Highways closed as snowstorms hit NE China

Two highways in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have closed due to heavy snow and sleet, local traffic authorities said on Monday.

Heavy snowstorms in Heilongjiang since Sunday have caused the closure of a highway linking Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, and Tongjiang City. The other highway to close links Hegang and Jiamusi cities, leaving many coaches and passengers stranded.

The snowstorms 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, have not been affected as of Monday morning.