A fierce blizzard has transformed northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region into a winter maze since Tuesday, with Urumqi residents waking up to knee-deep snow and bumper-to-bumper traffic 🚦. Over 300 sanitation workers and 40+ snowplows are working 24/7 to keep major roads clear, while traffic police implement emergency protocols to prevent accidents.
"We've deployed thermal imaging drones and increased patrols at 23 high-risk slopes," said Qin Jianbo from Urumqi Traffic Police, showing how authorities are battling the whiteout 🌨️. Neighboring Shihezi City has turned snow removal into a military-style operation, with plow convoys clearing highways while workers shovel narrow alleys manually ⛏️.
The storm's ripple effects:
🚫 12 highway sections closed
🚂 9 intercity trains canceled
🌡️ Temperatures plunging to -15°C
Heating companies are fighting the freeze too – Urumqi Huayuan Heating has boosted output to keep homes at cozy 20°C+ 🏠🔥. But with more snow forecast this week, officials warn travelers to check routes before venturing out 🚧.
