Snow hits central, eastern China
People writes "2018" in the snow in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, on January 4.
The first snow of the new year hit large parts of central and eastern China Wednesday, local meteorological stations said Thursday.
East China's Anhui Province has been hit by a blizzard since Wednesday night. In worst-hit Mingguang City, snow reached a record 30 cm as of 10am Thursday, and more than 30 counties and cities in Anhui saw heavy snow of over 10 cm.
Some primary and middle schools in Xinyang City in central China's Henan Province suspended classes Thursday and Friday. In Hubei and Hunan, several sections of expressways were temporarily closed or banned heavy-duty vehicles from entering.
The meteorological authority in Hunan said snow and rain are expected to continue until Jan. 7.
China's national observatory late Wednesday updated its alert for snow to the second-highest level, as heavy snow is expected to continue in central, northern and eastern regions Wednesday and Thursday.
In addition to Anhui, parts of Henan, Hubei, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong and Shanxi can also expect up to 30 cm of snow, the National Meteorological Center said.
The center has activated a level III emergency response for severe weather, urging local authorities to take precautions regarding roads, railways, electricity supply and telecommunications.
An aerial view of Kongtong Mountain scenic area in Pingliang City, Gansu Province, on January 4.
A woman writes in the snow in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, on January 4.
People brave the snow in the morning in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, on January 4.
People walk past a snow covered bridge in Xuchang City, Henan Province, on January 4.
Sculptures are covered with thick snow in Huaian City, Jiangsu Province, on January 4.
Police direct traffic in Fuyang City, Anhui Province, on January 3.
A bike is covered with thick snow in Baoji City, Shaanxi Province, on January 4.
People play with snow in Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, on January 3.
Buildings are topped with snow in Xuchang City, Henan Province, on January 4.
