Highways, schools closed as snowstorms hit NE China

HARBIN/CHANGCHUN, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Highways and schools have been forced to close in northeast China's Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces due to heavy snow and sleet.

Snowstorms have caused the closure of at least two highways in Heilongjiang. One links Harbin, capital of the province, and Tongjiang City, with the other highway linking Hegang and Jiamusi cities. Both closures have left many coaches and passengers stranded.

The snowstorms have prompted Heilongjiang's weather authorities to issue an "orange alert" -- the second highest of four weather warning levels, in Hegang and Jiamusi.

Snowfall of more than 10 millimeters is expected in Hegang and Jiamusi in the next six hours.

Traffic authorities of Harbin have warned that more coaches will be stranded as more snowstorms are expected.

Flights and railway services in the city, which is forecast to receive snowfall of four millimeters in the next 12 hours, had not been affected as of Monday morning.

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