Urumqi was hit with a 19-hour snowstorm that has covered the city in a vast blanket of white. The storm started on Feb 19 and continued into the early hours of Feb 20.

Throughout the downtown area, the Midong district, and the city’s mountainous outskirts the snow has measured up to a depth of 12 centimeters and has severely hampered the daily routines of citizens.

The situation throughout the northwestern city was humorously captured by one WeChat netizen;

“How am I supposed to get my car out of the snow? I’m not sweeping snow off my car, I’m digging for my car!”

Authorities have reported that city workers and snow removal trucks have been deployed throughout the city to clear Urumqi’s main streets. Additionally, the city has sent out an increased number of traffic police to ensure the safety of local drivers.

Cars can be distinguishable throughout the city of Urumqi as bumps on the side of the road following a heavy snow fall on Feb 19. [Photo/ts.cn]

An Urumqi citizen tries to dig her car out of piles of snow. [Photo/ts.cn]

Citizens line up to get a taxi because heavy snow means driving is difficult. [Photo/ts.cn]

The heavy snow covers toys in front of a market in Urumqi. [Photo/ts.cn]

Edited by Richard Whiddington