Heavy snow, low temperatures disrupt travel in N China

Photo taken on Jan 19, 2014 shows the footprints in snow at Shenyang North Railway Station in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning province. Chinese people are rushing back home to spend the Spring Festival with family members. (Xinhua/Zhang Wenkui)

Passengers carrying luggages walk in the snow at the Shenyang North Railway Station in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning province, Jan 19, 2014. Chinese people are rushing back home to spend the Spring Festival with family members. (Xinhua/Zhang Wenkui)

Heavy snow has been sweeping North China, causing accidents on the roads and prompting local authorities to close down traffic.

Parts Jilin and Liaoning provinces saw their temperatures drop by as much as eight degrees Celsius over the weekend. Liaoning authorities have issued eight alerts since Saturday for strong winds, heavy snow and icy roads. Nine highways in the province have been closed, while heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the highways.

Short distance buses have also been stopped, forcing many passengers traveling home for the Spring Festival holiday to change their plans. Traffic control measures are expected to last until Tuesday.