According to China's Central Meteorological Center, snow has weakened in eastern and southern parts of the country. On Tuesday evening, the center lifted its alert for heavy snow. But the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Hunan and Guizhou continued to experience medium to heavy snow on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Snow has forced local highways in Zhejiang Province to be temporarily closed, and caused delays on multiple railway lines.
Zhejiang Province, Feb. 18, 2014. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
Eastern Zhejiang Province blanketed under continuous snow. The heavy snow caused traffic disruptions in northern mountainous parts of the province.
"There are already trucks working to clear the roads, but too much snow has accumulated. I left home this morning, but had to turn back half-way through to install anti-skid snow chains on my tyres." Local driver in Zhejiang Province’s Anji County said.
The heavy snow also forced schools in many parts of the province to cancel classes.
"There are 304 students in our elementary school. We have sent four buses to bring the students back home. There are also over 100 boarding students in our middle school. We have arranged teachers to stay with them at night, in case of any emergency." Moganshan Central School’s headmaster Ni Yuxuan said.
Zhejiang is not only province affected by the snow. 64 out of 88 cities and counties in southern Guizhou Province were hit by snow this week.
Access to six highways in the province was restricted, after icy roads caused multiple accidents.
"I was driving and the highway was too slippery. The brake didn’t work and I suddenly lost control of my truck." Truck driver in Guizhou province said.
The local agriculture has also suffered as a result of the snow. Some farmers fear the extreme weather has destroyed half of their harvest.
