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Yantai braces itself for more heavy snowfalls
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-12-13 06:13
YANTAI: The East China city is preparing itself for further heavy snowfalls
this week following yesterday's outbreak.
A morning downfall saw accumulated snow reach 39 centimetres deep in some
places
It is the second major snowfall in East China's Shandong Province this month.
Snow in Yantai and Weihai last week accumulated to about 1 metre, breaking a
50-year record. Rainfall also exceeded 50 millimetres. According to the local
meteorological forecast, more snow is expected this week and residents are being
reminded to make full preparations.
Together with the snow, near gale force winds hit the city yesterday.
The municipal government has activated the emergency plan to ensure normal
life can continue for residents. Yesterday, primary and secondary schools in
Yantai were closed for the day and all fishing on Bohai Bay was suspended.
Snow sweepers were sent out across the area to clear major roads. Teams of
workers then cleared snowdrifts of up to 1 metre high at roadsides.
The power department also rushed to repair power grids hit by the snow and
strong winds.
Shandong Peninsula has always suffered heavy snow in previous years, said
local meteorological experts, but not normally with such frequency.
Yantai and Weihai can both suffer heavy falls of snow and rain because of its
geography and climate. Located on Shandong Peninsula, the two cities are in a
relatively warm area but when cold air fronts arrive to the peninsula from
Siberia, heavy rainfall comes with it.
(China Daily 12/13/2005 page3)
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