China: Winter weather causing disruptions in several regions as of Dec. 15

Extreme winter weather events, including heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, rain, fog, and strong winds, are impacting several Chinese regions as of Dec. 15. Northern and western China remain worst affected, with authorities maintaining an orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) warning for heavy snowfall in Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, Jilin, Liaoning provinces, and cities like Beijing and Shanghai. A cold wave is forecasted through at least Dec. 17, with slight improvement in conditions possible afterward. The China Meteorological Administration stated temperatures will drop to below -40 C (-40 F) in parts of Gansu, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Qinghai, and Xinjiang during the cold wave.

Adverse weather has prompted officials in Beijing to suspend in-person classes up to the secondary level, some flights, and long-distance train services to destinations like Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan. Beijing authorities have also directed workplaces to consider implementing staggered shifts and/or telecommuting arrangements, while ordering running of trains at slower speeds to navigate hazardous conditions. Similar measures are likely across affected regions; additional steps like limiting transport services and declaring holidays are possible.

Inclement weather is likely to cause further ground and air travel disruptions. Highway accidents, closures, and traffic restrictions are underway in multiple areas like Gansu, Henan, and Ningxia provinces as well as Shigatse and Nyingchi cities; ferry services are also facing disruptions in areas including Shanghai. Authorities often close roads during blizzard conditions, and traffic and commercial trucking delays are probable along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected states as maintenance crews prioritize clearing major routes. Gusty winds will threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Additional rail transport interruptions are probable, particularly for regional intercity services; weather-related accidents - such as a Dec. 14 subway car detachment along Beijing's Changping Line that injured a few hundred people - may recur. Airports in affected regions could experience frequent short-notice disruptions, leading to cancellations, delays, and even a full ground stop.

Inclement weather can also lead to frequent blockages on arterial roads. The scarcity of alternative routes means significant transport disruptions could sometimes occur, particularly in remote areas. Avalanches can lead to protracted road blockages in mountainous areas. While authorities are experienced in minimizing the potential impact, roads in remote and mountainous regions may be disrupted more frequently and for extended periods due to their relative inaccessibility. Extreme temperatures may also increase the potential for vehicle breakdowns. Railways can experience disruptions, leading to the cancellation of services and long delays.

The cold weather can lead to utility disruptions where demand exceeds the capacity of local power supplies, and heavy snow or strong winds can damage utility infrastructure. Although normally affected areas are well equipped to deal with such problems, power outages can last for extended periods, particularly in remote locations.