China Extreme Weather: Heavy snow sweeps through central and eastern China

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Heavy snow and ice in central and eastern China has also brought some good cheer. CGTN's Xu Mengqi has more from Zhengzhou, the capital of Central China's Henan province.

A forecast for snow that delivered on its promise. Overnight, heavy snowfall coated the city of Zhengzhou in white. And despite the warnings, some people say they were still caught by surprise.

MR. XIE RAILWAY PASSENGER "I was going to fly back to Yinchuan, but the flight was cancelled. Now I have to take the high speed train to Shaanxi."

LIANG YIFEI, SPOKESPERSON ZHENGZHOU EAST RAILWAY STATION "Because of the snowfall, trains in all directions are running at slower speeds. As of 1 pm today, 19 trains were suspended at Zhengzhou east railway station, and 46 were delayed."

While dangerous road conditions are slowing down traffic, police and volunteers are spreading salt and other material to keep ice and snow from piling up.

XU MENGQI ZHENGZHOU "Despite all the inconvenience, the snow has also meant good news for many, including this province's farmers. Agricultural experts say the snow will increase water in the soil and help crops resist insect damage."

Heavy snowfall is likely to send temperatures plunging down even more, but some residents remain cheerful.

MRS. WANG ZHENGZHOU RESIDENT "I'm quite excited. This is the first big snow this year. It is winter after all. The snow makes it feel like winter."

A second round of snow is set to hit Henan this weekend, and local authorities say they are taking every precaution. Xu Mengqi, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan province.