In the wake of a powerful cold air mass intrusion, the central Chinese city of Wuhan has experienced freezing rain and heavy snow since Saturday morning. The combination has presented challenging conditions for residents. Huang Yichang has more from Wuhan.

Icy roads, stranded vehicles and passengers – the provincial capital of Hubei has witnessed heavy to blizzard levels of snowfall. For many residents, this is the most severe snowfall they have encountered in the past two decades.

HUANG YICHANG Wuhan "As you can see behind me, the aftermath of the freezing rain is quite evident. Countless tree branches have succumbed to the weight of snow and ice."

SANITATION WORKER OF WUHAN "When it snowed the day before yesterday, trees started breaking."

Reporter: Have you not finished clearing up until now?

"We have been busy clearing them, but the volume is overwhelming, and we haven't finished yet."

Why does a seemingly ordinary snowfall result in such serious consequences? This phenomenon is known as freezing rain, where what initially falls as snow transforms into ice upon reaching the ground.

"Check out the snow buildup, it doesn't seem deep, but it's actually very solid ice."

People can be seen exercising extreme caution while walking on icy roads. The ice accumulation is widespread, and some roads have yet to be cleared.

"Cleaning the ice will make the car easier to drive."

In addition to the efforts of authorities, residents are also participating in ice removal in their areas.

Residents unfreezing their private cars is a common sight on the streets.

"After the freezing rainfall, the glass gets frozen. If it accumulates snow, it will melt when the temperature rises, but the ice won't melt."

The residents told me that it takes at least two hours to defrost a vehicle.

"Look, this car door simply won't open at all."

With ongoing efforts from emergency services and other departments, transportation in urban areas is gradually resuming.

WUHAN TAXI DRIVER "Today, salt has been spread everywhere, making the roads better. Not like yesterday, when many places were inaccessible, and we witnessed many traffic accidents."

According to the weather forecast, Hubei Province is expected to endure low temperatures, and freezing weather well into the week. Huang Yichang, CGTN, Wuhan, Hubei Province.