Heavy snow and strong winds swept across several parts of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Saturday night to Sunday, disrupting transport and prompting emergency operations across a number of cities. In the regional capital Urumqi, the snow intensified on Saturday evening as temperatures fell below zero, leaving major roads covered with snow and ice. Local authorities deployed road crews and traffic police to clear the snow overnight, and conditions gradually improved by early Sunday. East to Urumqi in Hami City, a blizzard in Tianshan Mountains reduced visibility early Sunday and caused icy roads, stranding vehicles on several key routes. Police carried out rescue operations and assisted stranded drivers as temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. In western Xinjiang's Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, a sleet weather of rain and snow on Saturday night quickly froze urban roads, prompting the local authorities to arrange clearing overnight. Traffic along regional expressways was upset, where police urged drivers to slow down as visibility fell. "We activated our severe-weather emergency plan right away, using mobile patrols, fixed-post duty performing and police-led convoys to eliminate road hazards. Where traffic was heavy, we diverted vehicles to prevent accidents and keep people safe on the road," said Julaiti, deputy leader of the Qitai County highway traffic police squadron. In Mulei County, blowing snow on several expressways had vehicles stranded, prompting traffic police to conduct rescue operations in heavy snow and work to restore traffic flow. "We've strengthened patrols in wind-prone and mountain sections and stepped up rescue efforts to ensure safe travel and keep the roads open," said Sheng Weiming, head of the Mulei County traffic police brigade. SHOTLIST: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Nov 22-23, 2025 1. Heavy snow falling; 2. Various of snowplows clearing highway overnight; 3. Various of snowplows clearing snow from city streets; 4. Various of vehicles stranded on highway in blizzard, traffic police assisting; Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Nov 22-23, 2025 5. Aerial shot of snowplows clearing city street; 6. Various of snowplows clearing city street; 7. Vehicles passing through highway toll station; 8. Traffic police spraying de-icer on road; 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Julaiti, officer, Qitai County highway traffic police (ending with shot 10): "We activated our severe-weather emergency plan right away, using mobile patrols, fixed-post duty performing and police-led convoys to eliminate road hazards. Where traffic was heavy, we diverted vehicles to prevent accidents and keep people safe on the road."; 10. Various of traffic police directing traffic; 11. Vehicle moving through blizzard; 12. Various of traffic police helping stranded vehicle; 13. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Sheng Weiming, head, Mulei County traffic police brigade (ending with shot 14): "We've strengthened patrols in wind-prone and mountain sections and stepped up rescue efforts to ensure safe travel and keep the roads open."; 14. Various of traffic police spraying de-icer on road; 15. Stranded vehicle departing. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]