China: Adverse winter weather forecast in east-central regions through at least Feb. 5

Adverse winter weather conditions are forecast across east-central parts of China through at least Feb. 5. Widespread rain, snowfall, and freezing rain are forecast across central and eastern parts of the country over the coming days, with heavy accumulations in places. As of late Feb. 1, the China Meteorological Administration has issued orange (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) freezing rain warnings across parts of southern Henan, central Anhui, southwestern and central eastern Hubei, central and northern Hunan, eastern Guizhou, and southeastern Chongqing provinces through Feb. 2. Ice accumulations of up to 1 cm (0.4 inches) are possible in the affected area. A yellow snowfall warning is also in place for parts of southern Henan, central and northern Anhui, and central and southwestern Hubei provinces. Further heavy snowfall is expected across parts of southern Henan, central and northern Anhui, western Jiangsu, and central and southwestern Hubei Feb. 2-3.

In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.

The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions in the affected area over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible 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. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Gusty winds may threaten to topple high-profile vehicles throughout the affected area. Flight delays and cancellations are likely due to ground stops and deicing operations at airports in the region.