Rare snow hits SW China
西南部出现罕见大雪 交通受阻

The snow that has fallen on China’s Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces has slowed traffic and temporarily shut roads and highways. Local authorities are taking measures to ease congestion.

Making preparations for freezing weather, as snow continues to fall in Guizhou province, salt is being spread across major highways to stop them icing over.

"Thin ice began to form on the road surface after 1pm. We are divided into three groups, each taking care of one section of the road." said Li Xufang, Staff Member, Guizhou Highway Maintenance Co.

Workers say as temperatures continue to drop, salt spreading will become their main activity. But it will not solve all the problems. The provincial highway in Liupanshui city lies 2,400 meters above sea level, and risks thicker ice forming. For safety reasons, part of the highway is shut at night, stranding some drivers.

"There was no rain and snow yesterday. So I used the highway. But it turned out a truck had skidded on the ice. So I have to stay here."

Along the route, traffic police are busy handing out instant noodles and hot water to the stranded drivers, and reminding them the dos and don’ts for sleeping in cars.

As this high altitude highway is prone to traffic accidents at night, police need to conduct regular patrols.

In neighboring Yunan Province, residents are also tackling the heaviest snowfall this year. The extreme weather has also disrupted air traffic, forcing Kunming’s airport to close on Monday. The National Meteorological Center forecasts that snow and rain will continue to sweep the two provinces over the following week. A cold front is also expected to sweep through most parts of Southern China, bringing the coldest temperatures since winter began.