in Inner Mongolia’s east and most eastern coastal areas over the coming two days.
Photo taken by mobile phone on Nov. 4, 2012 shows the snow in a yard in Yanqing County in
Beijing, capital of China. The capital city had witnessed snowfall and sleet since Saturday
night as cold current swept north China and dropped temperature. Yanqing has experienced
the heaviest snowfall since 1960. (Xinhua/Wu Lianzhi)
Temperatures suddenly dropped to minus 13 degrees in Baotou City of Inner Mongolia Friday morning. Heavy snow forced major highways to shut down, leaving only national highway 110 working, but with constant slowdowns due to ice.
All transportation out of the city’s two major long-distance bus stations were cancelled. The Local meteorological department predicts more snow will hit central and eastern Inner Mongolia, with temperatures predicted to drop by 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Snow also hit Beijing early Sunday. This is the first snowfall of the winter in the capital city, which brought low temperatures.
Photo taken by mobile phone on Nov. 4, 2012 shows the snow in a yard in Yanqing County in
Beijing, capital of China. The capital city had witnessed snowfall and sleet since Saturday
night as cold current swept north China and dropped temperature. Yanqing has experienced
the heaviest snowfall since 1960. (Xinhua/Wu Lianzhi)
Heavy snow caused an emergency closing of the Beijing-Tibet Highway, Beijing-Xinjiang Highway and Zhangjiakou-Chengde Highway.
Highway staff have started clearing the snow.
Deng Jiaqi, staff of toll station, Zhangjiakou-Chengde Highway, said, “Our crews will keep cleaning the snow as fast as possible. The traffic police will also help to clean the road.”
The cold snap is expected to last until Monday. Temperatures in some northern areas will drop by more than 10 degrees Celsius. Traffic departments suggest that residents keep outdoor activities to a minimum.
中国公共新闻摘编：GAN JADE |
